Mumbai Food: Head to Dargah Road in Mahim for a mutton and mithai rush

If it happens thus that you miss a festival, being far away from where the revelry is, or because the festival of your choice is yet to arrive, enter the lane beside Midland in Mahim (W) and step into a world where festive eats never run out. From end to end, from the bustling LJ Road to the gently lit up Dargah, each metre throws up a delicious new choice. Falooda, seekh kebabs, shawarma, halwa and mithai are sold here at various stalls and shops way past midnight.

They are watched over by quaint houses on either side that have seen the stalls grow, fall and shift. To end this journey of indulgence, believer or not, do not forget your prayers, for we cannot vouch for how well your tummy receives the the fiery kebabs. So, dua might save you from dawa.

Md Farookhbhai Mithaiwala (in white turban) is busy manning the counter on most nights

Afzal Sweets: Syrupy malpua
Located opposite the dargah, Afzal Sweets has been in business since 1952, mentioned on a prominent banner. Md Farookhbhai Mithaiwala laughs when asked if he is getting disproportionately high blessings. He says demand for different sweets vary according to different festivals. "During Moharram we have a high demand for Nankhatai (Rs 500 per kg) (sweet eggless cookies) and Aflatoon (a sweet prepared with cashew and mawa) (Rs 500 per kg). During Ramzan, the syrupy sweets like Malpua (Rs 100 - Rs 200 per kg take over) and Firni (Rs 30 per kg) take over.
At: Near Cadell Road, Mahim.
Call: 09324760028
Open till: 1 pm

Baba Falooda: Milky shots
While passing by Midland bar, if you've ever wondered about the commotion in the neighbouring lane, let it not deter you from heading in the direction. In fact, you'll spot a struggle to place an order for a glass of Falooda, that continues well into midnight.

Famed for its Kulfi Falooda (Rs 50), the eatery has commanded the corner of this road for over 40 years. The Baba Special Falooda (Rs 100) is the other popular choice.
At: Belview Building, second Cross Road, Mahim.
Call: 244473813
Open till: 1 am

Rayees Bhai: Mutton Seekh
This 40-year-old stall does brisk business. When we dropped by, there were a few less people allowing us to initiate a conversation with the man in-charge. He said we were in luck that it wasn't peak business time. Given the inviting kebabs on each seekh, we believed him. "First owner off ho gaya," he said. (The original owner passed away). But he did assure us that we will not go "off" after tucking into his fare. We ordered for Beef Sheekh Kebab (buffalo meat) with Paratha (R80 for four). Delicious. Boti Kebab (Rs 80) and Khiri (Rs 80) are the other favourites.
At: Near Belview building, LJ Road, Mahim.
Open till: 1 am