Chat that you must try at Famous Dilip Chatwala of Thane

Shri Sidhhivinayak Snacks Corner is run by Shri Dilip Sachdev since past many decades. Situated at the corner of Kopri market, Thane, adjacent to a coconut water seller, the shop is difficult to find if you try to hunt by signboards but ask a passerby about ‘Dilip Chaat waala’ and you will be guided well.

The eatery is famous for its tantalizing, Sindhi panipuris and Batar (also known as butter) papdi chaat.

Batar papdi is a unique Sindhi chaat made from hard round, savoury rusks, that are dipped in tangy chutney for few seconds and then placed on a serving plate. Chopped boiled potatoes and spicy chutneys are then poured over and the chaat is finally garnished with some chopped onions and papdi. This irresistible mixture, like any other chaat item, needs to be savored without any delay. There are only handfuls of places in Mumbai or Pune where you get to try this delicious dish and Mr Dilip’s place is one heck of a place to try it out.

The tiny place is always buzzing with activity and has extremely loyal customers. Many of them frequent the place from past 30 years or so. The owner who once aspired to be a lawyer had to ditch his studies to support his father in his chaat business. The gentleman is very friendly and extremely polite and is very popular amongst youngsters.

Apart from Batar papdi (₹ 30), Sindhi Panipuri (₹25) is also popular. The flour balls or puris are made from a mixture of suji and maida and are delicately crisp.
Mirchi chaat (₹ 30), yet another chaat relished by Sindhis is also worth trying at Dilip Chaat shop. Mildly spiced, marinated green chillies are batter coated and deep fried (known as Mirchi pakora), sliced, topped with beaten spiced up yogurt and sweet and tangy chutneys.

Schezwan Sev puri and Mayonnise Sev puri (both for ₹ 50 each), two of the innovative chaat items are also savored by the locals and much appreciated by both Sindhis as well as non Sindhis.

Basket chaat is yet another dish that you must try if contrasts of flavors and textures enchant your taste buds. Crisp potato shavings moulded into a nest shape are filled with sweetened fresh yogurt, tamarind chutney, sev, cheese etc.

Name: Dilip Chaat waala

Address: Harishchandra Raut Marg, Near Bharat school, Kopri, Thane East

Timings: 4 pm to 10 pm