Sapre and Sons: A Hidden Gem That Serves Maharashtra on a Plate!

Sapre and Sons, located in Piramal Nagar in Goregoan West, was founded in 1970 by Mahadev Sapre. What began as a small eatery serving a few mithai and drinks like ‘Piyush’ is now a crowd-favourite in Goregoan. For all the locals living around this area, Sapre has been an integral part of their lives for years. May it be an afternoon snack like Batata Vada or a refreshing drink like Kokum Sherbet after a long day, Sapre and Sons is always swamped with people. For 55 years, the eatery has been dedicated to serving authentic Maharasthrisn cuisine. When it was started in the '70s, Sapre was the first ever eatery or shop, as one might say, in the locality. Now, the second generation of Sapre, Anil Sapre, the second-oldest son, is in charge of the place.

A Peek into the Past

The journey started in a small room next to the existing dining area of the restaurant, where a few mithai and drinks were sold. Along with mithai, a few namkeens like wafers and Farali Chivda were also for sale. The best-selling mithai here is Malai Barfi. When Sapre was established in a newly constructed building, it immediately witnessed a positive response. Since it was the first sit-down restaurant in the locality, people from all over Goregoan would visit. As the demand grew higher, the need for space became an issue. Mahadev Sapre, the owner, then ended up purchasing an adjoining restaurant, Aarati Restaurant, in 1978 for a sum of Rs. 85,000, which was shut down for many years. 

Authentic Maharashtrian Flavours

Ever since their father's passing, the three sons have taken the responsibility of continuing their legacy. Since Sapre was the only restaurant in Goregoan serving food suitable for ‘Fasting’, it quickly witnessed a massive footfall. Fasting food items like Sabudana Vada, Farali Pattice, Farali Misal, Farali Kachori, and Sabudana chi Khichadi are available throughout the year. The first food item introduced on the menu was Batata Vada. After that, they began selling Misal Pav and Kothimbir Vadi. Culinary delights such as Batata Vada, Sabudana Vada, Kokum Sherbet, and Amla Sherbet are in high demand daily. Irrespective of their background, people from different cultures would visit Sapre to enjoy authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. From the time the restaurant opens at 8:30 am till 9:00 pm, around 400 to 500 people visit, especially youngsters and elderly folks. During festivals like Navratri, the restaurant sees a massive footfall of 4,000 to 5,000 people daily. At times, 5 to 6 buses full of people would be parked outside the restaurant. 

When the owner, Anil Sapre, was asked if he had any thoughts on franchising the restaurant, he said, “We’ve been here for the past 55 years, and our restaurant is loved by many. People from all over Goregaon visit our place as we are the oldest eatery. So, in the future, if we get a chance to expand and broaden our customer base, we will surely do so.” 

Sapre and Sons is not only serving food but also letting their patrons get a glimpse into the Maharashtrian culinary culture. Next time, if you're in Goregaon, do visit Sapre and Sons for a wholesome and appetising meal.