New Delhi: Ganesh Chaturthi brings Mumbai alive with colour, music, flowers, festive decorations and, of course, food. For many Mumbaikars, the celebrations
are incomplete without a plate of soft, freshly steamed ukadiche modaks, with their delicate rice-flour covering and coconut-jaggery filling. These sweets are closely associated with Lord Ganesh and become especially sought after during the ten-day festival. This year the festivity will begin on September 14.
Mumbai has plenty of places, including old Maharashtrian sweet shops to newer speciality stores, where you can pick up traditional modaks for your home, puja or festive gathering. Some stick closely to the classic recipe, while others add flavours such as chocolate, kesar and mawa for those who like a twist. If you are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai this year, these spots are worth knowing about when the craving for a hot, fragrant modak hits, especially when Bappa is welcomed into your home.
Best places to buy modaks in Mumbai
Panshikar, Dadar
A longstanding name in Mumbai’s Maharashtrian food scene, Panshikar is known for traditional sweets and snacks. Its ukadiche modaks are a natural choice during Ganesh Chaturthi, while those looking beyond the classic can try variations such as chocolate, kesar and mawa. The shop also offers frozen modak packs that can be steamed at home, making them convenient for festive preparations.
Anant Modak, Ghatkopar
Located near Jagruti Nagar Metro Station, Anant Modak has built a following for its traditional approach to the festive favourite. The modaks are known for their home-style taste and texture, making this a good option for those who prefer a classic preparation over more commercial versions.
Aaswad, Dadar
Aaswad is a well-known destination for Maharashtrian food, and its ukadiche modaks are among the festive treats to look out for. The filling combines toasted coconut with jaggery for a balanced sweetness, while a generous drizzle of pure ghee adds richness to the freshly prepared modak.
Modakam, Prabhadevi
If you prefer a modak with a delicate outer layer, Modakam is worth a visit. Its ukadiche modaks are known for their thin, soft rice-flour covering and generous coconut-jaggery filling. The shop tends to be particularly busy during Ganesh Chaturthi, partly because of its location close to the popular Siddhivinayak Temple.
Modak Tales, Chembur
Modak Tales is a newer speciality destination in Ghatla, Chembur, with a focus on freshly prepared modaks. The shop pays particular attention to the rice-flour outer layer, or ukad, while keeping the preparation rooted in the traditional style.
Ketkar Caterers
Planning a larger Ganesh Chaturthi gathering? Ketkar Caterers could be a practical option. The catering service specialises in Maharashtrian food and accepts bulk orders for festive dishes, including sweets. It has been serving customers since 2001, making it an option for those looking to order traditional food for a group rather than picking up a few portions from a sweet shop.
Ruchkar
For those looking for home-style Maharashtrian flavours, Ruchkar is another name to consider during the festival. The shop offers several varieties of sweets and sees increased demand for modaks around Ganesh Chaturthi. Its sweets are also shipped internationally, including to destinations such as Canada, the US and the UK.
Mumbai offers experiment with newer flavours. The city has plenty of ways to make modaks part of the festive celebrations. Just remember to order early, as the demand rises sharply once Bappa arrives.
