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Indian vegetarianChowpatty
Cream Centre opened at Chowpatty Seaface in 1958 as a vegetarian sweets-and-snacks counter. The channa bhatura is the canonical dish; the hot fudge sundae.
OrderChanna bhatura with a hot fudge sundae to close.
TipFamily-friendly with a high-chair stock; weekday lunches are quietest.
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Halal MughlaiColaba
Bademiya's Mughlai kebab program has run halal certified since 1946. Seekh kebab, baida roti, chicken tikka roll. Editor's TableJourney pick.
OrderMutton seekh in a baida roti and a chicken tikka roll for the road.
TipHalal certification posted at the counter; cash and card both accepted.
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Halal street foodMohammed Ali Road
Mohammed Ali Road's stalls are mostly halal-certified Muslim kitchens. Biryani, seekh, baida roti and sheermal anchor the menu through the night.
OrderSeekh kebabs at Surti's, baida roti at Noor Mohammadi, sheermal from the corner bakery.
TipCash easiest; Ramadan evenings run until suhoor (04:00). Cash and card both accepted.
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Vegan and gluten-freeBandra West
Candy and Green in Bandra is a dedicated vegan and gluten-free cafe. The menu marks every gluten-free option, including buddha bowls and gluten-free brownies.
OrderGluten-free buddha bowl and a brownie.
TipThe bakery counter has gluten-free options labelled. Cash and card both accepted.
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South Indian rice-based vegetarianMatunga
A Rama Nayak's South Indian thali in Matunga is rice-based and naturally gluten-free; idli, dosa and rice plates with sambar refills, since 1942.
OrderIdli, dosa and a vegetable thali; skip the puri.
TipAsk for the wheat-free thali; idli and dosa are rice-based. Cash and card both accepted.
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Gujarati vegetarianChowpatty
Soam's Gujarati menu is mostly vegan-adaptable: saat dana khichdi, undhiyo, bhinda nu shaak. Most dishes work without ghee on request; the staff.
OrderSaat dana khichdi (request no ghee) and a glass of chaas.
TipAsk for ghee-free preparation; most curries adapt without dairy.