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Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated over nine days to honour the goddess Durga in her various forms. During this auspicious period, many devotees observe fasts, offering prayers and following a special diet to purify the mind and body. Fasting during Navratri involves abstaining from grains, legumes, and certain vegetables like onions and garlic. Instead, the focus is on satvik (pure) foods, which are light, easily digestible, and believed to have a calming effect on the body.
Video Credit: Bhargain Ka Chef
The food typically consumed during Navratri includes ingredients like buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), barnyard millet (samak rice), potatoes, sweet potatoes, sabudana (tapioca pearls), and various fruits. Dairy products like yogurt and paneer are also commonly used.
A traditional Navratri thali often includes dishes like Kuttu Ki Poori (buckwheat flour bread), Aloo Sabzi (potato curry), Sabudana Khichdi (a savoury tapioca pearl dish), and Samak Rice Pulao. For dessert, one might enjoy Makhana Kheer (foxnut pudding) or Singhare Ka Halwa (water chestnut flour pudding). These dishes are usually seasoned lightly with rock salt (sendha namak) as regular salt is avoided. Navratri food wholesome, nutritious and also aligns with the spiritual and cleansing nature of the festival.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mumbai, blending religious devotion with vibrant cultural events. Apart from garbas and dandiya raas being organised, there are a bunch of places where you can find Navratri special meals in Mumbai. Here are some interesting meals to check out.
Soam
Photo Credit: Soam
Soam is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Mumbai, located in the bustling neighbourhood of Babulnath, near Chowpatty. Known for its authentic, home-style Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine, Soam has earned a reputation for offering delicious, wholesome food with a contemporary twist. The restaurant specialises in regional Indian dishes that cater to the city's diverse vegetarian palate. Especially popular during festivals like Navratri, as they offer specially curated fasting menus with options like sabudana khichdi and farali patties.
Address: Sadguru Sadan, Ground Floor, Babulnath Rd, Babulnath, Chowpatty, Mumbai.
Hornby’s Pavilion, ITC Grand Central
Photo Credit: ITC Grand Central
Hornby’s Pavilion is a renowned all-day dining restaurant located at the ITC Grand Central, a luxurious hotel in the Parel area of Mumbai. For Navratri the restaurant has specially curated Satvik Thalis which will be available from 3rd to 11th October for both lunch and dinner.
Address: Hornby’s Pavilion, ITC Grand Central, 287, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
Cost: Rs 1200 +taxes per person
The Square, Novotel Juhu Mumbai Beach
Photo Credit: Novotel Juhu
The Navratri Menu at the Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, has a delightful combination of delicious food, lively entertainment, and elegant settings. One can indulge in a diverse menu that begins with a soothing Badam ka Shorba soup, and refreshing curd salad, along with crispy Sabudana papad and banana chips. The meal includes delicious vegetarian fare such as Aloo Jeera, Kache Kele ki Subzi, Paneer Malai Curry, Gujarati Kadi, Samak Chawal and Rajgira Puri. With panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, creating the perfect backdrop, the place is perfect for a celebratory meal with family and friends.
Address: Balraj Sahni Rd, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Cost Rs 1199 +taxes per person
Cafe Delhi Heights
Photo Credit: Cafe Delhi Heights
The specially crafted Navratri menu at Cafe Delhi Heights offers a delightful blend of traditional fasting delicacies, bringing authentic flavours to the table during this auspicious festival. The thali includes signature items such as Sabudana Khichdi, a delicious take on the traditional pulao; Makhanwala Paneer, prepared in a creamy gravy of tomatoes and spices and Chatpata Aloo Chaat. Other delicacies include Kuttu Ki Roti, a staple dish made with buckwheat flour and Phalahari Kheer, a sweet treat made with samak rice, milk, and dry fruits.
Available At Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla; Inorbit Mall, Malad and All Cafe Delhi Heights outlets Pan India
Cost Rs 595 +taxes per person
Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha
Peshwa Pavilion's Navratri Thali offers a delightful escape from the ordinary. Apart from the comforting Kaddu ki sabzi, crunchy Kuttu ki poori, light Samak ke Chawal and the velvety richness of dahi wali aloo, one can also treat their tastebuds to Rajgira Laddoo or Shakarkandi chaat.
Address: Ashok Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
Cost: Rs 2000 +taxes per person
Social
Photo Credits: Social
The Navratri Thali at Social is a balanced and flavourful spread featuring Aloo Jeera—spiced potatoes tossed with cumin, Paneer in a Rich Tomato Gravy, crunchy Makhana, and vrat special Samak Rice. The Thali also includes crispy Sabudana Vada and Sabudana Papad, along with Falahari Poori and Sabudana Kheer. In addition to the special thalis, the limited-time Navratri menu at SOCIAL will also feature a range of fasting-friendly dishes such Kuttu Paneer Pakoda served with Angoor and Mint Chutneys, a Navratri Khichdi, made with samak rice, Potato and Raw Banana Tikki served with banana chips and homemade Mix Fruit Ice Cream topped with Kuttu Crumble for a refreshing, fasting-friendly dessert.
Address: Social at Malad, Goregaon, Dadar, Vashi, Chembur, Thane, Ghatkopar and Wadala
Cost Thali at Rs 490 +taxes per person; Average Cost For Two For Special Menu Rs 850- Rs 1000.
