Shree Thaker bhojanalaya Daffaram Lal Marg, Moti Wala Chawl, Grant Road, Mumbai

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, the iconic Mumbai restaurant known for its authentic Gujarati thali, is located in Fanaswadi, Kalbadevi. “Although from Rajasthan, my father decided to open an eatery which served mainly Gujarati food with a few Rajasthani dishes, as this area was frequented by Gujarati traders back then,” says Gautam. Although from Rajasthan, my father decided to open an eatery which served mainly Gujarati food with a few Rajasthani dishes, as this area was frequented by Gujarati traders.

A Peep Inside Shree Thaker Bhojanalay: Mumbai’s 80-Year-Old Thali Legacy Loved by Celebrities and Chefs Alike

At the time, he reportedly had only around two to five rupees in his pocket. In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Gautam Purohit shared the inspiring story of how his father built the iconic eatery from scratch. Heritage, hard work, and a dream carried in an almost empty pocket—that is how the remarkable journey of one of Mumbai’s most beloved dining spots began.

• As we reached the table, we found the typical huge thali steel plate with small steel bowls placed in it.
• I imbibed how to run the restaurant from my father, who was here until last year, at the age of 96, even on the day when he passed away.
• Once inside, you’ll forget everything that you saw outside the restaurant.
• The eatery has received many awards.

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• The revised rates are 1000 per person on weekends and 700 on week days.
• Today, his son Gautam Purohit, 51, is the heart and soul of the kitchen.
• Historic Gujarati thali eatery with an all-you-can-eat concept.
• Over the years, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has welcomed a wide range of visitors, from food enthusiasts to famous personalities.
• Frequented by Marwari and Gujarati traders craving home-cooked food in the 1940s, this eatery today welcomes a wide range of patrons, from tourists and local families to A-list celebrities and internationally acclaimed chefs.

He had, and still has, generations of experienced cooks who prepare the finest vegetarian Gujarati food. I've been dining here since the days when we had to wait on the landing, eye-to-eye with a tailor diligently working on his sewing machine, eagerly awaiting our token. Saran, a powerhouse of talent, a chef extraordinaire, author, and Culinary Director of True Palate Hospitality, oversees 19 restaurants across 8 cities in 2 countries. This family-run eatery, established in 1945, has consistently delivered exceptional food. ” Sure, it sounds absurd to express such deep affection for a no-frills thali restaurant, but it's true. The bajra rotli is best with the garlic chutney, and the kadhi, and it's also served with some jaggery.

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay

He adds, “I have maintained the quality of the food. Barring a few changes, Gautam has not altered much, as loyal customers of this place love it the way it is. “Food wise, I have made it lighter, with less oil and healthier, as that is how people prefer it nowadays. Slowly, but surely, Maganbhai expanded the place from the one room initially on the ground floor, to the large area it is today. “With the word club having different connotations, many thought it was a place for cards and drinking, and thus, Maganbhai changed the name to Shree Thaker Bhojanalay,” reveals his son, Gautam Purohit, who now runs the show. From breaking coal to cleaning and helping in the kitchen, the hard-working young boy learnt cooking and mastered Gujarati dishes too. A small congested one-way street, a Shree Thaker Bhojanalay narrow staircase with an unassuming entrance and long queues later, one enters this haven for vegetarian Gujarati food.

The meals are served in a free-flowing style and include a variety of dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Over the years, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has welcomed a wide range of visitors, from food enthusiasts to famous personalities. The restaurant was named Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, inspired by the family’s surname, “Thakur.” Over time, he saved enough money to open a small food establishment of his own. Determined to master the craft, he learned the art of preparing traditional dishes from experienced maharajs. More than just a restaurant, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay represents a significant piece of Mumbai's culinary heritage.

Menu and popular items

Bowl after bowl and phulka after phluka, I relished each and every morsel of phulka with kadhi. On the day I had dhokla (my favourite), samosa and pakodi for starters. From papad and chutneys to starters and mains, the huge thali is filled in the blink of an eye. Once at the table, just signal one of the servers and get ready to witness the food parade.

The Bhojanalay finds mention in The Penguin food guide to India. Rachel Goenka mentions the Bhojanalay as one that is a defining part of Mumbai's diverse food culture. Ashwin Sanghi calls the Bhojanalay thali, Mumbai's best Gujarati thali. Elle writes that the Bhojanalay is a must visit eatery for vegetarians in Mumbai, one of the world's 8 most vegetarian cities. Christine Manfield finds the Bhojanalay "city's hidden gem" serving what is considered one of Mumbai's best vegetarian thali. The Bhojanalay is where Alice Waters is reported to have eaten a jowar bhakri for the first time.