Mumbai food: Quench your thirst at this value-for-money juice shop in Dadar

Mumbai food: Quench your thirst at this value-for-money juice shop in Dadar

The 60-year-old centre on the eastern end of Tilak Bridge is popular with residents. Pics /Suresh Karkera

With a shop for every need, a transit hub connecting the suburbs to SoBo, and a chaotic railway station, Dadar is a world of its own. The neighbourhood, thanks to its dense population and non-stop heavy traffic, also feels hotter than most of Mumbai. It seems only fitting then that the almost 100-year-old Tilak bridge that connects Dadar West and East ends in a juice junction of sorts on its eastern end, where three stalls provide much-needed respite from the sultry weather.

While Parag Juice Center and Ashok Juice Centre are better known, we chose to sip on the offerings at the neighbouring Gunjal Fruit & Juice Centre. We discovered the joint has loyal fans when a regular stopped by to give his Gudi Padwa wishes to Vishwas Rangnath Karale, third-generation manager of the 60-year-old shop, owned by Shivaji Tukaram Gunjal.

While Ganga Jamuna ('50) is one of the bestselling varieties, we felt the sugar could have been added more sparingly. That said, the freshly squeezed juice was all fruit and no water, and the addition of a black pepper-based masala did help cut through some of the sweetness.

As we waited for our order of an interesting sounding Chikku Chocolate milkshake ('70), we couldn't help but notice the sparkling clean counter Karale worked on, displaying hygiene that's often missing at roadside stalls.

The milkshake arrived in a rich burnt umber hue one associates with hot chocolate. It was indeed a chocolate overload, with cocoa powder overpowering the grainy texture of chikoo.

Anar Grapes ('80), a mix of pomegranate and black grapes, gave us our iron fix for the day. With just a hint of sugar and a dash of masala, this one was our favourite.

While the varieties on offer aren't different from neighbouring stalls, with a cost difference of at least '20 per juice, this outlet wins our vote for being value for money.

Time 10 am to 11.30 pm
At Dadar TT junction, next to Metro Shoes, Dadar (E).
Call 24159561