Dhabas And Where To Find The Best Ones In Mumbai

No-frills, with open-air seating, scrumptious Indian food, dirt-cheap prices and warm service, the dhaba occupies a unique space in the Indian culinary world. Almost always serving buttery Punjabi food, these modest eateries dot the sides of highways across the country. Luckily for Mumbaikars, the city has many outstanding dhabas so you don’t really have to come up with an excuse to make a road trip to Pune to dig into some aloo paranthas and butter chicken. Here is our guide to the best dhabas in Mumbai.

1. Pratap Da Dhaba

Restaurant, Indian

Located in Oshiwara, Pratap Da Dhaba is more of a dhaba-themed restaurant than an actual dhaba. Don’t let that stop you visiting, as the dhaba vibe, décor and tastes are on point at this very popular place. While a little pricier than an average dhaba, their complementary welcome drink and other treats will make up for it.

2. Guru Da Dhaba

This modest dhaba in Andheri Lokhandwala prides itself on serving healthy comfort food. The all vegetarian dhaba is most known for its varieties of wholesome paranthas. Try the stuffed paranthas or the classic aloo paranthas, or opt for the staple sarson ka saag paired with a buttery whole wheat roti. Costing barely Rs 150 (US$2.30) per meal, the delicious food at Guru da Dhaba is also extremely well priced.

Swami Samarth Nagar, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai, +91 022 2632 0440

3. Pritam Da Dhaba

Located near the Dadar local train station, Pritam da Dhaba is quite large and is warmly decorated, with pleasing outdoor seating. The buttery rotis here will erase any apprehension you may have for carbs, and repeat customers swear by the paneer and chicken tikkas. For desert, you can’t go wrong with the gulab jamuns.

1, Swami Ganjivandas Marg, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar, Mumbai

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ02V93h2MX/

5. Dara’s Dhaba

To experience highway-style dhaba food, head to this renowned yet modest eatery in Mira Road. The chicken tikka biryani and tandoori are exceptionally popular and worth trying. Dara’s Dhaba also ventures a little beyond standard dhaba food, offering a range of soups, sandwiches and seafood. If you are looking for Punjabi/North Indian food that blows your mind, you are in for a treat here.

National Highway 8, Ghodbunder Road, Kashimira, Post Mira, Thane, +91 022 3965 3032

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTi-UrsDwet/

6. Mitran Da Dhaba

This quintessential Punjabi dhaba in Bhandup will delight vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike with its wide variety. The paranthas are exceptionally fluffy and buttery, and come stuffed with items like keema and paneer. Go for the typical butter chicken or paneer tikka masala for the most satisfying comfort dhaba food experience.

Near Shangrilla Bus Stop, Lal Bahadur Shastri Road, Bhandup Industrial Area, Bhandup West, +91 098211 90002

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQFiRrQgSSa/

7. Sardar Paaya House

This small dhaba in Sion is nothing short of paradise for meat lovers. They serve a variety of hearty Punjabi non-vegetarian dishes, from their famous Paya Soup to one of Mumbai’s favorite snacks, Keema Pav. Service is quick and the décor couldn’t be simpler. The space is quite tiny so prepare to wait a bit if you’re visiting during peak lunch hours.

Sardar Nagar, Soin Kollwada, JK Bhasin Marg, G.T.B.Nagar, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Sion, +91 088282 81657

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.