Prakash: The Sunshine of Authentic Maharashtrian food

This particular topic of discussion is very close to the author's heart as almost all the 26 or so years of it have gone in hogging at this gourmet heaven. Located in the heart of Shivaji Park-Dadar area, it is the holy place for many a Maharashtrian when it comes to quality food. Although they have a branch in Girgaum too. Infact that was the first and the Dadar one came later. This place is one to look out for if one has not been here as it dishes out one of the best savories when it comes to authentic Maharashtrian food.

Although this place has seen an epic change. From the era of lots of attitude given by staff and the dingy interiors with slightly fixed benches to somewhat open to change staff and slightly colorful and light interiors with more sturdy and clean benches. The glasses (half of which used to break while handling) have been replaced by steel counterparts. There is an overhaul in the cutlery too. However the light pink uniforms of the waiters remain the same together with the Gandhi cap. Once upon a time the service and the takeouts were a serious problem not that it has improved a lot but still the people rush in. That speaks for the quality of food Prakash has to offer. Over the past several decades people have benn thronging at this place be it sportsmen or politicians and even filmstars. The list is endless.

The fare is strictly vegetarian and can be categorized more as of a breakfast place or a place for snacks in the evening. Although it also dishes out mini meals which help satisfy the cravings for certain Maharashtrian delicacies. They do serve the likes of Potato bhaji with Puri and Dalimbi (Field beans preparation) with Puri. Then there is also Pulav and Masala Bhat (Spicy Masala rice) among others.

But the highlight of this place has to be the snacks or the breakfast items served day in day out. The Sheeras, the Upmas and the Pohas are all very traditionally made and the usual self. The speacialities start with Sabudana Wada (Sago Fritters) which are spicy fritters made from Sago, Peanuts and Potato - an ideal preparation for people who are fasting or even otherwise. Truly the cult dish of this gourmet heaven it also has a slight variety with Sabudana Puri which is slightly flattened variety sans the peanuts. Both are extremely tasty and depict the richness of Maharashtrian cuisine till the very last bite.

Then there is Batata Wada (Potato fritters) which is a super spicy fritter made from potato mixture fried in chickpea batter. The normal chutney is peanut based and stands out as an experience in itself. The Thalipeeth (Multi flour pancakes) are made with a mixture of flours and herbs with onions and served with a different chutney made from chillies and curds. Then there is Misal which is a concoction of various foodstuffs put together to create this unique spicy sprouts preparation which has a spicy curry base of sprouts along with potatoes, onions and other spices and condiments.


There are many more dishes and just describing them in words wont do justice to their existence. In terms of drinks one particular drink stands out is the Piyush which is a yogurt based drink which possesses all things nice like sweet pedhas and even shrikhand with oodles of Kesar. They have a small wing were various sweets are on display and all are worth a try. The one I would really suggest is the Narali Paak which is a coconut based barfi with dry fruits and kesar.

All in all its a rich experience and any true Mumbaikar should not miss on it. The place where it currently hold fort might go for renovation and it is scheduled to open just across the road. So all those foodies wont miss the taste one bit. The best bit of it is that those long benches cater to one and all so the next time you enter in and have your food you dont know who the person next to you is. Meet new people seems to be the motive here !!

P.S: The author was so busy in all the eating that never in the 26 years he found the chance to take photographs. Special thanks to Google.

How to get here: A 10 min walk from Dadar station to the West towards Shivaji Park.

Address: Off Gokhale road, Dadar Mumbai 400028