If you love the smoky aroma of grilled food on charcoal, then Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai is a destination you can’t miss! I call this bustling street the “mini Chandni Chowk” due to its similarities in vibe and cuisine.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Mohammed Ali Road truly comes to life as a gastronomic hub. Food stalls and vendors line the streets, offering an incredible variety of Mughlai dishes that will leave you drooling.
Whether you’re in the mood for juicy kebabs, fragrant biryanis, or sweet treats like malpua and phirni, this place has something for everyone. The flavors and aromas are irresistible, and the festive atmosphere only adds to the experience.
In this guide, you’ll find a delectable assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes worth sampling. What makes this place truly special is the legacy that backs these businesses. Most eateries are family-owned for generations and are known for their unwavering commitment to quality and flavor.
How to reach?
Getting to Mohammed Ali Road is easy, especially if you take public transportation. This lively street, named after one of India’s most renowned freedom fighters, is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station. Whether you prefer to take a cab or an auto-rickshaw, you can easily reach Mohammed Ali Road from the station in just a few minutes.
If you’re hoping to avoid the hustle and bustle of the festive crowds, consider visiting Mohammed Ali Road during the daytime or after the festivities. Regardless of when you visit, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try. Here are some of our personal favorites that we highly recommend:
5 Drool-worthy Eatery Recommendations
Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets
Bohri Mohalla, Bhendi Bazaar | ₹300-₹500 | Vegetarian-friendly
Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets is one of the oldest shops in the area, known for its dessert specialties like Firni and Malpua. I’ve tried them myself and can’t recommend them enough. Moreover, they also offer other desserts and Mughlai staples like kebabs and Biryani that you can try. However, this place isn’t cheap, thanks to its overflowing fan following, especially from Bollywood. Plus, expect a high waiting time during peak hours.
Ragda Chaat Stall
Next to Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets | ₹50-₹100
One of my favorite Mumbai street foods is Ragda Chaat, a must-try dish at Mohammed Ali Road. We stumbled upon this stall on our way to Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets and couldn’t resist trying it. Although Ragda Chaat is a commonly available street food in Mumbai, what sets this dish apart is the hearty and meaty topping, which takes the flavor profile to new heights. If you’re a fan of spicy, tangy, and crunchy flavors all in one bite, you have to try this dish.
Fakhri Sweets
Bohri Mohalla, Kumbharwada | ₹100-₹200 | Vegetarian-friendly
If you have a sweet tooth or a craving for some Farsan, Fakri Sweets is a must-visit destination. Their menu boasts an impressive selection of desserts and other baked goods ranging from barfis and malpua to savory pies and pastries. We tried the Chicken Thai Pie, orange burfi, and Butter French Rolls and loved the melt-in-the-mouth texture and taste. I highly recommend visiting this bakery, the sheer variety may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, but it’s a good problem to have!
Taj Ice Cream
Bohri Mohalla | ₹50-₹100 | Vegetarian-friendly
Taj Ice Cream is a beloved Mumbai institution, serving us hand-churned ice cream for over a century. The story of Taj Ice Cream dates back to the arrival of Valilji Jalaji from Kutch, who began selling a mixture of fruits and milk in an earthen pot in Bombay. Today, it is renowned for its unique fruit-based ice creams made using fruit pulp like sitaphal, chikoo, and anjeer. Moreover, in addition to classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, they also offer unique varieties like masala, ginger, and paan, which are a must-have.
Shalimar Restaurant
Bohri Mohalla | ₹300-₹500 | Vegetarian-friendly
Shalimar Restaurant is a popular eatery on Mohammed Ali Road, offering delicious Mughlai cuisine for over 50 years. The restaurant has a no-frills atmosphere, but the food steals the show. The restaurant is famous for its juicy kebabs, delectable biryanis, rich curries, and paan. With so many delicious options on the menu at Shalimar Restaurant, it was hard to choose just a few. Ultimately, we opted for the popular Salli Boti dish, which we enjoyed with fluffy naan, pickled onions, and chutney. Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering some kebabs and ended our meal with a piece of chocolate paan.
A few other restaurants that you can try are Mashallah for kebabs, Chinese & Grill for Nalli Nihari, and Noor Mohammadi for White Biryani. However, check the timings on Google before heading to any of these restaurants, as some might open only in the evening.
