Between breads: An ultimate sandwich guide to try in Mumbai during monsoon

Representation Pic

>> For the vegan

With sweet potato chips and a greens and sprout salad, the braised chilli tofu panini (R319) is a meal by itself. The tomato salsa and capsicum overpowered the tofu a tad too much for our liking, but the chips were some of the best we have had in the city.
At: Thank Gourd, Lokhandwala, Andheri West.
Call: 9136173796

>> The light eater

We're unsure if the general public will find this innovative or an abomination, but we quite like the combination that we were served in an idli sandwich (R120). The bread of this sandwich was replaced with idlis and filled with red coconut chutney and tomatoes. It works somehow, and is perfect for a light snack, especially if you want to ditch wheat or maida. Try it before you diss it.
At: A Rama Nayak and Sons Udipi, LBS Market Building, near Central Railway Station, Matunga East.
Call: 24142422

>> For the sweet-toothed

This one is a must-have for chocolate lovers. The sea salt caramel toasties (R500) is an ice cream sandwiched in a taco-shaped waffle, coated with layers of chocolate and topped with caramel crumbles. It is a mix of sweet, salt and all things delightful!
Log on to: meemees.in

>> For the meat maniac

Mumbai eateries have quite a few meat-feast options but our go-to will always be the buff brisket sandwich (R560), and we don't mind splurging for this one. The brisket, which has been smoked for 12 hours, comes thinly sliced with inhouse BBQ sauce, pickles, coleslaw and honey mustard. We suggest getting extra pickles as a side.
At: Border Bean Barbecue, Nityanand Road, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West.
Call: 9082382866

>> For the big biter

The chicken doner in fluffy pita bread (R449) gets our thumbs up for its value for money; the sandwich is the size of our head and will feed one very hungry teenager or make a filling meal for two. The chicken filling that spills out of this street-food special from Berlin, is perfectly seasoned and drizzled with mildly spicy and garlic sauces.
At: The Berliner Bar, Versova.
Call: 9319463776

>> For the health freak

The whole wheat beetroot and quinoa burger (R350) packs a filling bite with a colourful beet patty, layered with veggies and a side of fries. The sauce that comes with it is a jalapeño spread that is mildly spicy.
At: Garde Manger Cafe, Santacruz West and Vile Parle East.
Call: 7045004488

>> For old-school vibes

This vintage mutton sandwich (Rs 350) is exactly what the name suggests and will take you back to yesteryear's family picnics and birthday parties. Packed in baking paper and string, we get two sandwiches - cut diagonally, of course - and served with salted potato chips. It's light despite being red meat and is generously slathered with butter.
At: Parsi Da Dhaba, ground floor, Shankar Rao Naram Path, Lower Parel.
Call: 9820908238

>> For the desi dude

Blame the weather if you crave spicy, Maharashtrian thecha in everything this season. This is why we recommend this thecha chilli cheese sandwich
(Rs 99). We would've loved it better if it was toasted or grilled. But apart from that, we have no complaints about the dish that came with Kolhapuri red chilli chutney pressed between three layers of bread and cheese, and served with mint mayo dip.
At: Instawich, multiple outlets
Log on to: @instawichindia

>> For the Goa junkie

Bite into this cafreal poie (Rs 290 onwards), and you'll be reminded of Goa. It's well-balanced between generously spiced chicken with a robustness that is lost in most sandwiches and fresh and crunchy veggies. You will get three stuffed poies in one order. The price will vary since it is an off-menu made-to-order dish, and we highly recommend it.
At: Sivako, Mahim.
Log on to: airmenus.in/sivako; @si_va_ko

>> For the veggie fan

No, you will not be transported to Dubai after eating this habibi burger (R255), but rest assured that one bite into this oddly-named sandwich will give you a good time nonetheless. The crispy falafel patty is topped with lettuce and onions; which is finally sandwiched between baked buns slathered with thick layers of baby pink-hued creamy beet hummus.
At: Good Flippin' Burgers, multiple outlets.
Call: 9136679112 (Chembur)

>> For the fish lover

If you love fish but not its strong flavour or aroma, try this boneless fish poie (R420) without thinking twice. The filling is a well-seasoned rawas that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The poie, however, was a tad dry and broke easily, which can get messy.
At: Frys With Fries by Fresh Catch, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
Call: 9833721876

>> For the fusion-crazy

This vegetarian pulled jackfruit rendang (R300), comes in a batch of three, wrapped in flour tortillas. The filling, we thought, was a lot of flavours mashed up in one - cabbage, pulled jackfruit, mayonnaise, wontons and fried onions. Yet, the tortillas somewhat balance it out. Dive right in this for a fruity and lemony surprise.
At: Jade and Ginger, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
Call: 8591174660

(with inputs from The Guide Team)