This monsoon, enjoy authentic versions of the comforting thukpa available at little-known grub holes in the city
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Spice it up 
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Tucked nondescriptly in a bylane behind Our Lady of Egypt Church in Kalina, is one of Mumbai’s best haunts for North Eastern fare — from spicy chicken gravies to pork and escargot, the tiny space has much to offer. Here, the chicken thukpa (Rs 180) has a tangy and hot broth, featuring tender meat and lots of coriander and chillies.
At: Thotrin Cafe, Kalina, Santacruz East.
Time: 12 pm to 11 pm
Call: 9619067860
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For a city that experiences a fleeting winter, monsoon is the best time to enjoy piping hot foods. At this eatery, the chicken thukpa (R170) has a clear broth brimming with veggies, like carrots, broccoli, lettuce and corn. It’s refreshing and the perfect remedy to a monsoon-induced flu.
At: Dumpling Khang (Bandra and Santacruz East).
Time: 11.30 am to 4 am
Call: 9004889289 (Santacruz East)
Soothe soup 
At this Khar eatery, the chicken thukpa (Rs 170) is light and soothing and gets a pleasant earthiness from lettuce, broccoli and mushroom. There’s just a bit of fresh tomato that add a subtle piquancy, which balances the discernible use of vinegar — something Chindian joints could do well to emulate.
At: Kepchaki Momos, Khar Dan Pada, Khar West.
Time: 11.30 am to 3.30 pm; 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm
Call: 9594749234
Something fishy 
The mixed thukpa (Rs 200) at this hole-in-the-wall in Andheri comprises a nice, piquant broth. The prawns add fun to the texture, as well as a subtle aroma mimicking fish sauce. It’s the right degree of spicy and the noodles are supple. The negligible use of lettuce lends a crunch to the delicacy without overpowering its naturally brawny profile.
At: The Darjeeling, B-41, Unit 2, Boolani Estate Owner’s Premises, Veera Desai Area.
Time: 1 pm to 12 am
Call: 8879381274
What the pork 
Pork is the best meat for thukpa. At New Sernyaa, a relatively well-known greasy spoon on Oshiwara Link Road, the pork thukpa (Rs 190) features a meaty broth, where the meat lends a palpable brininess. However, the noodles here are overcooked and on the whole, the dish lacks the kind of punch that we expected from an expert eatery.
At: New Sernyaa (Andheri West and Malad West).
Time: 11.30 am to 12 am
Call:65741005 (Andheri West)
EXCEPTIONAL, 
EXCELLENT, VERY GOOD, GOOD, 
AVERAGE
These eateries didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
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