Have you ever craved a culinary adventure that takes your taste buds on a joyride through vibrant spices and age-old recipes? Then look no further than the hidden gem of Sindhi cuisine in Mumbai! Often overshadowed by its more flamboyant cousins, Sindhi food boasts a unique depth of flavour, influenced by fascinating culinary trails from Sindh (now Pakistan) to the bustling streets of Mumbai.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with delectable curries, melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads, and sweet treats that will leave you wanting more. We’re here to unveil Mumbai’s top 5 Sindhi restaurants, so dive in and discover a secret world of culinary delights!
A Culinary Journey Through Sindh: Unveiling the Flavours
Sindhi cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich heritage of the Sindhi people. Their historical journey, marked by migrations and cultural exchanges, has resulted in a unique blend of flavours and techniques. This cuisine is known for its generous use of lentils, vegetables, and fragrant spices like ajwain (caraway seeds) and sev (fried gram flour noodles).
A true Sindhi meal often starts with a symphony of appetizers. Sample the iconic dal pakwan, a crispy deep-fried flatbread served with a flavourful lentil curry. Don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth aloo tuk, a potato patty simmered in a spicy curry, or the tangy and refreshing seyal: a dish made with spinach and fenugreek leaves.
For the main course, embark on a curry odyssey. Savour the rich and creamy Sindhi kadhi, a chickpea flour-based curry with dumplings, or dive into the fiery depths of a Sindhi mutton curry. Vegetarian delights abound too, with dishes like the sai bhaji, a vibrant mix of vegetables and lentils, or the comforting kheema aloo, a potato curry with a fragrant mince twist.
No Sindhi feast is complete without a sweet ending. Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth sohan papdi, a sweet made with gram flour and ghee, or the delectable sev barfi, a barfi made with fried gram flour noodles.
Unveiling Mumbai’s Top 5 Sindhi Culinary Gems:
Now that your taste buds are tingling with anticipation, let’s explore Mumbai’s hidden havens of Sindhi cuisine:
Sindhful (Khar West): A Modern Twist on Tradition
Sindhful is a vibrant restaurant that injects a modern twist on classic Sindhi recipes. Step into a graffiti-adorned space with a contemporary vibe, and prepare to be charmed by their friendly staff. Their menu boasts a delectable selection of dishes, from the ever-popular dal pakwan and melt-in-your-mouth koki (deep-fried lentil dumplings) to the must-try macaroni aloo (a unique Sindhi take on mac and cheese). Don’t forget to end your meal with their signature Sindhi biryani, a fragrant rice dish layered with meat or vegetables.
VIG Refreshments (Chembur): A Legacy of Authentic Flavours
VIG Refreshments is a no-frills haven for those seeking a taste of pure Sindhi authenticity. This family-run eatery has been serving up generations-old recipes for over 50 years. Don’t be fooled by the simple décor; their food is nothing short of extraordinary. Here, you’ll find classics like the fiery Sindhi mutton curry and the comforting Sindhi kadhi chawal. For a truly local experience, try their signature Seyal Chawal, a dish made with spinach and fenugreek leaves served with fluffy rice.
Kailash Parbat (Colaba ): A Culinary Institution for All
Kailash Parbat is a Mumbai institution, renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, including a fantastic selection of Sindhi delights. While primarily known for its South Indian and Indian Chinese fare, this bustling restaurant caters to all palates. This is a great place to introduce yourself to Sindhi cuisine. Start with their crowd-pleasing samosa chaat, a savoury street food classic, and then progress to the comforting Sindhi curry or the unique aloo tuk.
Guru Kripa (Social, Khar West): A Foodie Paradise for the Budget-Conscious
Guru Kripa is a vibrant eatery buzzing with college students and locals alike. They are famous for their mouthwatering Samosas, a perfect blend of crispy pastry and flavourful filling.
But their Sindhi offerings are equally enticing. Don’t miss their Dal Pakwan, a classic combination done just right. For a unique taste experience, try their Sindhi-style Paani Puri, a burst of flavours with a delightful tangy twist.
Tharu Sweets Mukhi Bhandar: A Sweet Interlude
No Sindhi food exploration is complete without indulging in their decadent sweet treats. Tharu Sweets Mukhi Bhandar, a sweet shop located in Khar, is a treasure trove of Sindhi mithai (sweets). From the melt-in-your-mouth Saan Papdi to the rich and indulgent Meethi Roti, their display counter is a visual feast. They also offer a variety of lesser-known Sindhi sweets like Singhal Roti, a flaky pastry filled with a sweet and nutty concoction, and Mohanthal, a melt-in-your-mouth fudge made with besan flour and ghee.
