Just like the restaurants I like. No frills, no Nakharaa, no idiocy - Just Great Food! That is my definition of a great restaurant.
It used to be a smaller and much dingy restaurant about 20 yrs ago when it started. Slowly it has tried to expand a little - but there is no place to expand, has tried to cater to the people who eat out to be seen in hip places(rather than eating good food) by adding airconditioning and upgrading the decor. But it is still not very tastefully decorated.
Nevertheless, if GREAT Malvani food is what you are looking for - this is the place to go. Look no further.
It is easy to miss if you are driving on SV Road towards Mahim or even the other way. As soon as you see the Jama Masjid on SV Rd. in Bandra you have reached the destination. Find a parking spot(Good Luck) or dump your taxi and look exactly across the street from the big masjid. The location is a little iffy. There is a lot of traffic, beggars floating around, flies trying to eat you, people milling about etc. etc. Ignore all that and jump right into the SAAYBA.
You may be asked to wait depending on the time of day. I usually go early. If the A/C portion is full I eat at the non-A/C portion. The food tastes better without the A/C anyway. Just ask for an extra glass of water.
This food may make your tongue a little hot - but isnt this why you eat Malwani? This is one of the most tasty foods I have ever eaten. I go about once a year - due to my distance from Saayba. But I order several items and keep eating until I can eat no more. That keeps me sane for one year.
I recommend Chicken Xacuti. This is the best Xacuti chicken outside of some Goanese/ Malwani’s home. Also order the freshest fish of the day. Ask the friendly waiter. They will tell you which fish to order. For example: do not get hung up on Pomfret in July. Go with the flow. Ask what was bought from the market that morning, eat that fish. Prawns/ mutton are a good choice too. This is no place for a vegetarian! Out you go! You may find something vegetarian - but I do not even look at such stuff at SAAYBA.
I also recommend Chappati to go with the food. I eat with my hands - a rare thing for me - after I wash at the tiny sink near the tiny bathroom. Ask your Hi-Fi girl friend to ignore the sanitation beyond the table and kitchen - which are really clean. If they do not like the food, you need a new girl friend/ boy friend!(married people - no advice)
Better still - go with the guys after you have downed some beers in the nearby beer bar - you will think you have reached heaven. Only thing missing will be the Apsaras or Hoors -(depending on your belief).
After you are done with Saayba your wallet will still be full. You may have to stop for some Ice-Cream on your way home! So the money you did not spend at cheap Saayba will come handy.