As India gets ready to celebrate its second National Breakfast day, an initiative by McDonald's, we take a look at the best breakfasts and where to find them in Mumbai
Breakfast has evolved with time and so has the way people eat. For that matter, even the food that people traditionally considered breakfast has now changed. With the increase in demand for new flavors and food presentations, the need to change our menu constantly or rather beautify it, has become mandatory. Breakfast has always had a few beliefs attached to it. The word semantically means 'breaking the fast'. The human body is deprived of food when it sleeps, thus facilitating an easy and quick digestion process. When a person wakes up in the morning, it is necessary to consume a wholesome, rich meal at least 3 hours into the day.
Jeff Lindsay, in his work Dearly Devoted Dexter writes “I know family comes first, but shouldn't that mean after breakfast?”
That is how important breakfast is. There have been researches to state the significance this meal has in our lives. Not consuming breakfast has known to lead to a range of problems including concentration, metabolism, weight, and cardiac health. Ever since our childhood we have been hearing this adage- Eat Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince and Dinner like a Pauper and this is the perfect key to good health.
Here's a list of Mumbai's favourite breakfast options:
1) Akuri: The traditional Parsi breakfast is a wholesome scrambled egg dish. Replete with tomatoes, onions, coriander and fresh green chillies, the Akuri has held many hearts. The dish can be tried out at major Iranian restaurants like Britannia's at Ballard Estate, Kyani cafe, Jimmy boy, B. Merwan etc. While here also be sure to try the traditional Brune Maska and Masala Chai. It is a pleasure to the tongue. Parsis also swear by another traditional breakfast of theirs the Kheema pav. A splendid mix of minced meat and spices, the kheema tastes best with the Bun (Paav).
2) Kanda- Batata Poha: The traditional Maharashtrian breakfast is tasty and extremely easy to make. Made of flattened rice, few traditional Indian spices, potatoes and onions, the Poha is by far the most famous Maharashtrian breakfast item, other than the Puran Poli. It can be sourced out at some predominant Maharashtrian food joints like Aaswad in Dadar.
3) South Indian treats: Matunga, a mini South India in itself is replete with all things South Indian- the temples, the Saree shops, the air doused with a whiff of coffee and the local eateries. South Indian breakfast items like dosas and idlis can be sourced out at any Udipi restaurant. The fermented dishes are light and filling. Some of the major eateries at Matunga are Cafe Madras, Ram Ashray, Ayappa's, Anand Bhavan, Idli house etc. The prices are affordable and the tastes are to die for.
4) Dal Pakwan: This Sindhi traditional breakfast comprising of a traditional curry of split peas and spices served along with a Maida flatbread is a favorite with many Indians. It is rich and crunchy all the way to the last bite. Dal pakwan can be sourced out at Guru Kripa at Sion, a popular Mumbai eatery. Chembur and Ulhasnagar also house popular Sindhi food serving restaurants.
6) Chole Samosa- Although the mothers will guffaw at this suggestion, it yet stands a famous and most loved dish for many in Mumbai. Guru Kripa in Sion has been serving this dish for over a few decades now. This popular eatery has made Sion famous. This dish is served all through the day and is pretty famous with Mumbaikars.
7) Sabudana Khichdi and Sabudana wada : These dishes are typical of people observing fasts. However due to their popularity, a lot of eateries have started serving them as breakfast dishes. Aaswad and Prakash in Dadar are an excellent choice to try. Aram at Fort is also an option.
8) Vada paav- The Indian take on a burger has many ardent followers. They love and strive on this humble dish. There are thousands of people in the city, who have at least once in their lives filled their stomach with this low cost, yet appealing item. It is a fried cutlet eaten with bread. It is best eaten with the famous cutting chai. It is found all over the place, however Gajanan and Durga vada paav at Thane, Graduate vada paav at Byculla, Shivaji vada paav at Vile Parle, Aram at Fort are really famous joints. Read our vada pav special here: World Vada Pav Day
9) Misal paav- The traditional dish made of lentils, spices and served with bread is originally from Pune. It migrated to other regions of the state and ever since it's touched Mumbai, it's been a crowd puller. It is spicy and surprisingly a famous way to start the day, especially a Sunday. Mamledaar Misal in Thane is famous for its spicy treats. They make double spicy misals on special request.
10) Upma- The traditional south Indian breakfast has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years. With major Udipi restaurants serving this wholesome, light dish; its outreach has extended. Best places to try out this fare are Ramashray at Matunga, Dakshinayan at Walkeshwar, Cafe Madras in Matunga etc.
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