Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai: Top Attractions, Best Time to Visit and More

Named after the freedom fighter, Mohammad Ali Jouhar, the Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai is a well-known bustling hub for a variety of non-vegetarian and sweet delicacies. The area comes to life during the month of Ramadan, truly becoming a paradise for meat lovers. 

Known for its tandoori and Mughlai cuisines, the site is a home to an array of shops serving heavenly kebabs, biryani, and Nalli Nihari, filling the streets with strong aromas. Alongside deliciousness, Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai is also a renowned traditional shopping spot, attracting fashionists across the city and country. 

If you are also heading to Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, soon, this article is all you need to plan your itinerary.

Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai Timings, Location, and How to Reach

The shops and eateries on Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, operate every day from late evenings up to late nights. While timings are generally from 7:30 pm to 1 am, they extend till 4 am during Ramadan.

Located centrally in South Mumbai, between Crawford Market and JJ Hospital, Mohammed Ali Road is in the vicinity of markets such as Bhendi Bazaar and Colaba Causeway. 

Pondering how to get to Mohammed Ali Road? Here are some convenient ways, depending on where you’re starting from.

• By Air – The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, located at a distance of 18-20 km from Mohammed Ali Road. From the airport, you can take a taxi or book a cab online to reach this food paradise.

• By Train – Masjid Bunder, Marine Lines, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus are some of the closest train stations, located within walking distance from M.A. Road.

• By Bus – To reach by bus, you can catch a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus and get off at the Mohammed Ali Road stop.

• By Taxi – If you live in South Mumbai, perhaps the most convenient way to reach Mohammed Ali Road is via taxi or auto rickshaw.

 

Best Time to Visit Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai

If you are planning an outing to Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, visiting at the right time can greatly enhance your experience.

• Ramadan – The best time to visit M.A. The road is during Ramadan evenings, from 7 pm to 3 am. Although crowded, the place is vibrant with festive vibes at this time.

• Weekdays – If you prefer less crowded places, weekdays are a great option for you to visit this foodies’ paradise. 

• Colder months – Visiting during colder months, from October to March, makes it easier to walk comfortably for longer durations. 

Famous Foods to Try in Mohammed Ali Road Khau Galli

Mohammed Ali Road Khau Galli is one of the legendary places for trying authentic culinary dishes, where every delicacy, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, spicy or sweet, tastes literally heavenly. 

A visit to Mohammed Ali Road is incomplete without trying these mouthwatering dishes, such as Nalli Nihari, kebabs, white biryani, and malpuha with rabri, among others.

1. Nalli Nihari 

This is a famous dish from Mughlai cuisine, served especially during the Ramadan season. With stews and a generous amount of bone marrow, the dish is slowly cooked with authentic spices and served with Rumali or butter roti. 

2. Kebabs 

One of the most popular street foods on Mohammed Ali Road Khau Galli, is Kebabs. The variety of kebabs includes seekh kebabs, mutton kebabs, chicken shammi kebabs, and malai tikka kebabs. During Ramadan, you’ll see numerous kebab stalls lined up around Minara Masjid on the road.

3. Baida Roti 

This is a stuffed, deep-fried non-veg parantha covered in eggs and filled with tender pieces of meat and chicken, often known as keema. Garnished with coriander and onions, Baida Roti is served with mint chutney and raita. 

4. White Biryani 

A specific type of biryani made with rice and juicy, soft yakhni-style chicken, it is often paired with seekh or shammi kebabs. Being one of the unique foods of Mohammed Ali Road, it is a must-have delicacy for meat lovers.

5. Haleem 

This is a lip-smacking dish made with soft mutton stew, lentils, and pounded wheat slow-cooked to form a thick paste. Served with naan or roti, Haleem is a dish you cannot miss on Mohammed Ali Road.

6. Malpua with Rabri 

Malpua with Rabri is one of the best sweet street foods on the road. This dish is an absolute heavenly delight, where malpuhas are made with a fluffy batter of flour and sugar, while the creamy rabri is made of full-fat milk. 

7. Mawa Jalebi 

Prepared with a batter of solid milk and flours, this is a different kind of dark brown colored Jalebi. This thick jalebi is deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup, known as chashni, completely. Unlike the usual orange colored jalebi, it has a denser texture whose taste is somewhat similar to Gulab Jamun.

8. Phirni 

This creamy rice pudding with saffron and nuts is a light yet indulgent sweet dish. Served in earthen bowls, phirni is creamier than kheer and thicker in texture, making it a perfect sweet treat after meals. 

9. Vegetarian Dishes 

The road also offers various vegetarian options, including dahi vadas, pakoras, matar chaat, and grilled paneer, among others. However, the chances of finding more vegetarian street foods are higher during the Ramadan season.

Restaurants and Shops at Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai

Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai is lined up with eateries and restaurants, all carrying a legacy of time and taste. Some of the names in this list include Chinese N Grill, Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets, Taj Ice Cream, Shalimar Restaurant, Noor Mohammadi, and Suleiman Usman Mithaiwala.

Let’s dive deeper into these famous Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai food along with their locations and specialties.

1. Chinese N Grill

Don’t go by their name! Chinese N Grill serves a great Mughlai feast along with various Indo-Chinese and vegetarian dishes. Their specialties include the legendary Bannu Nalli Pulao and Nalli Nihari made with soft and tender meat. 

Location: 122/132, Barkat Manzil, I.M. Merchant Road, Mohammed Ali Rd, near Minara Masjid, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009

2. Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets

Being one of the best places for traditional sweets, it is lined up with sweet lovers every night. Their malpuhas with rabri and phirni are an absolute delight for sugar addicts. The shop also offers several other sweets but is mainly known for its malpuhas and rabri combo.

Location: A1, 45, Husainyah Marg, Bohri Mohallaha, Bhendi Bazaar, Kumbharwada, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

3. Taj Ice Cream

This place has been serving traditional hand-churned ice creams for about a century. Known for its culinary history, it still uses wooden barrels, ice, and rock salt to prepare ice cream. Their fruit-flavored ice creams, such as sitaphal, guava, and mixed fruit, are popular among people.

Location: Shop No. 1, SBUT Transit Cluster – D Kharat, Chimna Butcher St, Bohri Mohalla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

4. Shalimar Restaurant

Established decades ago, Shalimar Restaurant on Mohammed Ali Road is known for serving some of the best Mughlai food on the road. Along with kebabs and biryani, Salli Boti, a unique Parsi-style meat dish, is also famous among the regular visitors.

Location: Shalimar Restaurant, Bhendi Bazaar, Mandvi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

5. Noor Mohammadi

Open since 1923, Noor Mohammadi Restaurant is known for its Mughlai cuisine. This budget-friendly restaurant is especially famous for its two unique dishes, namely Sanju Baba chicken and white biryani. The recipe for Sanju Baba chicken was supposedly given by the Bollywood star, Sanjay Dutt; hence, it is named after him.

Location: Abdul Hakim, Noor Mohammadi Chowk, 181-183, I R Road, Bhendi Bazaar, Mandvi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

6. Suleiman Usman Mithaiwala

Suleiman Usman Mithaiwala is one of the most famous sweet shops in the area, with its roots going back to the 1930s. Offering a variety of sweets, their must-have specialties include Aflatoon, Malpuhas, and Phirnis. Additionally, the shop is known for its high-quality ingredients, making it highly credible among its customers. 

Location: 167, IbrahimMerchant Rd, below Minara Masjid, Pydhonie, Mandvi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

What to Buy at Mohammed Ali Road?

While the road is mainly known for its cultural delicacies, you can buy various products, including handicrafts, traditional clothes, spices, and jewelry, among others, from nearby areas. These areas include well-known markets such as  Colaba, Manish Market, and Crawford Market, which are renowned for street shopping.

• Traditional Clothes – The area is popular for traditional clothes, including suits, sarees, and even Pakistani clothes, making it a perfect shopping spot during Eid.

• Jewelry – You will also find several shops selling ornate jewelry, including gold and silver jewelry and bridal accessories, especially during wedding season.

• Handicrafts – Various decorative items, including traditional handicrafts and artifacts, are perfect for taking home as souvenirs.

• Spices – The area offers a variety of traditional spices and dry fruits, including cashews, almonds, and pistachios, among others.

• Attars – Sold in small glass bottles, these naturally made, authentic perfumes known as attars are a key highlight of the area. 

Landmarks Near Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai

There are several landmarks near Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, that can guide your way to the road and are also worth a visit themselves. Minara masjid, Crawford Market, CSMT, and Marine Drive are some notable examples among others.

1. Minara Masjid

Minara Masjid, on Mohammed Ali Road, is the most prominent landmark, located centrally on the road. During Ramadan, various vendors set up their stalls surrounding the Minara Masjid. Being one of the oldest mosques in Mumbai, it holds great historical significance and is a popular religious spot among Muslims.

2. Crawford Market

Known for its unique Gothic architecture, Crawford Market is located 2 km away from Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai. This market is a great place for shopping and wholesale retailing, and has several stalls of spices, exotic fruits, and vegetables. 

Other prominent goods available in the market include handbags, decorative items, and stationery, among others.

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

Located at a distance of 2 km from Mohammed Ali Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway station is known for its Victorian Gothic architecture, which is a unique blend of Indian and British architecture. 

4. Marine Drive

Serving as a great spot for photography, Marine Drive is located 5 km away from Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai. Popularly known as Queen’s Necklace, it stretches to a length of 3.6 km along the coast, giving you the perfect view to enjoy the beautiful sunset while relaxing here.

Hotels Near Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai

There are several budget-friendly and luxurious Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai hotel, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. 

1. Hotel Mogul Palace 

Located just 300 meters away from Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, this hotel is a perfect option for those wanting to stay near M.A. Road. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and provides various facilities such as free Wi-Fi, parking service, and 24-hour room service, among others.

Price – Approximately ₹ 3,000

Location – 20, Dontad Cross Ln, off Yusuf Meher Ali Road, Pydhonie, Mandvi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009•022 2345 5656

2. Hotel Al Moazin 

This is a 3-star hotel near Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, located 800 meters away from the road, providing a comfortable stay at a slightly higher price. The hotel gives various amenities, including clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a parking facility, among others.

Price – Approximately ₹ 4,000

Location – Police Beat, 17/19, Ebrahim Merchant Road, Opp. Khadak, PO, Near Minara Mosque, Chinchbunder, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009

3. HOTEL AMAN 

Hotel Aman is located on the Mohammed Ali Road itself and is just a 5-minute drive from the railway station. The hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay and provides various basic facilities such as housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and room service.

Price – Approximately ₹ 1,400

Location – 22 Dhobi Street, Off: Mohammed Ali Road, near Zakaria Masjid, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003

4. Hotel Orient Regency 

This is a luxurious hotel near Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai, located at a distance of 1.4 km from the road. Along with the basic amenities, the hotel also has a fancy dining spot and offers deluxe, superior, and premium rooms to fit your budget. 

Price – Approximately ₹ 4,500

Location – 292 298, MS Ali Road Near Shalimar Cinema, Grant Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007

5. The Sahil Hotel

Being a luxurious property, the Sahil Hotel provides a relaxing stay to its guests. Located just 1.7 km away from Mohammed Ali Road, the hotel is in proximity to various landmarks of South Mumbai. Apart from providing core services, the hotel also provides upscale facilities such as a gym and bar.

Price – Approximately ₹ 4,500

Location – 292, JB Behram Marg, opp. City Centre Mall, RBI Staff Colony, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008

In a Nutshell

The Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai is a place that will savor you with its legendary delicacies. While the spot is a heaven for meat lovers, it also provides plenty of options for vegetarians and sweet tooths. 

With its central location, it is easily accessible by all means of transportation and is surrounded by several hotels, shopping markets, and historical landmarks. 

Therefore, if you are a meat-eater or a sweet lover, Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai should be on your list.