What: Dakshinayan, Walkeshwar, Teen Batti, Rs 250-300 for a meal for two

Why: South Bombay is good for many things, but authentic South Indian cuisine is not one of them. We had a hankering for spicy rasam and vada, and couldn’t bear another evening at our local Shiv Sagar. Just when the trip to Matunga’s King Circle seemed inevitable, a little birdie told us about Dakshinayan.

This nondescript little eatery (don’t look into the barber shop located next door, it’ll spoil your appetite), totally hits the sweet spot. Try the garlic dosai, tamarind rice and Gunpowder Idlis – which are every bit as dangerous as they sound!

When: Avoid dinner rush hours – it’s impossible to get a table, and the place gets really noisy.