Buzz
In Mumbai, during Ramadan—a sacred fasting month—an iconic street near Minara Masjid transforms into a bustling food fair at dusk. This area, called khau galli or “eat street,” becomes a vibrant hub where city vendors serve barbecue and sweets to those breaking their fast. Local photographer Hashim Badani, a longtime visitor, captures the festive atmosphere for Dinogo.
With Mumbai's monsoon in full swing, the air is thick with humidity. “I was drenched no matter what,” Badani recalls of the shoot. The street food scene is a whirlwind of activity, with crowds moving as densely as rush hour trains. “You can’t stand still at khau galli,” Badani notes. “You indulge in rich foods, but the sweat you work up by the end of the lane makes up for it.”
While there's an abundance of meat like chicken tikka and goat brain masala, it's the festival-exclusive sweets that truly captivate. Badani highlights the appeal of phirni (sweet rice pudding in clay pots), deep-fried
As Badani captured the lively scene, vendors eagerly engaged with the camera, offering complimentary sweets and keeping the customer line moving. Many vendors see their best earnings during this festival, equivalent to what they might make over the next six months, according to Badani.
The market stays open until the next sunrise, catering to post-work diners, late-night revelers, and Muslims seeking a meal before their pre-dawn prayers. During Ramadan, a diverse crowd converges on a lesser-known part of the city for the khau galli, and it’s heartwarming, according to Badani, to witness Mumbai's residents uniting over food.
Hashim Badani is a Mumbai-based photographer.
