From ₹5 to a Culinary Legacy: The Inspiring Story of Mumbai’s Shree Thaker Bhojanalay
From ₹5 to a Culinary Legacy: The Inspiring Story of Mumbai’s Shree Thaker Bhojanalay
Started by a young migrant with a few rupees in his pocket, the Kalbadevi eatery has grown into one of Mumbai’s most loved destinations for authentic Gujarati thalis.
Mumbai: Tucked inside the busy lanes of Kalbadevi, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has become one of Mumbai’s most popular destinations for traditional Gujarati food. But the restaurant’s journey began decades ago with a young man who arrived in the city with very little money and a big dream.
The restaurant was founded in 1945 by Maganbhai Purohit, who had moved to Mumbai from Rajasthan in search of work. According to his family, he had only around two to five rupees when he first arrived in the city. Life was difficult in the beginning, and he survived by taking up small jobs.
During this time, Maganbhai developed a strong interest in cooking. Determined to learn the craft, he trained under experienced cooks and gradually mastered the preparation of traditional dishes. After saving enough money, he started a small food establishment, which later became Shree Thaker Bhojanalay. The name was inspired by the family’s surname, “Thakur.”
Today, the restaurant is run by his sons, Gautam and Krishna Purohit, who continue to follow their father’s values and vision.
In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Gautam Purohit recalled that his father always believed in the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava—a philosophy that treats every guest like God. He ensured that every customer left the restaurant satisfied and happy, which helped the eatery build a loyal following over the years.
Over time, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay became famous for its authentic Gujarati thali. The menu changes depending on the day and season, but typically includes dishes like dal, shaak, rotli, rice, farsan and sweets. All the meals are served in a traditional free-flow style, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited servings.
The restaurant also follows strict freshness standards. Food is prepared daily in limited quantities to avoid wastage, and the staff is known for their warm hospitality. Regular visitors say the team often remembers their food preferences, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
The eatery has attracted many well-known visitors over the years, including Michelin-starred chefs, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, actor Triptii Dimri and Sara Tendulkar. Business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani and his wife Kokilaben were also known to enjoy meals here.
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has received several honours for its food and service, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award, which it won for the 19th time last year.
Even after decades, the restaurant continues to serve classic Gujarati dishes such as kadhi, undhiyu, khichdi, ringan nu shaak, batata preparations and shrikhand.
What started as a small dream with just a few rupees has now become a well-known culinary landmark in Mumbai, reflecting decades of hard work, tradition and heartfelt hospitality.
