Great places in Mumbai to feast at this Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan brings to mind jostling crowds and great food. Simki Dutta lists out some of the best places in Mumbai you can visit for lip-smacking delicacies.

The holy month of Ramadan is here and for all those who fast for the entire day; the sunset brings along a night long of feasting! Weight loss can take a backseat for a few days as it's time to binge on the chicken shawarmas, kebabs, malpuas, jalebis and a lot other dishes Ramadan brings with it! If you're wondering where the crowd is after six in the evening, you must know that they're busy savouring the tasty food at the roadside stalls and restaurants and you must be there too!

We get you some popular eating joints in Mumbai where you can be sure to have a mouthwatering Ramadan meal.  It doesn't matter whether you're a Muslim or not, you must visit these places as this is the best time of the year to do so!

Talk about Ramadan delicacies and the first place that strikes you is the Minara Masjid area at Mohammed Ali Road. Those who've been there know how this place just transforms into an eating hub in the evening during this time of the year. People from all over come here to get a taste of true Ramadan food! The long stretch of food stalls has plenty to offer and as you're walking by, you find yourself trying something new in every stall.

"This place is heaven for vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters. Al-Madina Fast Food and the Shawarma Stand are two of my favourite places here! Remember to try out authentic Ramadan sweets at Suleiman Mithaiwala especially their Sitafal Halwa and Phirni." says Farida Suterwala who swears by the food at Mohammed Ali Road! Looks like after having a proper dinner here, you're well off without a meal the next day!

Bohri Mohalla in Bhendi Bazar is another place you must visit during Ramadan and don't even think of returning back without tasting the yummy kebabs there. Haji Tikka is one of the most famous stalls in Bohri Mohalla which offers the city's best kebabs. After you're done gorging on the Baida rotis and Kheeri kalejis, rush to Taj Ice cream for dessert and that's a scrumptious dinner for you! "Bohri Mohalla is easily one of my favourite eating destinations during Ramadan. The freshly fried food, wide variety of dishes and the reasonable rates -- this place has everything going for it!" says Munira Sayyid, a regular visitor.

Nagdevi street is a little less chaotic compared to Minara Masjid and Bohri Mohalla. So, if you're up for a more peaceful dinner, you could come here. This place is synonymous with Bara Handi which consists of 12 pots containing various food items! Also try out the Payas and Pichota Haleems which Nagdevi Street is known for. Badri Sweet Meat Mart nearby boasts of serving the best Malpuas in the city so don't leave that out!

If you're not used to standing and eating in the gullies, then you can try out restaurants like Noor Mohammedi Hotel, Chinese 'n' Grill and Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar. These restaurants specialize in Ramadan delicacies and are in full demand during this time of the year. Make sure you reach early as you're very likely to be kept waiting if you don't. "Some must haves in these places are Nalli Nihari at Noor Mohammedi Hotel, the Shammi kebabs and Cream tikkas at Chinese 'n' Grill and the Biryani at Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar!" says Hussain Rampurawala, who often hangs out with his friends in  these places till wee hours of the morning! Even though these restaurants offer great food, the true essence of savouring Ramadan delicacies no doubt comes while eating off those roadside food stalls amongst the hustle-bustle!