Seven Bungalows through your stomach

A culinary romp through one of suburban
Mumbai’s most popular food destinations

 It's bang in the middle of a busy working day, but you wouldn't know it if you drove by the Seven Bungalows (as popularly known) road of Versova. Most of the eateries, trendy cafes and upscale restaurants thronged in this area are house full. If you're wondering why, then you've obviously missed the gastronomic experience offered by suburban Mumbai's popular food destination.

This former marshland has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last few years.

And while you can't compare it to the more exotic food streets of the Far East or even closer home, Mohammad Ali Road, that cater strictly to the adventurous palette, with its constant buzz, chance to bump into TVmovie stars and peppered with a wide array of cuisines (yummy, but not always authentic!), this locale competes with the best in the city.

"The food variety is awesome. Even the roadside stalls are great," says the original 'Kkusum', Nausheen Ali Sardar. The TV actor shifted from Bandra to this area over a year ago. Among her favourites are the Fish and Kabab Corner and Sizzling China.

Of the more prolific restaurants is Legacy of China. With its typical oriental setting, fiery food (the veg Dragon Pom Poms are to die for!) and an adjoining pub, this restaurant is on the list of most celebs. "Besides our food, we also have a privilege card for our regular customers. We offer them 10 percent discount plus gifts on their birthdays," says manager Joseph Gomes.

Stomach II and now Feng Fang too have become extremely popular Chinese takeaways. "I generally call in for food and my favourites in the area are Legacy of China and Dominos," says actor Neha Dhupia, who has been living on Yari Road for nearly two years. 

Among the Indian restaurants, the one ruling the roost is Urban Tadka as the serpentine queues of foodies on any given night will corroborate. "Nowadays, when people think of starting restaurants, they rarely think of going Indian. That could be a reason Urban Tadka appeals to people - it has great Indian food, a rustic ambience and excellent service," says the manager, Augustine. Pop Tates next door is a favourite with the youngsters. 

For coffee, time-pass and lots more, there's Barista, Café Coffee Day and Rolling Beans. The South Indian joints - Appointment, Blue Park and Swadesh do great business and for chaats, besides the several street vendors, mithai shops like Makhan Bhog and Chandrus are good options. And if you're craving for a sizzling brownie with ice cream and want to have it on the go, the cute little stall, Brownie Houseis a must-visit.

All the newer additions like Mista Paaji and Kareems (yup, the one from Bandra) have already started attracting foodies and can even boast of a regular clientele. While the former dishes out Punjabi fare and also a well-stocked bar, the latter offers mouth-watering Muslim specialties.

For North-Eastern delicacies, Saino is a good bet. Lokhandwala resident Vishal Nongbet, who is originally from Shillong says, "The momos are pretty good."

Finally, like Nausheen sums it up, "It's because of the great food, shopping and night life, that Andheri has become such a hot spot today."

Rio - The Met Lounge, which opened two months ago, has added the chill factor to the nightlife.

And while the bar is not fully stocked yet, the Mediterranean setting, big screen and rockin' music from DJ Suketu's boys make it a great place to party.

"Earlier, if people here wanted to party, they had to drive all the way to Juhu or Bandra. Now they don't have to," says Rio owner Rajesh Shah.