The 8 Best Places To Get Authentic Pongal In Mumbai

Tamil Nadu is revving up to celebrate Pongal in the coming days. Pongal is a Tamilian harvest festival that honours the Sun God, Surya, for providing farmers with ideal agricultural conditions. Pongal is synonymous with a rice dish of the same name – freshly harvested rice is cooked in a special way to celebrate the Sun God. If you’re a Tamilian in Mumbai or simply want to get a taste of this delicious Tamilian tradition, here’s where you can go.

Banana Leaf

This South Indian, pure vegetarian eatery serves an authentic sweet pongal rice dish.

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Hotel Ramashray

Matunga is a Tamilian hub in Mumbai, and Hotel Ramashray is one of the best places to get authentic South Indian fare. Their pongal dish is served with a side of tasty avial.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Hotel Ramashray” description=”Best known for its South Indian breakfasts. ” street=”Bhandarkar Road, Matunga East” city=”Mumbai ” state=”Maharashtra” country=”IN” phone=”022 24102623″ ]

Cafe Madras

Best known for its celebrity fan following and  superb idlis and dosas, this iconic eatery also dishes out a well-balanced pongal with avial.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Cafe Madras” description=”The iconic Madras Cafe is famous for its tasty South Indian fare. ” street=”38 B, Circle House, King’s Circle, Matunga East” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” postalcode=”0″ country=”IN” phone=”022 24014419″ ]

Mani’s Lunch Home

Also in Matunga, this humble eatery is also well known for its authentic fare. The pongal is outstanding!

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Mani’s Lunch Home” description=”Pocket friendly South Indian fare. ” street=”153 C, Mahskar Building, Near Ruia College, Matunga East” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” postalcode=”0″ country=”IN” phone=”022 24127188″ ]

Hotel Gopal

For those on a shoe-string budget, the pongal at Hotel Gopal is just Rs.60, but remains absolutely delicious!

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Hotel Gopal” description=”Cheap, vegetarian South Indian fare. ” street=”Talvo Mahal, Near Railway Station, Parekh Road, Vijaykar Wadi, Malad West” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” postalcode=”0″ country=”IN” phone=”022 28825331″ ]

Dakshinayan

A causal eatery the serves a sweet, lentil based sakrai pongal or a savoury dal pongal; feel free to try both.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Dakshinayan” description=”Pure veg, South Indian casual dining. ” street=”otel Anand, Gandhigram Road, Near Hare Krishna Temple, Juhu” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” postalcode=”0″ country=”IN” phone=”022 30151437″ ]

Poornima

A small, pure vegetarian South Indian joint that typically serves avial pongal on Monday.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Poornima” description=”South Indian fare. ” street=”29, Tamarind Lane, Fort” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” postalcode=”0″ country=”IN” phone=”022 66311396″ ]

Dakshin Coastal at the ITC Maratha

If you’re in the mood for luxury dining, head over to Andheri’s ITC Maratha to dine at their South Indian restaurant, Dakshin Coastal.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” name=”Dakshin Coastal” description=”South Indian Fine Dining Restaurant ” street=”ITC Maratha, Sahar Road, Andheri East” pobox=”0″ city=”Mumbai” state=”Maharashtra” country=”IN” phone=”022 28317716″ ]