Where you should be feasting this Ramzan in Mumbai

All roads in Mumbai lead to Mohammed Ali Road every Ramzan. This year is no exception says Harnoor Channi Tiwary

The month of Ramzan brings with it the excitement of Iftar feasting.

Foodies from all over Mumbai brave the torrential rains, static traffic and juggle their busy schedules to get their taste of Iftar delicacies.

But the countless suggestions and the plethora of options available make choosing their destination a difficult task. In an attempt to make it simpler for you to plan your Iftar feast, here is a curated selection of the 8 things that you absolutely must try this Ramzan.

Ask anyone and they will tell you that Mohammad Ali Road is where you should be headed.

This stretch under JJ Flyover is well lit and festive during the entire month.

If an authentic experience is what you desire, it doesn’t get better than this.

If the jostling crowds or the cacophony bothers you, this isn’t the place for you.

However if you aren’t daunted by it, let me take you on a food walk that will blow your mind!

Start your food walk with the famous Nalli Nihari at Chinese-n-Grill (strange name considering the food it’s famous for).

It only opens at 8.30 pm so make sure you get there around that time.

Meat that literally falls off the bones and gravy spiced just right to be lapped up with soft and hot tandoori rotis.

You may choose between Beef or Lamb (ask for bade ka or chote ka respectively).

122/132, Barkat Manzil, near Minara Mazjid, Mohammad Ali Road

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Surti Barah Handi is a unique sight.

True to its name, 12 large clay pots greet you, each in the process of slow cooking a delicacy.

This treatment of the meat ensures that it is super-soft and almost merges with the gravy by the time it is served.

The Paya comes highly recommended and be sure to order their huge naans with it.

Dharamsey Cross Street, near Raudat Tahera Mausoleum, Opposite Crawford Market

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If you haven't tried Quail meat yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Take a seat on the plastic chairs set up by the stalls opposite Islahi Dawakhana and order yourself a Tandoori Quail.

Feel free to over-order here.

The tiny portion is not sufficient but the soft meat over-compensates for its size.

Noor Mohammadi has been serving delicious fare for close to a century and have famous patrons like Zakir Hussain.

They have only gotten better with time. If there is one dish you must order here, it is the Chicken Hakimi.

Tandoori Chicken dunked in a tasty marinade, it may leave you licking your fingers in delight.

The Nalli Nihari, Shami Kebabs and Sanju Baba Chicken (Sanjay Dutt’s favourite dish here) are good too.

179, Wazir Building, Abdul Hakim Chowk, Bhendi Bazaar

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Too much meat getting to you?

Break your meal with a portion of Phirni at Suleiman Usman Mithaiwala (near Minara Masjid).

The unique Sitaphal Halwa here is worth a try too. If a light sherbet is what you prefer, head to Imaam Sherbet instead.

The milk based watermelon sherbet is light and refreshing.

41 F/G, Mohammad Ali Road

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Haji Tikkas in Bohri Mohalla offer succulent kebabs like Khiri Kebabs and Kofta Kebabs.

Not for the unadventurous, Khiri Kebabs are made of cow udders.

If you can get beyond the squeamish feeling of eating the same, you’ll love this silken meat grilled to perfection with a smoky flavour.

Khara Tank Road, Bhendi Bazaar

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Haleem is typically eaten to break the Ramzan fast.

If you want your fill of this dish made with wheat, lentils and meat, head to Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Durbar.

The name may not inspire confidence but the Haleem (called Khichda in Mumbai) and the Biryani served here is award winning.

18, Lady Jamshedji Road, Opposite St. Michael’s Church, Mahim (West)

70, Dinath Building, 195/197 Patthe Bapurao Road, opposite Alfred Cinema, Grant Road

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No list is complete without mentioning the Seekh Kebabs at Al-Madina.

The crowds here are testament to the superiority of its food.

The seekh kebabs are juicy and melt in the mouth. They are served with mint, lime and warm pav.

Minara Mazjid Lane, Mohammad Ali Road

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