VIG Refreshments — Restaurant in Mumbai

I came, I ate, I burped and I left happily. This can be the shortest and sweetest review that I have written so far but that wouldn’t do justice to the place.

In 1947, an unfortunate incident which occurred as a by-product of India’s Independence brought uprooted an entire clan from their homeland and brought some of them to Delhi and some to Mumbai. Their indomitable will to survive and entrepreneurial spirit kept them alive and made them set up sweet shops, eateries for their livelihood. The immigrants, Sindhi-Punjabi, came and set-up their businesses in this entire area which is now known as Chembur Camp, a name which still reminds to how it all started for them.

Chembur Camp is home to many such small & big restaurants who serve a lip smacking food to their patrons.

In terms of ambience and hygiene, this place isn’t very inviting & appealing. To add to your miseries, this place is located on a very busy main road which is frequented by a lot of trucks and tankers, hence high on pollution index. They have renovated it after my last visit here about a year ago. At that time, I had almost made up my mind not to enter this place because of its overall appeal but was stopped in my tracks by my colleague. He told me taste the food and you will forget everything else.

I ordered for a DAL PAKWAAN [INR 45], which is a Sindhi specialty often consumed as a breakfast item. This is one of the few places which serve yummy authentic Dal Pakwaan Pakwaan is flat bread, rolled out of maida and deep fried till crispy. It is accompanied by chana dal which is cooked till its uber soft and then topped with green spicy and brown tamarind chutney. A bunch of chopped onions and pickle adds the zing to the dish. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED.

Then came PANEER KULCHA [INR 80] which again is an in-house specialty. These smallish looking kulchas are made to order and are served with a generous helping of ghee, a sprinkling of their in house masala and Chhole. Your teeth don’t get a feel of the Chhole as the moment you place it your mouth, it melts and slides down your throat. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED.

The above was downed with a tall glass of CHHAS [INR 40]. The Chhas was creamy, of the right consistency and a few dollops of malai were added to it for good measure while serving which were bobbing up every now and then.

After a hearty meal which filled me up to the brim, the bill came to Rs.165 only for the above.

For about close to 5 decades now, Vig Refreshment has been a symbol of Sindhi-Punjabi entrepreneurship and their love for food. If you are very calorie conscious, don’t like food kept in the open or a lot of fried / buttered options in your menu then please go elsewhere, this isn’t the place for you. But if you do, then dig into the food and relish it with gay abandon and remember to wash your greasy hands with a small piece of Lifebuoy soap under a trickling flow of water.

Sindhi cuisine, I believe, is most under exposed of all cuisines in Mumbai. It’s a surprise that the otherwise entrepreneurial Sindhi’s didn’t think of venturing big time into restaurants and giving the world a peek into their...

Pattice and chhole with the chutneys are just scrumptious and fullfilling and damn, the taste buds tangle all along.

I am adding important thing as on 26th July, 2025. Have been going here since we were in school but I feel is important to highlight something for other to know. After the renovation and good media coverage in print and electronic/digital, not only has the price increased significantly, the portion of pattice, chhole has decreased. For more money, we get less food now as compared to earlier. The lassi is also not thick anymore like earlier days. Not only that, the staff behaviour has changed, especially the elderly uncle( main owner) who is the father of two brothers. He acts in a very high headed way and quite rude sometimes as if by serving us is doing some ehsaan despite taking money. Have had such experiences not once or twice but more times, he seems to be fake smiling and humble in front of camera and YouTube videos, but off it is a totally different personality. His sons, The two brothers however are different and very humble. Mostly now, the staff also makes faces if asked them for additional chutney or onion. My family's been having food here for over 25 years when the rate of chhole pattice was under 30 rupees and They served whole heartedly without being rude and without acting like kanjoos in service while dealing with Customers. The taste is the same and unbeatable without a doubt, but with the increase in rates and decline in portion we have reduced the frequency of dining here, so despite that, we order from home instead of visiting the place, that too much less frequently. This is no way a taunt but a feedback and a reminder that before the media, it was the customer base that made VIG who they are and they must show more grace and respect to the old customers who made their brand into what it is today by free word of mouth. I hope someone reads from the team and implements necessary steps to make the customer...

Vig is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of the city, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. From their exquisite Chole Samosa to the flavorful Dal Papdi and refreshing huge glass of Buttermilk, Vig promises a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Chole Samosa: Vig's Chole Samosa is a culinary masterpiece that combines the crispiness of freshly fried samosas with the rich and savory flavors of spiced chickpeas. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness, leaving you craving for more. The samosas are perfectly golden brown, with a tantalizing aroma that beckons you to indulge in this delightful treat.

Dal Papdi: For those craving a taste of authentic Indian flavors, Vig's Dal Papdi is a must-try. The crispy papdis are topped with flavorful lentils, yogurt, and an array of tantalizing spices that create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your hunger pangs.

Huge Glass of Buttermilk: To complement your meal, Vig offers a huge glass of refreshing buttermilk that is both cooling and rejuvenating. Made with fresh ingredients and seasoned to perfection, this buttermilk is a delightful accompaniment to the spicy flavors of the Chole Samosa and Dal Papdi. It's the perfect way to refresh your palate and enhance your dining experience at Vig.

Overall, Vig stands out not only for its delectable dishes but also for its warm hospitality and inviting ambiance. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Vig is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you...