Mumbai's sporting season is at its peak. The races, cricket tournaments, hockey and tennis fixtures, club basketball play-offs ufffd it's a playground out there. What happens when the sporting junta get hungry and need to grab a quick bite or chill after a tough match? Hassan M Kamal scoured around the city's popular sports venues to find some of its best-loved addas, where players, coaches and their ilk break bread after a hard day on the field
Balaji restaurantu00a0{St Stanislaus School, Bandra}
Around since the time of Independence, Balaji is hugely popular for its vegetarian dishes, South Indian fare, paranthas and Chinese food. The restaurant is a great place to satiate your thirst with fruit juices and hunger with its dishes, especially after a crucial hockey match on St Stanislaus’ grounds. And, if you prefer a light snack after practice, try their Masala Dosa. We also like: Cheron, a snack joint next to Balaji, is a good bet for those looking for a quick bite. It's croissants and rolls are popular among students from St Stanislaus and St Joseph’s Convent. Or dig into a Chinese meal with beef and pork chops at the two-decade old Jimme's Kitchen, or Chicken Shwarmas at Fusion Food in the lane leading to Chapel Road.
At 59, Hill Road, Bandra (W); Ramdas Nayak Rd (Hill Road), Bandra (W). From 10 am to 10.30 pm Call 26423963
Race day at the Mahalakshmi Race
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Chai, Bun Maska. PICs/ Santosh Nagwekar, Neha Parekh
Race view hotel {the race course}
Started before 1917, Race View is one of the few old restaurants opposite Mahalakshmi Race Course that has managed to retain its old charm. “In old times, one could see familiar faces across communities — Parsis and Christians, enjoying their Kheema Pav and Bun Maska. Then, racing was a past time. Now, it’s become a betting centre,” reminisces Jay D’Costa, who runs the restaurant with his brother Joseph. He adds, “After a race, all the jockeys, trainers, coaches, time keepers and team owners come here for a cup of tea, Bun Maska and Soda and Lemon Juice.” Jockey Nana Raghunath loved the Brun Maska while Pandu Khare would savour its Vegetable Crisp Samosas and tea. These and many such popular items are served here like Fish Curry, Sukkha Mutton, Bread Pudding, Paya, Shev Chuda, Papadi, Pattice — a favourite of the older generation of race lovers like KH Irani, jockey Shamu Chavan, Aslam Qadir and P Sandeep. These are retained on the menu with newly added Chinese items.u00a0We also like: New Café George Restaurant (probably older than Race View) for tea, coffee and snacks.
At 109, opposite Race Course, Gate Number 8, Keshav Rao Khadye Marg, Mahalakshmi. From 8.30 am to 7 pm Call 23533986
Cafe Andora {St Andrews College}
This charming, tiny snack haven has been a popular hangout for Andrews’ students as well as basketball hopefuls from the school, college and club levels. It is famous for its Burgers, Croissants and Roasted Chicken. Relatively mid-priced, it has a nice seating area that makes it a great place for a quick bite after a game of basketball or even a play at the college auditorium. It also serves Biryani.
We also like: More Cutting outside St Andrews College, for a cup of tea and Fish Cutlets.
At 10, St Dominic Road, opposite St Andrews College, Bandra (W).u00a0From 8 am to 9 pm Call 26433625. PICS/HASSAN M KAMAL
Satkar {Wankhede, Brabourne & MHA stadiums}
Whether it’s an international match or a Ranji Trophy fixture, Satkar, which opened in the year 1959, has remained a favourite among cricketers. “Our kitchen is quite busy when there’s a match at either of the two grounds,” says Krishna Kamat, Satkar’s owner. The restaurant is a hit among the cricket and hockey spectators, who love its South Indian fare.
We also like: Stadium Restaurant for its Kheema Pav.
At Ground Floor, Express Building, opposite Churchgate Station. From 9.30 am to 10.30 pm Call 22043259
Did you know?
Whenever Anil Kumble visits South Mumbai, he drops by for Satkar’su00a0Idli-Sambhar. Virender Sehwag is a fan of its Veg Peshawari and Paranthas.
Cafe Gulshan {Matunga Gymkhana}
Started over 70 years ago, Cafe Gulshan’s association with sports goes as back as long as Matunga Gymkhana itself. It has retained its old-world charm, and items like Bun Maska and Brun Maska, Iranian tea, Kheema Pav and Dal Fry Pav that attracted the likes of Farokh Engineer, Ravi Shastri and Dilip Vengsarkar. Farokh loved the Bun Maska and Shastri couldn’t get enough of the Irani Tea and Caramel Custard. Located near Ruia College and Podar Colleges, and the Welingakar Institute, Gulshan has also been a popular hangout for collegians and has seen many love stories turn into reality. The cafe is also a hit with Gymkhana members who would visit for tea and Bun Maska or its amazing Caramel Custard after hours of practice. The restaurant now serves Chinese Food. “For the club management, it’s almost a tradition to meet before the annual general meeting,” says Mohammed Qazim, who runs the cafe with his brother Mohammed Ali. Despite renovations 2002, the cafe hasn’t given up its Irani cafe interiors and vibe — 75-year-old round dining tables with mica top and black wooden chairs, and the fans survive from the past.
We also like: Chheda Dry Fruits and Sweets, for Samosas and sweets and DP's Fast Food for South Indian, Thai and Chinese food.
At Balkrishna Niwas, beside Podar College, LN Road, Matunga (E). From 9 am to 11pm Call 24143449
Did you know?
>Mithun Chakrabortyu00a0would spend most of hisu00a0time drinking tea and smoking cigarettes at the cafe.
>Cafe Gulshan one of Mumbai’s few places to still serve Ice Cream Soda, a favourite aerated drink among Parsis. It’s available in vanilla and raspberry flavours, and is drunk with Coke.
> Its fast food corner, Snow Point, began in 1998; it’s a hit among Gymkhana members and coaches. u00a0
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