Want to explore the food scene in Mumbai… but on a budget? Fortunately, the city has a wide range of dining experiences and street food options that can cater to different needs and limitations. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best places in the city. In fact, some of the most popular places have managed to keep their prices relatively low over the years. While you can find great affordable food in almost every corner of the city, we have put together a special list. Our recommendations include popular restaurants and eateries located near tourist spots and other points of interest. Thus, by planning to visit these budget-friendly places, you can move around after your meal and explore Mumbai in addition to eating!
Visit Mumbai on a Budget: 12 Best Restaurants in Mumbai for Cheap Meals
1. Aswad, Dadar
Aaswad is considered one of the best places to eat Maharashtrian food in Mumbai. The plushness of the interior design, aesthetic motifs and unique stylish cutlery might make you expect high prices. But Aaswad has maintained its taste, quality and cost consistently over the years. Their Sabudana Vada, Misal Pav, Thalipeeth, Kothimbir Vadi and Vada Pav have a huge fan following. Aaswad is a great choice for a quick snack with friends, a wonderful family dinner or a solo date to enjoy a delicious meal.
Where: Aswad Gifts & Sweets House, Sanskruti Building Gadkari Chowk, 4, Lady Jamshedji Road, Opp. Shivsena Bhavan, Dadar West, Mumbai.
2. Prakash Vegetarian Gift Centre, Dadar
Another famous place for Maharashtrian food is located near Shivaji Park – Prakash Vegetarian Uphaar Kendra. This simple restaurant has been serving local favourites for over 3 decades. There is no pretense here, the focus is always on flavours that have remained unmatched. Don’t forget to enjoy the Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Sabudana Vada and Poha here.
Where: 9/10, Horizon Building, Gokhale Road, Dadar West, Mumbai.
What to see nearby: Visit Dadar Market for shopping and food. Alternatively, head in the opposite direction to Shivaji Park (where cultural events are often held) or visit the viewing deck from where you can see the Arabian Sea and a portion of the Mumbai skyline.
Also read:10 Best Places To Have Breakfast In Mumbai That You Must Visit
3. Mama Ken’s, Dadar
Brave the bustling market and the rush of hurried commuters to visit Mama Ken, located right next to Dadar Railway Station (West). Locals love to frequent this simple establishment, especially before or after catching a train. It has been around for over a century, serving up batata vada, sabudana vada, varan bhaat and many other Maharashtrian delicacies. The spicy thalipeeth is also quite popular.
Where: Senapati Bapat Marg, Near Kabutar Khana, Dadar East, Dadar, Mumbai.
4. Ram Ashray, Matunga
You’ll find countless options for budget-friendly South Indian food in the city. Even smaller restaurants that don’t specialise in the cuisine include some of its main dishes on their menus. But if you’re looking for a consistent flavour and an iconic location, Ram Ashray is the place to be. Named in Taste Atlas’ 150 Greatest Restaurants in the World in 2023, this restaurant serves the most delicious idlis, Mysore dosas and pineapple sheera in the city. Eat to your heart’s content – and more – and marvel at the cheap bill later!
Where: Shop 3-6 Ground Floor, Jamnadas Mansion, Bazaar, Laxmi Narayan Lane, Matunga (CR), Matunga East, Mumbai.
5. Mani’s Cafe, Matunga
Do you want to eat like Mumbaikars during their work breaks? Visit Mani’s Cafe and you’ll probably find many of them! It has become a go-to spot for people on a budget to grab wholesome and delicious South Indian comfort food. Note that there are usually no chairs here. Enjoy their crispy medu vadas, soft idlis, tasty dosas and invigorating filter coffee while standing. Mani’s also has outlets in Nariman Point (another quick-service location) and Dadar West (part of the food court in Kohinoor Square).
Where: 279 C/40, Keshav Bhuvan, Ground Floor, Near Nappu Garden, Deodhar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai.
6. Poornima, Fort
While Matunga Central is the go-to area for South Indian food, you will also find many Udupi-style restaurants hidden in lanes in other parts of the city. One such hidden gem is Poornima in Fort. Like Mani’s Cafe, you will often find this place packed with people from nearby offices during peak hours. Their South Indian thali is a true value-for-money feast on a plate. You can also enjoy other South Indian dishes and filter coffee.
Location: Raja Bahadur Compound Building No. 5, Mudda Shetty Marg, Building No- 29-41, Shop No-4, GF, Imli Lane, Fort, Mumbai.
7. Pancham Puriwala, Fort
Pancham Puriwala, located near CSMT, started as a small food stall in the 1840s. This historic restaurant attracts foodies from all over the world with its delicious, affordable North Indian cuisine. Here you can enjoy a variety of puris, pumpkin ki sabzi, aloo ki puri, veg thali and chole bhature.
Where: 10, Perin Nariman Street, Bora Bazaar Precinct, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai.
Also read:10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Mumbai You Must Try
8. Highway Gomantak, Bandra
This simple eatery is known for its delicious Malvani and Goan food made using traditional home recipes. Shashikala and Ramesh Potnis opened this restaurant in 1991. Since then, Goan and Malvani food lovers have been flocking to Highway Gomantak for their authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Bombil Fry, Stuffed Pomfret, Mutton-Vada, Joula Kismoor and more. They also have a wide range of non-vegetarian and seafood thali options, the taste and prices of which will make you a repeat customer!
Where: 44/2179, Pranav CHSL, Service Road, Near Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority, Gandhi Nagar, Bandra East, Mumbai.
9. Chaitanya, Dadar
Another favourite spot for seafood lovers is Chaitanya in Dadar West. This simple family-owned restaurant located in Malvani has also won the hearts of foodies with its home-style cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Bangada (mackerel), rava-coated prawns, sagoti, crab curry and sole kadhi are must-try meals here. Surekha and Nitin Walke founded Chaitanya in the early 1990s and later, they expanded to open a second location in the city – Nav Chaitanya in Andheri.
Where: 33, Rao Bahadur SK Bole Road, Dadar West, Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
10. Kayani & Co., Marine Lines
Most of the historic Irani cafes in Mumbai are value for money eateries. If you are near Marine Lines or Churchgate, do check out Kayani & Co located in a colonial era building near Metro Cinema junction. They are famous for Irani and Parsi delicacies like Bun Maska with Chai, Akuri, Keema Pav, old fashioned sweets and more.
Where: Jeermahal Estate, 657, Jagannath Shankar Seth Road, Opposite Metro Inox Theatre, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai.
11. Good Luck Restaurant, Bandra
This famous cafe is located opposite Mehboob Studio in Bandra West. A long-time favourite among locals, this eatery is known for its classic Irani and North Indian comfort food. Enjoy their popular bun maska along with tea, keema pav, chicken rolls and egg preparations. Soak up the atmosphere too – the checkerboard floors and old-fashioned decor will surely transport you to another era.
Where: Mehboob Khan Chowk, 106, Hill Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai.
12. J Hersh & Co, Bandra
Most foodies in Mumbai love Bandra Bakery. There are many famous bakeries in Bandra West and J. Hersh & Co. is one of the most popular. Also called simply “Hersh Bakery”, this place often has long queues of hungry customers waiting to eat their fill of food. There is no place to sit here, but people are more than happy to eat standing or pack for home. Do try their mutton rolls, chicken puffs and mayo sandwiches.
Where: 90 A, Hill Road, Next to Holy Family Hospital, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Want to taste the street food of Mumbai? Click here to know about the popular places that serve many classic dishes.
Also read:How to Spend 24 Hours in Mumbai: What to Eat, See, and Do
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