With warm regards from India's kitchens

Winter, we hope, is around the corner. What better way to welcome it than by indulging in some seriously hot comfort food; a desi khana khazana, at its very best

Winter, we hope, is around the corner. What better way to welcome it than by indulging in some seriously hot comfort food; a desi khana khazana, at its very best.


Shabnam Merchant with her specialty Muthiya

MUTHIYA: Traditional khoja stew with millet balls
Bandra resident Shabnam Merchant loves experimenting with new dishes and unusual flavours, and is known in the neighbourhood for dishing out innovative finger foods. But when it comes to preparing the traditional Khoja speciality, Muthiya, she follows her great-grandmother's recipe to the T. The one-dish meal is made with green leafy vegetables, pulses, mixed veggies and mutton, and served with a squeeze of lime. Millet balls are added to enhance the flavour. Muthiya is typically eaten in the winter to supply warmth to the body.
Call 9819078365
Price Rs 800 per kg for non-veg Muthiya and Rs 600 kg for veg Muthiya

Momos: Transluscent parcels of veggies and chicken
Momo man Milan Thapa's vegetable and chicken momos are every steamed dumpling lover's dream come true. Priced at under Rs 50 for four veg and four non-veg momos, the delicately wrapped, piping hot parcels are gourmet street food at a bargain. Parel resident Milan's dream is to find a place for this Indo-Chinese dish in Mumbai's khao gallis, instead of just on the menu of every Oriental eatery. And he hopes to achieve part of that dream with his Momo stall located in the heart of Dadar.
At Outisde St Paul's Church, Dr Ambedkar Road, near Hindmata Cinema, Dadar (E).
Callu00a0 9769595823
Price (for four) Rs 30 for veg and Rs 40 for non-veg momos



Matarwale Chawal: Cashew and pea pulao cooked in jaggery
North Indians love their rice with Chole, Rajma or Kadhi. However, to keep winter chills at bay, rice is cooked with jaggery and peas and garnished with cashewnuts and tomatoes. The popular dish that is prepared in households across Punjab, can be sampled in Andheri.
At Firangi Dhaba, 9, Remi Bizcourt, opposite Supreme Plastic, behind Fun Republic, Andheri (W).
Call 26743535
Price Rs 106 per plate
Pic/ Anuja Gupta

Surti Undhiyu: Mixed vegetable casserole from Surat
As mercury levels drop in the city, the cooks at the popular Golden Star Thali ready to dish out the Gujju speciality Undhiyu. Ingredients are especially sourced from Surat. Undhiyu derives its names from 'undhu' meaning 'upside down', and refers to the method of cooking. The dish is cooked under a fire, using generous amounts of oil. Unlimited quantities of Undhiyu are served every Friday and Sunday with the thali. Half-kilo and one kg takeaway packs are also available.
At Golden Star Thali, opposite Charni Road Station.
Call 23631983
Price Rs 300 for 1 kg