Aaswad

Aaswad in Dadar West is the beloved Maharashtrian institution locals send you to for misal pav, thalipeeth, sabudana wada, and puran poli. Its misal even won a UK Foodie Hub award. Open roughly 10 AM to 10:30 PM daily, cheap and always busy. This is authentic home-style Marathi food done right.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How spicy is the misal?

The misal has a proper Maharashtrian kick, with a spicy sprouted-bean curry (usal) and tarri gravy. You can moderate it with the accompanying pav, farsan, onion, and curd. If you're spice-sensitive, ask them to go easy, but the heat is part of the appeal.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes, Aaswad is pure vegetarian, serving Maharashtrian, South Indian, and street-food items. It's a great pick for vegetarians who want authentic regional cooking rather than generic North Indian restaurant fare. There's no meat or alcohol here.

What are the hours?

Aaswad is open daily from around 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM. It runs through lunch and dinner without long breaks. Peak meal times get very busy, so if you dislike waiting, aim for the shoulder hours mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

How much does it cost?

It's very affordable; a meal for two runs around ₹300. You can eat extremely well for very little, which is part of why it's so popular. It's a no-frills, value-driven eatery, not a fancy sit-down restaurant.

Do they take reservations or cards?

It's a walk-in, casual eatery, so no reservations; you queue and grab a table. Most such places now accept UPI alongside cash. DRAFT — verify current card/UPI acceptance. Bill sizes are small enough that carrying some cash is smart.

What is Aaswad famous for?

Its misal pav, above all, which won a UK Foodie Hub award and draws crowds daily. Beyond that, the thalipeeth, sabudana wada, kothimbir wadi, and puran poli are all excellent. It's classic vegetarian Maharashtrian home cooking, done consistently well since 1986.

Where is it and how do I get there?

It's in Dadar West, opposite Shiv Sena Bhavan at Gadkari Chowk on Lady Jamshedji Road. Dadar station, a major hub on both Western and Central lines, is about a kilometre away. It's easy to reach and pairs well with a Shivaji Park walk.

Does it get crowded?

Yes, especially at breakfast and lunch, and seating is limited. Expect a wait or a shared table at peak times. The turnover is quick, though. Going a little before the standard meal rush makes for a much calmer visit.

Nearby in Ask Mumbai

• DadarNeighborhood0.72 km · 9 min walk
• BastianRestaurant0.76 km · 10 min walk
• Siddhivinayak TempleAttraction1.14 km · 14 min walk
• Shivaji ParkPark1.39 km · 17 min walk
• Haffkine Institute MuseumMuseum1.78 km · 22 min walk