11 Sindhi Delicacies You Can’t Miss in Mumbai

Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures. You will find food from every part of India here. Among the many communities that have made Mumbai their home, the Sindhis stand out with their rich and unique food.

Originally from the Sindh region (now in Pakistan), Sindhis moved to India during the Partition in 1947. They brought their culture and flavors with them. Over time, Sindhi food found its place in Mumbai’s food scene. Whether it’s a family kitchen or a small eatery in Ulhasnagar, Sindhi dishes have a fan base of their own.

Here are 11 Sindhi delicacies you must try in Mumbai.

1. Sindhi Kadhi

Sindhi Kadhi is not your usual curry. It’s tangy, spicy, and made without curd. The base is made from gram flour (besan) and water. It is slow-cooked with vegetables like okra, potatoes, drumsticks, and tomatoes.

Tamarind adds a sour punch to the curry. A simple tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves gives it an earthy flavor. It is usually served with hot rice and fried potatoes or bhindi on the side.

Many Sindhi homes in Mumbai make this on Sundays. You can also find it in community-run canteens and home kitchens offering Sindhi thalis.

2. Dal Pakwan

Dal Pakwan is a breakfast dish that feels like a feast. The dal is made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) and is mildly spiced. It’s topped with chopped onions, tamarind chutney, and sometimes green chutney too.

The pakwan is a deep-fried, crispy flatbread made from maida (refined flour). It is crunchy and golden.

The best part? You eat it like a snack—break the pakwan, scoop the dal, and enjoy. Many sweet shops in areas like Chembur and Ulhasnagar serve fresh Dal Pakwan in the mornings.

3. Sai Bhaji

Sai Bhaji is a healthy and comforting dish. It is a mix of spinach, lentils, and vegetables like brinjal, potatoes, and carrots. It is pressure-cooked with garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes.

This thick curry is full of nutrition and flavor. It is often eaten with steamed rice or bhuga chawal (Sindhi-style brown rice). Many Sindhi homes cook this during lunch or dinner.

You can find authentic Sai Bhaji in home-cooked tiffin services or small Sindhi diners across Mumbai.

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4. Koki

Koki is a flatbread but very different from roti or paratha. It is made using wheat flour and kneaded with chopped onions, coriander, and green chilies. A pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) and jeera (cumin) adds extra flavor.

The dough is rolled out thick and cooked slowly on a tawa with ghee or oil. The result is a crisp yet soft bread that can be eaten on its own or with curd and pickle.

Many Sindhi households eat Koki for breakfast or carry it during travel. You can find it in lunchboxes across Mumbai.

5. Bhugal Bhee (Sindhi Lotus Stem Curry)

“Bhee” means lotus stem in Sindhi. Bhugal Bhee is a rich and flavorful dish. Sliced lotus stems are cooked in a thick onion-tomato masala. It’s often spiced with garam masala and red chili powder.

The texture of bhee is slightly crunchy. The masala is slightly oily and goes well with roti or rice.

This is a special-occasion dish in many Sindhi homes. Some catering services and food festivals in Mumbai serve it on request.

6. Sindhi Tuk

Sindhi Tuk is the perfect snack or side dish. It is made with potatoes that are double-fried. First, they are boiled and cut into thick slices. Then they are deep-fried twice to make them extra crispy.

The final touch? A sprinkle of salt, red chili powder, and dry mango powder.

You’ll find Tuk served with Sindhi Kadhi or as a chaat-style snack with chutneys. It’s a favorite during festivals and get-togethers.

7. Bhuga Chawal

Bhuga Chawal means onion-flavored rice. It’s made by frying sliced onions in oil until they turn golden brown. Then, rice is added along with whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, and cloves.

The result is aromatic brown rice that goes perfectly with Sai Bhaji or simple curd.

In Mumbai, Bhuga Chawal is a common item in Sindhi tiffins and Sunday lunches.

8. Seyal Mani / Seyal Double Roti

This dish turns leftover rotis or bread into a flavorful meal. The rotis or bread slices are cut into pieces and cooked in a masala made from onions, tomatoes, and garlic.

Turmeric, green chilies, and a bit of water make it soft and spicy. It’s quick to make and full of flavor.

Many Mumbai families make this as an evening snack or quick breakfast. It’s also popular among students and working professionals living alone.

9. Sindhi Curry Chawal with Aloo Took Combo

One of the most classic Sindhi meals is curry chawal with aloo took. We’ve already spoken about Sindhi Kadhi and Tuk separately. But together, they make a heavenly combo.

The tangy curry soaks into the rice, and the crispy aloo provides the perfect contrast in texture.

Many Sindhi restaurants in Mumbai, especially around Ulhasnagar and Chembur, serve this dish as a set meal.

10. Tairi (Sweet Saffron Rice)

Tairi is a dessert that’s light and fragrant. It is made by cooking rice with ghee, sugar, and saffron. Cardamom adds a pleasant aroma. Sometimes, dry fruits like raisins and cashews are also added.

This sweet rice is made during festive occasions like Cheti Chand (Sindhi New Year).

You can try it at community kitchens during festivals or order it from home chefs in Mumbai who specialize in Sindhi food.

11. Sindhi Papad and Pickles

No Sindhi meal is complete without crispy papads and tangy pickles. Sindhi papads are spicy and come in many varieties. Some are made with urad dal and others with rice flour.

Pickles include carrot, green chili, lemon, and even mango, all made with a strong masala.

These side items are available in Sindhi stores around Mumbai or can be bought from homemade brands that deliver across the city.

Also Read – Avocado Slammer Salad: A Fresh, Easy, and Healthy Delight

Where to Find Sindhi Food in Mumbai

• Chembur Camp: Home to several Sindhi families, it has small joints serving authentic dishes like Dal Pakwan and Sai Bhaji.
• Ulhasnagar: This suburb is famous for its Sindhi food scene. From sweets to curries, everything is available here.
• Home chefs and tiffin services: Many Sindhi home cooks run small food businesses. You can order thalis or single dishes via Instagram or WhatsApp.
• Food festivals: During events like the Cheti Chand fair or Sindhi food fests, you can taste all these dishes in one place.

Final Thoughts

Sindhi food is soulful, full of flavor, and often forgotten in the crowd of popular Indian cuisines. Mumbai gives you the chance to explore this beautiful culinary heritage. Whether you’re new to Sindhi food or grew up eating it, these 11 dishes will take you on a delicious journey.

So next time you’re hungry in Mumbai, skip the regular vada pav and biryani. Try a Sindhi thali instead. Your taste buds will thank you.

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