Bohri Mohalla / Bhendi Bazar Ramzan Food walk had been on my Bucket list for like years. Somehow things never worked out and I never ended up going for one. So this year when one of my Book groups- Swapbook arranged for a Ramzan food walk, I knew had to take up the opportunity.

The date for the walk was set and so was the time. We had to be there by 8 pm but getting a cab from Sandhurst Road during the peak hours was a task, somehow we managed to get a cab and reach the destination-Bohri Mohalla. We gathered around a tiny stall on the street. With all the meetings and greetings happening somehow I didn’t realize that is where our food walk would begin.

Stop 1: Charminar’s Hyderabadi Haleem

Where-Near Minara Masjid

Just as I took my seat the first bowl of Haleem was placed on the table.

I had this assumption that Haleem was a gravy that was to be consumed with roti or bread but I was in for a surprise when I was informed that this was it- A thick porridge-like gravy garnished with Barista and cashew with a sticky texture. The host then mentioned that Haleem is a porridge made of wheat or barley, some lentils, meat, and churned into thick consistency which is usually served at Suhur ( pre-dawn meal).

A spoonful of haleem is all it took to tantalize my taste buds and prepare me for what is to come ahead in the Bohri Mohalla Ramzan Walk.

We then moved ahead into a lane filled with lights, aroma, and different foods.

Stop 2: Hajji Tikka Corner

Where-76, Raudat Tahera Street, Khara Tank Road, Bohri Mohalla, Bhendi Bazaar, Byculla, Mumbai

Hajji Tikka Corner is a treat to the eyes and nose. The seekh kebabs that are constantly roasted on the charcoal will draw you to them. I couldn’t resist standing there and watching the whole process.

Hajji Tikka Corner

Must-try dishes for chicken lovers-Chicken seekh kabab, chicken tandoori, and chicken tikka. Similarly, they have multiple dishes for meat lovers like seekhs, kheeri, kaleji, gurda etc

 

Stop 3: A small stall, near Hajji Kebab Corner

As we were heading towards our next stop a tiny stall made us halt. The man was selling a variety of starters. The entire platter was a treat to the eyes. It consisted of fried wontons, mutton lollipop, chicken crispies, bullet cutlet, shashlik, Russian cutlet, Lal(Red) aloo.

Stop 4: Another street stall

Our next halt was for kheema which got over in minutes. We also got to taste another interesting called the Dudh Gosht which is made with mutton slow cooked with milk, cream, and spices.

Stop 5: Imam Sharbatwala

Where-74, Khara Tank Rd, Ajmer, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

The drinks they serve are nice but the whole making and serving procedure is fun to watch. Don’t miss that. Must try-Special sharbat

Stop 6: Shahidarbar Khichda

Where– Just beside Imam Sharbatwala

It was my first time trying out a khichda the vendor was kind enough to explain what the khichda was.

Khichda is a variation of Haleem and is an experience itself. It is made with rice/wheat, lentils, mutton chunks, and spices and served with barista and lime. Unlike haleem, khichda is preferred during the evening at Iftar.

Stop 7: Idris Cold Drinks

Where-57/73, Raudat Tahera St, Ajmer, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

A tiny shop that you can easily pass by but it is one shop that you shouldn’t miss. They serve a variety of drinks right from the regular lime, rose, tangy mango, and aqua etc. The must-try ones as per are pink guava, falsa, and rimzim.

Stop 8: Noor Sweets

Where-134/142, Saifee Jubilee Street, Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

While we crib to stand in front of the gas for a couple of hours. The men at Noor comfortably do the work for hours. They are a sight to watch as they work. The ease with which they make the egg Malpuas and mouth-melting jalebis are amazing to watch. They serve some of the best jalebis.

With full tummies, we walked to our next destination

Stop 9: Jilani Fast Food Corner

Where– 96, Shop no 6, Sana Manzil, Pakmodia St, Khera Tank, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009

Honestly, by this halt, I had no place in my tummy at all. But the food ordered at this joint was dishes that fellow members claimed were good.

Must try dishes- gosht pao, baida roti, and bheja masala.

Stop 10: Shabir’s Tawakkal Sweets

Where: Husainya Marg, Ajmer, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

It’s heaven for a sweet tooth. Since I am not a sweets person I was feasting on the spread visually.

The must-try items are Phirni, Malpua, Mawa khajja, Sutarpheni , Walnut Malai, Dry fruit malai, and Rabdi.

Stop 11: Taj Ice cream

Where-Shop No. 7, 36 Khara Tank Road, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

As per an article published in the Times of India, Valiji- a Bohra entrepreneur, set up Taj Ice Cream around the year 1887 (which makes it over a 130-year-old shop). His first concoction was a creamy-flavored hand-churned dahi. It was much later when ice creams were commercially available that he ventured into ice cream making. Even today the ice cream available at this shop is hand-churned. They have super amazing flavors right from tender coconut, chocolate, and choco almond to seasonal fruit ice creams. Must try ice cream flavors-mango, guava, chikoo, muskmelon, litchi.