Food, Retail Therapy

Small Bites: Street Food Celebs of Thane

Simple yet exotic flavours is what makes Indian street food different and Mumbai has its own share of must-try street food joints. Mumbaikars are usually die-hard foodies when it comes to street food and the places on this list say it all. Mihir Shah explores the best street food locales in Thane. Take a trip to the edge of Mumbai for the best experience for your tastebuds.

Litti Chokha

One of the best Litti Chokha places in Mumbai is located just opposite Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium in Thane. You will find the original taste of Bihar at this stall. The chaatwala places Litti on coal until it’s cooked properly and is ready to eat. Prabhuchand Bhai, who is the owner of the stall, shares that many street vendors tried to copy his style of making Litti Chokha but couldn’t do justice to the taste which he delivers. He serves 4 Littis and Chokha with green chutney and onions just at 50 rupees. Watching a bunch of corporates, students and an eclectic mix of people coming out of their cars just to have this delicious Litti Chokha is a common sight here.

Location: Hiranandani Meadows,opp Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium, Thane (w)

Price: Rs 50 for a plate

Contact : 9930733387

Gavran misal

Another hidden gem in Thane when it comes to street food is Gavran misal. This special Chulivarchi misal is one of a kind. In Thane, misal is made on a chulha that adds a special taste to the misal. Make sure you get here early. You will see a lot of Swiggy and Zomato guys lining up here by six in the morning and the vendors are sold out by two in the afternoon. The owner Subhash Agre smiles and says, “We love to serve the public and do not do this for money. In fact if you don’t like the taste, we are even willing to return the money.” Not very high on spice levels, this misal is a must-try for all foodies.

Address: Majiwada Flyover, near Traffic Police Chowki, Siraj Dokadia road, opp Jian Mandir, Sainath Nagar, Thane (w).

Price: Rs 50 for a plate of misal, with pav. Chai is for Rs 10.

Contact: 9594057335

Vidarbha Express

This unique food truck in Thane is the brainchild of two friends who invested in the food business by introducing the Nagpur based concept here in Mumbai. Tarri poha, Tarri samosa and sambar wadi are the three top-notch dishes where Tarri plays an important role. Tarri is nothing but a spicy chana based gravy, which originated in Nagpur and is mixed with poha and samosa to give a spicier and juicy taste. They are the first ones to bring this concept to Mumbai and offer Mumbaikars a great taste of Nagpur’s flavours. We had sambar wadi and Tarri poha here and were stunned by the filling and the taste.

Address: 145,Kolshet Road, opp Bayer India, Dokali Pada, Thane (w)

Price: Rs 30

Contact: 9096968253

Darjeeling Momos

Who doesn’t love momos? The story here is an interesting one. From selling momos on the footpath to now owning a mega outlet and serving momos with more than 100 varieties is surely a big achievement. Be it chicken momos, peri peri momos, or veg momos, the list of juicy momos goes on and on. They have done everything precisely. Located in Vasant Vihar, this place has to surely be on your bucket list. The space is always full after 6 pm so if you are a momo fan make sure you come on time to gorge on their delicious momos.

Address: TMC Shopping centre, shop no 16, near Lok Hospital, Vasant Vihar,Thane – 400610

Price: Rs 80 – Rs 200

Contact: 9823958154

Shegaon Kachori

The oldest and the most popular kachoriwala in Thane has to be Shegaon Kachori which has a total of three branches across Thane. They sell thousands of kachoris per day, which have a stuffing of moong dal, are super crispy on the outside and are served with mirchi. If you live in Thane and haven’t yet had this kachori yet, then you are not a Thanekar. The price of this kachori is just Rs 12, and the orders are always full here.

Address: DN Nagar, Runwal Nagar Khopat, Thane (w)

Price: Rs 12

Contact: 8999592884

February 21, 2022

Valentine’s Gift That Gets It Right

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to show a little extra care and love through moments of pampering, glow, and feeling your absolute best. While flowers fade and chocolates disappear overnight, beauty and skincare gifts linger, turning into daily rituals that remind your loved ones to slow down, indulge, and shine. There’s something deeply romantic about gifting a glow; whether it’s a moisturizer that leaves skin luminous, a serum that elevates a routine, or a makeup essential that makes them feel like the best version of themselves. These aren’t just products; they’re moments of self-care, confidence, and quiet luxury. This Valentine’s Day, thoughtful always beats predictable. A pampering session can feel like a love language, a radiant blush can boost confidence, and a sensorial skincare ritual can transform an ordinary day into something special. Whether you’re celebrating a partner, a friend, or yourself, the right beauty pick is all about care, glow, and love that lasts well beyond February 14. Lonnue THRIVE: Multi HA & Antioxidant Body Serum Serums are the heavy hitters of any skincare routine, so Lonnue created one exclusively for the body. THRIVE is designed to change how you think about body care, delivering plumping hydration, smooth texture, and visibly even-looking skin in a feather-light water-gel formula. Infused with a powerful blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acids, antioxidants, and barrier-strengthening actives, THRIVE deeply nourishes without heaviness, melting effortlessly into the skin for maximum comfort. Whether gifted to a loved one or chosen as a self-care indulgence, THRIVE makes for a thoughtful Valentine’s pick that goes beyond beauty, because glowing skin is always in season. Price: ₹2,375 (inclusive of taxes) Net Weight: 150 ml Link: https://lonnue.com/ Simply Nam Hydrafit Concealer This Valentine’s Day, gift confidence, the kind that feels effortless, natural, and unmistakably you. Whether it’s for a partner,

Food

Hunaaan Indiranagar: A Contemporary Pan-Asian Dining Experience

From bold spices that make you question every meal you’ve ever had to dishes that taste like they’ve travelled the world, Hunaaan delivers flavours that refuse to play it safe. Neha Dua gives a lowdown of the place. This contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Indiranagar packs the heat of Thai food, the heartiness of Korean cuisine, delicate Japanese dishes, and wholesome Chinese fare. Step into the 40-seater cosy place for a meal that will slap you awake and then lull you into a food coma. Plates exploding with personality Not having sushi here would be nothing short of criminal. The Ebi Tempura and Avocado Maki is everything one expects from Japanese cuisine. The prawn tempura comes alive in a riot of colours and flavours. Vegetarians, fret not, you can indulge in the Avocado Garden. Their dumplings are delectable, with very fine wrappers and perfectly balanced flavours. The Chilli Coriander Chicken Dumpling is a sight for sore eyes and hits you with a kind of balanced chaos that you can’t have enough of. And if you like your dumplings soupy, the Basil Flavoured Curry Dumpling won’t disappoint. Raise a glass to excellence A smooth Virgin Pina Colada, featuring creamy coconut milk, has the potential to teleport you to a tropical destination, while the Soju Picanté, a Hunaaan Signature Cocktail, is aptly described as “Everything you want from a picanté: Spicy, lemony, and we dare you to have just one.” Shaken. Stirred. Sipped. A little oink, a little sugar, and a lot of swagger Hunaaan’s imported pork belly deserves a mention. Doesn’t melt in your mouth, but is definitely less fatty than several other places. If you’re a tofu fan, don’t skip the tofu sizzler. But be prepared to share it with one or two others, for the portion size is HUGE. Although

Retail Therapy

Must-Have Beauty, Skincare & Lifestyle Finds of the Season

What: LUSH Glory Conditioner & Daddy‑O Shampoo Lush has an intriguing range of haircare products, but two stand out for different reasons. Glory Conditioner is a rich, deeply nourishing formula crafted especially for curls, coils, and textured hair. It’s a thick, moisture-packed blend of coconut cream, okra gel, and castor oil hydrates, softens, and makes detangling effortless, helping natural textures feel defined and manageable without weighing strands down. Users love its creamy texture and long-lasting scent, making it a go-to for dry or curly hair. On the other hand, Daddy‑O Shampoo is a purple-toned cleansing shampoo designed to brighten blonde or grey hair while removing build-up. Infused with lemon, lime juice, and seaweed, it delivers shine and volume with a distinctive violet fragrance. While reviewers praise its lather and refreshing scent, very dry hair may require a follow-up conditioner to avoid dryness. These are two products you should surely get your hands on. Glory is ideal for heavy hydration and texture care, while Daddy‑O is best for cleansing and enhancing cool tones; each is strong in its own lane. What: Luxiora Blurré Pudding Matte Blush This is a standout cream‑to‑powder cheek colour that blends makeup performance with skincare benefits. Its signature pudding‑matte texture feels soft and cushiony in the pot, melting seamlessly into the skin. Designed to withstand sweat and humidity, the formula stays vibrant throughout the day without streaking, caking, or patchiness, perfect for India’s climate. What sets this blush apart are the skin‑loving ingredients: Niacinamide helps refine pores and enhance texture, Peptides support a smooth, elastic look, Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil provide lightweight hydration and nourishment, and fine blurring powders create a soft‑focus effect that diffuses the appearance of pores. Available in inclusive shades like It’s Bubblegum, It’s Watermelon, and It’s Blonzed, this blush delivers a seamless,

Food

Pure Kitchen to SOL55: Café Hops Across India

What: The Pure KitchenWhere: Bandra The Pure Kitchen brings a refreshing, honest take on clean eating to Bandra, one that feels warm, approachable, and rooted in real nourishment. Founded by Aaliya Ahuja of Oleander Farms and Saltt Karjat, the brand reflects her belief that healthy food shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Instead of restricting ingredients, The Pure Kitchen champions better alternatives: monk fruit instead of refined sugar, unprocessed honey over syrups, and clean, mindful swaps that elevate nutrition without compromising flavour. What truly sets the space apart is its transparency; every dish arrives with a protein count and calorie breakdown, empowering diners to make choices that serve their lifestyle. From low-carb bowls and vibrant vegan plates to guilt-free desserts, the menu balances comfort with consciousness. The Bandra outlet itself is a cosy, calm reprieve, ideal for mindful lunches, post-workout meals, or a quick grab-and-go treat from the charming coffee window. Pure, fuss-free, and thoughtfully crafted, The Pure Kitchen makes eating clean feel genuinely delightful. What: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop Where: Goa Dynamo, located on the scenic Vagator Hilltop in Goa, is redefining the state’s sundowner culture with a seamless transition from laid-back sunset moods to an energetic, music-driven nightlife atmosphere. The Cliffside restro-lounge offers uninterrupted sea views, a curated cocktail program by internationally acclaimed consultants, and a menu shaped by chefs trained under award-winning culinary leaders. Signature plates such as Chaap & Chokha, Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, and Korean Wings pair effortlessly with cocktails like Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, and Calico: The Painted Horse, each crafted with depth, flavour, and narrative. The interiors combine rustic Wild West cues with contemporary metal accents, creating a warm yet edgy aesthetic across its terrace, lounge seating, VIP sections, and bar-side tables. As the sun dips and the music builds, Dynamo