It’s that time of the year again when you seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and her many avatars and partake in the festival that spans nine nights. Marked by revelry and fasting alike, this is also the time when you indulge in light and healthy vegetarian food, often sans onion and garlic. Ingredients such as kuttu ka aata, singhare ka aata, makhanas, rock salt, and sago, among others are used to prepare a variety of fasting dishes. From makhana kheer to sabudana khichdi and delicious dry snacks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And while home-cooked meals will always be our preferred choice when it comes to fasting foods, we wouldn’t mind indulging in some feast-worthy Navratri specials at our favourite restaurants in the city.
Here are some of the best restaurants in the city that are serving delicious Navratri special foods during these nine days of revelry.
1. Khandani Rajdhani
Khandani Rajdhani’s traditional Vrat Thali has special vrat foods served on the signature oval plate. In keeping with the Navratri tradition of different colours each day, even the thali has a different combination of foods on a rotational basis during the nine days of festivities. You can savour some of the vrat dishes such as Sabudana Vada, Sabudana Khichdi, Sweet Potato Halwa, Rajgira Puri, Samo Rice, and Sweet Lassi among others.
Where: Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Vashi
2. Soam
Everyone’s go-to place for finger-licking delicious vegetarian food, Soam has a number of dishes for you to enjoy this Navratri. Indulge in snacks such as Faraali Masala Dosa, Kand Ni Pattice, Kand Na Chilla, Faraali Panki, mini-meals such as Faraali Paneer Wrap, Sabudana Khichadi and main course dishes such as Faraali Oondhiyu with Rajgira Puris, Faraali Sama Pulao and Faraali Shrikhand Puri Batata-nu-Shaak among others. And if you want to take something back home, drop in at their shop Soam at Home outside the restaurant and pick up dry snacks such as Faraal Ka Chivda and Banana Wafers for your cravings.
Where: Babulnath
3. Not A Chef
Andheri-based chef Hetal Chheda’s food delivery service has curated a special Navratri meal comprising some interesting delicacies that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. The thali has Sabudana Khichadi, Purple Yam and Sweet Potato Chaat, Barnyard Millet Khichadi, Cucumber Peanut Raita, and Makhana Phirni and can easily be shared between two people.
Where: Delivering to Andheri, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira Road, Sion, Matunga, Dadar and South Bombay. Call or WhatsApp on 7700095161 or DM on Instagram
4. Rasotsav
The Andheri-based restaurant has a special Upwas thali for its patrons this year. With dishes such as Sabudana Vada, Kesar Shrikhand, Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Papad, Sabudana Kheer, Upwas Sabji and Puri among others, this is one place you don’t want to give a miss during the nine-day festivities.
Where: Andheri West
5. Soma, Grand Hyatt Mumbai
The taste of the Northwest Frontier of India is back at Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Residences with the re-opening of their signature Indian outlet Soma on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. The Thali set menu curated by their chef includes delicacies such as Phaldari Kofta Curry, Vrat ke Chawal, Kuttu ki Puri, and more.
Where: Santa Cruz East, Dine-in and takeaway available.
6. Taftoon
The restaurant that takes inspiration from the Grand Trunk Road and is known for its flavours from different regions is celebrating the festive season with a special Navratri menu. Expect falahari appetisers such as Bhunja Shakarkandi Chaat, Pani Phal Sabu Tikki, Falahari Pakoras and more. There are also two types of Satvik thalis available with items such as Sabudana Tikki, Falhari Lauki ke Kofte, Paneer Labdari, Aloo Amar ki Sabzi, and Raw banana chips.
Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
7. Lotus Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
A few of the dishes that have made their way to the special Navratri menu at the Lotus Café at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu include Varai Pulao, Masala Makhana, Singhare Aate Ka Samosa, Kuttu Ka Dosa, and other items. Executive Sous Chef Anil Sharma has curated the dishes using ingredients such as sendha namak (rock salt), buckwheat flour, and sago and enhanced the flavours using nutritious veggies.
Where: Juhu