umbai is littered with all types of restaurants, where Mumbaikars enjoy all India cuisine of their choice at will. Every next restaurant is a Udipi, Punjabi or a Chinese joint.

But , to locate a Maharashtrian restaurant, that serves a typical, 'Maharashtrian'- Quality Thali is hard to find, even in the Mahanagar. But, Thane has its typical, quaint , Maharashtrian Dining hall located in Brahman society, by the name of 'SWAD' - a pure vegetarian restaurant and one more branch near Gadkari Rangayatan.

It is efficiently managed by- The Karve's. The entire' Karve family' is involved in the business that was started in 1989, by Mrs. Usha Karve. She was a government servant then, working as a sales tax inspector,and took voluntary retirement. Her husband, Mr. Balwant Karve, an Architect,, also joined in to help out with the new business.

Mrs. Usha Karve, started a 'Poli-Bhaji' kendra with a mininmum investment of 25,000 to 30,000 which was later converted into a Dining Hall. Now a comfortable A/c area has been added in the Basement.

The younger son of Mr.& Mrs. Karve, Mr. Pradeep Karve joined his mother when he was only 18yrs old, while his elder brother a chemical engineer entered the scene in 96'.

Now,due to the expansion of business averaging a turnover of 20 Lacs per annum, the 'Bahu's'- Smita & Madhuri, the sons respective wives, also chip in their efforts, in various departments .

They have a very interesting menu at reasonable prices and assured consistent quality. Besides the regular snacks, fasting snacks, chaat, and Thali served during the week , they have special treat for people who dare to fast for long hours on Mahashivratri, Ashadi Ekadashi and Kartikeyi Ekadashi- a whole complete 'Fasting Thali' loaded with rajgira puris, shrikhand, upwas potato bhaji, crushed groundnut amti(curry), curd and 'waryacha bhaat', upwas thalipeeth and upwas lime pickle.

They get catering orders as far as Panvel and most of Western suburbs for engagements, conferences, weddings Munj etc. where they offer not only a typical Maharahtrian menu but also, serve Punjabi and Chinese food.

Mr. Pradeep Karve said, his family aims to open a Wedding Hall with accomodation facilities of overnight stay for guests, as in Mumbai that can be a huge inconvenience and of course with their Catering is included.

The Dining Hall is open from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm during the day and
between 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm in the evenings and the service is closed on Mondays.