Aaswad is another popular Maharashtrian eatery in the Shivaji Park area in Dadar. It was located diagonally opposite the Shiv Sena Bhavan and was inaugurated in 1986 by Shri Bala Saheb Thackeray.
I roughly remember it was purely a Maharashtrian snacks restaurant when I visited it in early days, but over a period of time, they have added South Indian food, Pizza, Sandwiches, Pav Bhaji, Chaat etc. to cater to a wider audience. However, I have only eaten Maharashtrian snacks at Aaswad. I wouldn't bother trying out other stuff at this restaurant.
The misal (photo missing) is one of the best ones I have eaten. Nice to have Kothimbir Vadi too.
If you are in a rush and want a quick snack in a seated environment, you could grab a hot Vada Pav with a drink to wash it down.
They also serve a good home style Thalipeeth with loni (white unsalted butter).
Their Sabudana Vada and Sabudana Khichadi is also good, but I would probably eat that at Prakash which is a short distance away from Shiv Sena Bhavan.
For a meal, you could have something like Pithla Bhakri, Puri Bhaji, Masale Bhat etc. I particularly like the Matki Usal and Veg Kurma bhaji once in a while.
If you are in for some desserts, try out the Kharvas. I really like this one for its smooth texture.
They also introduced Puran Poli ice-cream and while I tried them as a new dish, I would prefer to stick to the real Puran Poli if I crave for it. This ice-cream doesn't really crack it for me.
They had shifted to a different location for a couple of years due to redevelopment of the original building and just before the COVID 19 lock-down, I had seen that the redevelopment was completed and they were about to shift back to the original location again, but am unsure if that has happened already.
Address: Aaswad, 61, Sadanand, Opposite Amar Hind Mandal, Gokhale Road (North),, Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028