The best vegetarian fare in Mumbai



Take your pick from a range of delicious vegetarian treats as our food critic chooses the best restaurants from across the city
Tuskers, Sofitel Mumbai BKC Here is the perfect place to get a taste of homestyle Maharaj's traditional vegetarian Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine in a stylish setting. Named after the regal, vegetarian elephant, the French Sofitel's award-winning Tuskers serves shudh vegetarian fare in a plush, contemporary global ambience with sprawling bar and wine walls, Queen Anne high back leather chairs, patterned thick carpets, et al.

You have to try the rarely available and sublimely made Sanger ke Kofte with their perfect balance of texture and explosion of Ker Sanger's flavours. Even the Papad Bhuji with its crushed and spiced papad and Paneer-stuffed Gujhia pass muster. Kela Angur Tikki and Dal Baati Churma are worth trying too. All made in an independent, pure vegetarian kitchen. Kathiyawadi Undiyo, Rajwadi Dhokli, Panchkuta Subzi, Ajwaini Arbi, Bharwan Simla Mirch and Malpua are some of their must-try signature dishes.

Where: Sofitel Mumbai BKC, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E).

Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm (Lunch) and 7 pm to 11:30 pm (Dinner).

Call: +91 (22) 6117 5115.

Firki, Lower Parel Kathiawadi Cheese Toast, anyone? Vegetarian fun dining comes of age, with this pure vegetarian restaurant. Playfulness and colours weave their way through the décor and menu.Pinwheels, graffiti, wooden doll collections (including the firki on the walls) are a good signal of the meal that is to follow. A chaats-and-snacksoriented menu, make sure you look out for their daily specials. On the menu, you will find Cheese Chilli Sevpuri, Paneer Lifafa, Crispy Manchurian Bhel,Aloo Chaat, Masaledaar Paneer, and Dabeli Bruschetta. Sitting along many a Gujarati dish (also a dish or two from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, South India and Sindh) are also plenty of innovative dishes.Amongst these, it's the two kinds of absurd-sounding pizzas which actually taste good -the Handavo Pizza (with its Gujarati handavo base) and the Pao Bhaji Pizza (with Pao Bhaji topping). Tiny gems of Baked Vada stuffed with Batata delight. As are the Fada ni Khichdi and the Bajra Chilla. End with Pepsi Ice Candy and the Oreo Nutella Cheesecake.Where: Firki, 1112, Block 27, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.Call: 022-33126955.Cost for 2: `1,200.

Twenty Nine, Kemps Corner Hang on to your spoons and fasten your seatbelts as the engineer-turned-entrepreneur Nishek Jain's passion-fuelled restaurant takes you on a dizzying tour of Indian vegetarian food from 29 princely states of India.Vegetarians have never had so much choice. Or such attention to detail (onions for Pyaz Ki Kachori are brought in from Rajasthan and Tamil Sappad, Mahaprasada from the temple in Jaggannath Puri.) If it's Liti Chokha from Bihar, Kangsoi from Arunanchal Pradesh, the Haryanvi Soya Chaap or Nachni Satv from the northern Konkan region, it's all at offer under one roof.

Start with the four states in E the starter platter. Unusual and t yum Mizoram (pulse vegetable lal hara chaat with a tangy sweet dressing), okayish Dilli Tokri o Chaat and Potato Chops with Sanmeholi Chutney from Assam. End with delightful desserts be it the unique Mawa to Kesar Malai Ke Laddoo.

The menu changes every year on April 24 and November 24, and all recipes of the previous menu are available for patrons to take away free of cost. All this in a simple long white room with splashes of colour, with brightly coloured chairs.Where: Twenty Nine, Kemps Corner.Timings: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and 7 pm to 11:30 pm.Call: 69992929, 65052999.Cost for two: `900 (approx) Reserve a table through http:www.Dineout.co.in

Swati Snacks, Tardeo and Nariman Point Swati Snacks is a Times Food Guide award-winning, no-frills, homestyle, vegetarian eatery where must-haves include the garlicky Panki served with green chutney and fried green chillis. Bhel, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Panki, Satpadi Gatta, Fada Khichdi, sugarcane juice, coconut punch and homemade fresh ice creams (golden-fried jalebis and papdi are served for Sunday breakfast) are available too. Where: Swati Snacks, 48, Karai Estate, Javji Dadaji Marg, Opposite Bhatia Hospital,Tardeo.Also at Dalamal Tower, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point.Timings: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.Cost for two: `800 (approx).Call: 65808405 06 07.

Panayaa, Lower Parel Panayaa lives up to it's Sanskrit name, which means to showcase something ostentatiously. Pure vegetarian Khaman Oxide, anyone? How about some sous-vide chaats and nitrogen-infused contemporary appetisers?
Making vegetarian fare stylish, the restaurant is all about the veg edge; it aims to reinvent desi gourmet with some crazy, whacky, out-of-the-box culinary experiments! From molecular gastronomy to the best of Indian regional dishes, Panayaa has it all. It redefines modern Indian cuisine in a 6,000 sq ft space with a palatial Indian décor. The menu features over 20 signature dishes that include cocktails appetisers, mains and desserts. The owners, Kiran and Kekin Dedhia (of Riso, Ithaka, and Firki fame), take molecular gastronomy to another level. Dig into the delicious Carrot Basil Kebab and Multani Paneer. From spherificated, deconstructed Dahi Vadas to Papdi Chaat Napolitano with Pomegranate Caviar.Arancini Khichdi with Lentil Tikki, Spear Cage Chaat, and Imarati Tori are recommended. Must ask for the Imarati Tori, Churan ke Nadru and for dessert Mohanthal Cheesecake and Chocolate Landscape.Where: Panayaa, Block No.25, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.Call: 022-33126125.Cost for two: `1,700.

The American Joint Caution: Don't get misled by the name. This American Joint ain't got no steaks or burgers et al. It is, in fact, pure vegetarian and focuses on Jain food, as well as organic, preservative-free food. It is founded by four young entrepreneurs from Mumbai and USA, who believe in minimising the use of chemicals or additives and refraining from the use of microwaves. Go up the escalator of the fancy BKC office building into this seriously small glassed off, wooden floored space with green sofas. Proudly and unapologetically Indianised, it offers American plates inspired with characteristic Indian flavours. Place your order directly at the table on an electronic tablet and get ready for an Indo-western fusion.Jains have hit the jackpot here as even the fries are made of raw banana (instead of potato) and what a choice! Say Cheese & Chilli (raw banana) and Potato Fries, Bhajji Time and Tikktastic are all delicious. Chilli Cheese Burger (raw banana patty) and The American Mac n cheese are given a tikka twist, Falafalised Burger, a Greek salad, Nachos piled over with cheddar and more. Yum Sunday morning pancakes with maple syrup and Nutella.Generous portions and pocketfriendly prices.Where: The American Joint, 1st Floor, The Capital, Bandra Kurla Complex.Timings: 10:30 am to 12 pm.Call: 022 40233345 6.Price for two: `750.