Which popular Mumbai neighbourhoods (like Andheri, Dadar, Fort) offer the best cheap thali options?

Dadar emerges as the top Mumbai neighborhood for cheap thali options among Andheri, Dadar, and Fort, with spots like Aaswad and Rajeshahi Gomantak offering authentic Maharashtrian and Konkani thalis under ₹200-300. These eateries provide unlimited veg or fish varieties in bustling, no-frills settings ideal for locals and budget diners, edging out Andheri’s pricier suburban picks and Fort’s tourist-heavy upscale vibe.​​

Dadar: Thali Heartland

Dadar’s mix of Maharashtrian eateries and seafood shacks delivers the best value thalis, drawing crowds for fresh, homestyle flavors without inflated prices. Aaswad near Shivaji Park serves classic veg thalis (₹150-250) with bhakri, usal, and sabudana khichdi, earning top Tripadvisor nods for purity and portion size. Prakash Shakahari Upahaar Kendra offers pure veg unlimited thalis under ₹200, featuring seasonal veggies, dal, and rice in a simple canteen setup perfect for quick lunches. Rajeshahi Gomantak on R K Vaidya Road shines with fish thalis at ₹180 (pomfret or surmai) and mutton unlimited at ₹300, using coastal spices for smoky gravies alongside bhakri—timings from 11am-4pm and 7pm-midnight (closed Mondays). Purepur Kolhapur and Gomantak add Malvani twists with surmai fry and prawns for ₹200-250, making Dadar unbeatable for non-veg affordability amid its central trainside bustle.

Andheri: Suburban Seafood Deals

Andheri’s east-west divide yields solid budget thalis, though slightly higher than Dadar due to office crowds and delivery demand. Malvani Thali in Andheri East (Mahakali Caves Road) offers fish thalis at ₹300 with bombil fry (₹275) and mandeli (₹175), open 8:30am-11:30pm for rice plates loaded with coastal curries. Shabari Hotel and Shree Balaji Bhojnalaya in Andheri West provide pure veg Gujarati thalis under ₹250, including dhokla, undhiyu, and shrikhand in clean, family-friendly spaces. Shubh Sagar Pure Veg rounds out options with South Indian-style thalis (₹150-200) featuring sambar, rasam, and poriyal, ideal near metro stations for transit diners seeking variety without excess cost.

Fort: Heritage but Pricey Picks

Fort’s colonial charm hosts fewer cheap thalis, leaning toward Irani cafes and tourist traps with markups. Swati Snacks near Churchgate offers Gujarati thalis around ₹300 (mini versions cheaper), blending farsan, kadhi, and thepla in a vibrant setting, but portions suit snacks more than full meals. Anand Bhavan provides basic North Indian thalis under ₹250 with paneer, dal, and naan, tucked in office lanes for working crowds—reliable but less expansive than Dadar’s unlimited deals. Sporadic street vendors near CST sell rice plates with fish curry for ₹100-150, yet hygiene varies; upscale spots like Govinda’s temple thali (₹100 veg) offer sattvic value amid the area’s hustle.

Thali Types and Budget Tips

Maharashtrian thalis dominate Dadar (varan bhat, pithla bhakri under ₹150), while Andheri mixes Gujarati (methi thepla, sev tameta) and Malvani seafood; Fort favors lighter veg or fusion. Expect ₹100-200 for veg, ₹200-350 for non-veg across spots—unlimited refills stretch value, with most open lunch-dinner. Prioritize weekdays to avoid queues; pair with lassi or sol kadhi for complete meals under ₹400 total. These neighborhoods cater to Mumbai’s thali obsession, where spice, freshness, and generosity define “cheap” as flavorful abundance.​

Why Dadar Leads for Value

Dadar tops with sheer density—over 20 thali spots via Justdial—blending legacy (Aaswad’s 30+ years) and affordability against Andheri’s suburban spread or Fort’s premium positioning. Visitor reviews praise its authenticity for daily wagers and families, sustaining Mumbai’s thali culture amid rising costs elsewhere.