Powai is without a doubt, one of the best planned areas in the city, flanked by Powai lake and Vihar Lake. Although it’s a hub for fine dine restaurants at Galleria and Chandivali among others, cheap eating in Powai can be as fun {and satiating} as sitting in with a napkin on your lap and a finger bowl after. Here are some legendary places one can visit to gorge on simple yet delicious food.
A Powai Resident's Guide To Eating Cheap But Well In The Suburb
What Is It?
Mahendru Bhai Chinese
Bang opposite the IIT main gate {which is a vibrant market place in the evening} is where you can spot a few food vendors. There you’ll find Mahendru bhai, who serves Indian Chinese in the best possible way.
His trademark style of topping dishes with crispy fried chicken hasn’t changed for the last 25 years at least. The menu consists of everything that a basic Indian Chinese serving outlet has. My personal favorite is the chicken triple rice topped with some crispy chicken with some Manchurian gravy on the side. You should also try the half lollipop or half baida soup while looking at the food being cooked inches away. A filling meal for two wouldn’t cost more than INR 150.
Janta Bakery
One of the heritage eateries of Powai, you’ll find this bakery serving the best possible meals. There is no place to sit, because majority of the place is taken over by the Junta guys. This place is a hit amongst the Hiranandani school kids and tuition-goers apart from the regular corporate crowd.
The food is prepared in minutes and the variety ranges from chicken and veg frankies to shawarmas, as well as huge samosas and regular chaat. This place is also known for its variety in sandwiches, and I bet you can’t finish off the non-veg club sandwich alone. Another quick snack can be the chicken nuggets and fried sausages. Together a good meal for two shouldn’t cross more than INR 250.
Maddu Mess
Finding this place can take the slightest effort, but it’s worth it for the most budget-friendly breakfast in Powai. Maddu mess operates only during the matinee hours of 5am to 8am. This place is famous amongst the IIT Bombay students who prefer having an anda dosa with filter coffee or some smoking hot dal vadas and mendu vadas after a night of studying or partying.
This place is situated at the beginning of Padmawati road, inside a lane which starts right beside Nityanand Biryani. In fact by that time once you reach the lane, you are bound to find big groups of students hoarding around this galli. It’s a perfect stop if you are passing Powai from Andheri or Bandra side towards Ghatkopar, Mulund or Thane for a pocket-friendly meal, which won’t cross INR 200 for two people.
Shaolin
Another bastion amongst the cheap eats, this one resides on the first floor of Galleria. This is a small joint but, the food they serve is really good and of great quality. They customise the dishes according to your needs and cook everything fresh once the order is placed. Their stewed rice is tasty and schezwan rice revered.
You can easily do a quick lunch with colleagues or order in under INR 800 for two people.
