Mohalla munch: Iftar food walk guide for Mohammad Ali Road in Mumbai
Whether you’re a foodie or not, it’s that time of the year when Mumbai’s streets are decked with mouthwatering Ramadan delicacies. Giving fierce competition to Javed Nahari from Zakir Nagar, Delhi, Qureshi kebabs in Old Delhi, Mubeen’s pasanda in Lucknow, and dum biryani in Hyderabad is Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road that stands packed with mouthwatering iftar treats come Ramadan.
Midday.com arrived at this foodie paradise only to get hit with a whiff of aromatic sherbets and sizzling malpuas laced with a dash of spicy fragrance arising from chicken cutlets and samosas. Each year, like clockwork, Mohammad Ali Road comes alive during the period of Ramadan with a variety of irresistible feasts that will leave you spoilt for choice.
Bonded by the universal language of love: food, people from diverse corners of the country converge at this hub of culinary delights during the special month of Ramadan. While most of the items are non-vegetarian, vegetarians can gorge upon potato fritters, dahi vada and sweet treats like rabdi jalebi, malpua and sandal.
Disclaimer: If you are a vegetarian/claustrophobic/OCD fanatic – this place might be challenging for you. Nevertheless, the experience is worth it.
Bustling with food and people
Ramadan 2024 is here, opening doors to one of the biggest iftar markets in Mumbai. You can arrive here via multiple modes of transport including bus, train, cab or your personal vehicle. Mumbaikars attuned to travelling via local train can get down at Masjid Railway Station and take a 700m stroll towards the iconic khau galli.
The walk is fairly short yet challenging as you will be tempted to eat a galore of munchies that decorate both sides of the road. We recommend you arrive here by 6:00 pm to fully capture the essence of food preparations, the devout gearing up for Maghrib, and mosques getting mopped for iftar.
Amidst the chaotic horns, screaming vendors and powwow two-wheelers giving you a near-death experience, the serene sounds of Maghrib emerge from the Minara Masjid calling the faithful ones to break their fast with dates and water.
While the azaan continues, just a stone’s throw away from the masjid is Beg Mohammad Park where an iftar is being organised for approximately 1000 female workers who come from far-off areas like Kandivli, Vasai, Thane for work in Byculla. Organised by Iqbal Memon, President of All India Memon Jamat Federation, he tells Midday: “This iftar is for everyone irrespective of religion, creed or cast, fasting or no fasting – every woman is welcome for refreshments.”
Food walk at Mohammad Ali Road’s khau galli
The mecca of Ramadan iftar feast at Mohammad Ali Road is brimming with a myriad of must-try items. Yes, the streets are crowded and, it’s a task to manoeuvre through the narrow lane, yet all the hustle seems worth it once you get to devour the iftar delicacies. Here is a curated food-walk guide to make the most of your evening at Mohammad Ali Road:
Begin with Mohabbat ka sharbat
Enter the gali next to Minara Masjid to be greeted by Zam Zam Sweets & Bakery on your left, which serves fruity milkshakes. One of their signature drinks is Mohabbat ka Sharbat which is available only during Ramadan at Mohammad Ali Road.
Your visit to this corner of Mumbai remains incomplete if you haven`t savoured this sweet, refreshing drink that instantly energises you. Made with Rooh Afza, sugar, milk, watermelon and ice, the drink is priced at Rs 20 and along with other drinks like apple and mango milkshakes. This drink is a major crowd favourite as the shop sells approximately 2000 glasses per day.
Munch crispy fritters
As you tread deeper into the lane, nuanced street food items come into focus. On your left, you will spot Janata restaurant: heaven for non-veg lovers who will be puzzled by a plethora of munchies to choose from. Treat yourself to a platter of chicken sticks, chicken cutlets, chutney kebab, crispy chicken, chicken roll, chicken kandi, chicken lollipop, baida roti and more at Janata restaurant. These items are priced at a range of Rs 40 – Rs 80 and make for an unmissable Ramadan delight
Approximately 100 metres into the gali, you will come across a quaint shop called `Bismillah Corner` on your right which serves some of the juiciest kebabs, khiri gosht, kaleji and tandoori chicken. Indulge in succulent mutton seekh kebabs, charred over flames and served piping hot with onions and zesty green chutney priced at Rs 120.
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Gorge upon juicy shawarmas
As the snacks begin to settle in, we are reminded that these were just starters and there is a massive line-up of food waiting to be savoured. Move over to `Masha Allah cuisine` where the highlight dish is the chicken shawarma. Cooked slowly, this shawarma is another crowd favourite and has a long waiting time. Along with the shawarma, the outlet serves mutton items like chaap, seekh and rolls. The shawarma is priced at Rs 100.
Apart from shawarma, the place offers fried chicken, chicken momos, nuggets, mutton roll, Baida roti, chicken tikka seekh, naan and so much more that awaits to be experienced at the food corner. The place specialises in Mughali, Chinese and North Indian flavours.
Slip into the comfort of Haleem
Haleem, a rich and hearty dish, with a creamy texture and harmonious blend of tender meat, grains and spices is a traditional Hyderabadi delicacy that promises to leave a lingering warmth of comfort and satisfaction on the palate. Savour this rich and aromatic dish, a traditional Ramadan delicacy, simmered to perfection at the ‘Hyderabadi Badami Haleem’ shop on your left. A bowl of 250 ml is priced at Rs 130 and is enough to satiate one person.
Vegetarian alternatives
Although Mohammad Ali Road is big on non-vegetarian food items, those who consume veg can also find a select few delectable dishes. A collection of lip-smacking options including dahi vada, potato swirls and chana dal are available for vegetarians. The highlight amongst these items is the fried potato swirls which can be spotted from afar and serve as quick bites of tangy-spicy delicacy.
Wash down the spices with desserts
Round off your spice adventure with the sumptuous shahi tukda at the celebrated sweet shop of Mohammad Ali Road: Suleiman Usman Mithaiwala. One bite into it will fill you up with the oozing goodness of bread dipped in chashni (caramelised sugar). Maximise the experience of having Shahi Tukda with a dash of mawa and dried fruits priced at Rs 50.
Next up, you can enjoy the creamy delight of firni at the same shop. A classic Indian rice pudding infused with fragrant cardamom and garnished with nuts, it is an irresistible delight that adds a touch of royalty to your food walk (Rs 50 per cup).
In pursuit of delectable malpuas, we arrived at another icon shop at Mohammad Ali Road, known as Modern Sweets. Their rabdi malpuas are a heavenly delight that can potentially give stiff competition to pancakes. Made with eggs that are tossed in palm tree oil, these malpuas are light on the stomach and are priced at Rs 100.
Last but not least, have you ever indulged in Mawa Jalebi which comes packed with the richness of Khoya? If not, you are in for a sweet ride that only goes up. Mawa Jalebis at Modern Sweets are thick and huge, with one jalebi almost the size of your palm. On the exterior, the jalebis are neither too hot nor too cold but when you bite into them, the oozing goodness of hot mawa fills your mouth wholesomely. Just about two of the big brown jalebis are enough to satiate your sweet cravings and they are priced at Rs 320 per kg.
