For anyone who relishes all kinds of delicacies from Sindhi cuisine, the dal-pakwan is an iconic preparation which is celebrated for its straightforwardness and simplicity. A fried pastry shell or pakwan is topped with two kinds of dal – a slow-cooked and spiced chana dal and a mellow moong dal, along with an assortment of chutneys, chopped onions and fresh coriander. Enjoyed as a breakfast delicacy, especially in the Sindhi neighbourhood of Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra, Slurrp curated a list of spots that are synonymous with a great dal-pakwan meal; as well as other by-products like the dal sandwich, koki and dal samosa.
We’ve rounded up a list of places, with a little help from foodies who know the city, to have you find yourself the best dal-pakwan experience; and for a quick bite, of course!
Doli Nashta House – Recommended by Abhinav Jeswani (@abhinavjeswani)
Known to be one of the most iconic establishments serving up the delicacy in Ulhasnagar, Doli Nashta House has also made a name for itself dishing plates of dal sandwich and pakwan rice – a unique preparation of rice tossed with crispy pakwan bits, chhole, chutney and onions. Make sure to get there early in the morning to pick up your fill of dal-pakwan before they run out of it.
Phone Number: 7887773558
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan, Pakwan Rice
Timing: 8am – 1:45pm; 6pm-9:30pm
Address: BK 980, Room 11, Station Road, Near Santu Building, Ulhasnagar, Thane
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: Sindhi, North Indian
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
Jivika Fast Food – Recommended by @dabake_khao
What makes the dal-pakwan special at this non-descript food stall located in Zulelal Nagar is the secret sprinkle of a spice blend which enhances the flavours of the dal and chutneys that the pakwan is topped with. Run by a husband-wife duo, the dal pakwan has a homemade feel to it, offering utmost comfort and satisfaction.
Phone Number: NA
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan
Timing: 10am-7pm
Address: Near Galli No. 2, Zulelal Nagar, Sindhi Colony, Akola.
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: Sindhi
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
Prakash Nasta House – Recommended by Rohit Wadhwani (@fooditude_bombay)
Like Doli, Prakash Nasta House is considered to be a lesser-known gem popular for its dal-pakwan in Ulhasnagar. Rohit claims that the pakwan rice served at this eatery is some of the best that’s available around. Topped with an extra serving of chhole after the rice has been tossed in the spicy gravy, order both – the dal-pakwan and pakwan rice for a sumptuous meal.
Phone Number: NA
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan, Pakwan Rice
Address: Opp. Prabhat Garden Lane, next to Panorama Apartments, Ulhasnagar
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: Sindhi
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Snacks
Pamma Nasta House – Recommended by Rohit & Bhumika Ahuja, Paras Shah (@everydaybinge, @theforkplay)
The combination of two types of slow-cooked dals aside, Pamma also offers up Jain variants of the dal-pakwan for those who refrain from eating onion and garlic. The pakwan is served separately on a sheet of paper while the dal comes topped with all the accoutrements and diners can feel free to pour as much as they want on top of the fried pastry before digging in. For smaller appetites, the dal samosa also comes highly recommended.
Phone Number: 7709301155
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan, Jain Dal-Pakwan, Dal Samosa
Timing: 8:15am – 11pm
Address: Shop No. 7A, near Satguru Opticians, Madhuban Chowk, UNR-1, Ulhasnagar
Cost for two: ₹350
Available Cuisines: Sindhi
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
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Jai Balaji Nasta House – Recommended by Sajan Singh (@swadishtsardarji)
The flavour-packed delicacy is served with a sprinkling of aloo bhujiya over the dal for some crunch and texture. Besides the delicious dal-pakwan available here, Jai Balaji also makes delicious dal sandwiches and the Sindhi-style koki with dal. For lighter snack cravings, make sure to get their moong dal bhajiya pav or simply get a portion of their addictive sanna bhajiyas.
Phone Number: 8600862826
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan, Sanna Bhajiya, Dal Sandwich
Timing: 9am–12:30pm, 4:30pm–9:30pm
Address: Guru Nanak Chowk, ESIS Hospital Road, Opposite Sai Basharam Apartment, Ulhasnagar
Cost for two: ₹100
Available Cuisines: Sindhi, Gujarati
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
Jai Shankar Sweets And Snacks – Recommended by Mayank Patel (@tasty_street_food)
Located outside the bustling railway station, Jai Shankar Sweets has been doling out plates of piping hot dal-pakwan for passers-by who want to relish a quick snack. What’s most delightful about paying a visit to this eatery is watching the staff assemble the famous dal sandwich, by dunking slices of white bread into the large pot simmering with creamy dal!
Phone Number: 9822099965
USP Dishes: Dal-Pakwan, Dal Sandwich
Timing: 7am-11pm
Address: Railway Station Rd, Laxmi Nagar, Ramayan Nagar, Ulhasnagar
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: Sindhi, Gujarati
Type: Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
