About 1 BY TWO
1 BY TWO is a popular Indo-Chinese fast-food chain based in Mumbai. It specializes in Chinese and Sichuan-style dishes – think Hakka noodles, Schezwan fried rice, Manchurian curries, chili chicken and more – all at very affordable prices (restaurant-guru.in ). Critics and patrons praise its tasty fried rice, soups and quick service; one review notes the chef “cooks tasty fried chicken, Chinese soup and chicken fried rice” (restaurant-guru.in ). The brand launched in the late 2010s and quickly built a following in Mumbai’s suburbs. For example, the Chembur outlet holds a high 4.0/5 rating on Zomato from over 11,000 reviewers (www.zomato.com ), showing it’s a local favorite. Customers often call out the “good quality” food and “pocket-friendly” prices (www.zomato.com ). Typical dishes cost only around ₹100–₹200 per order (www.zomato.com ), making One By Two a go-to spot for students, office-goers and families seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal. (The dine-in branch in Borivali has a more extensive menu and higher prices – about ₹700 for two (www.zomato.com ) – but most outlets keep things very affordable.)
Cuisine and Menu
The menu at One By Two is centered on Chinese comfort food. Popular offerings include veg and chicken Manchurian, Szechuan (schezwan) fried rice, Hakka noodles, chili garlic chicken, Schezwan noodles and clear soups (www.zomato.com ). They also serve dumplings and momos (steamed or fried) and Indo-Chinese gravies and starters. Outlets typically offer both veg and non-veg dishes; for example, the Chembur branch highlights Manchurian fried rice and Hakka noodles as top items (www.zomato.com ). Loyal customers mention dishes like sweet coconut prawn curry and “chicken triple schezwan” (a spicy chicken dish) as signatures (restaurant-guru.in ). Some branches even feature Western or Indian fusion items on the side. The Borivali location, for instance, lists garlic bread, pink pasta, mocktail drinks and pav bhaji alongside its Chinese fare (www.zomato.com ). Desserts like kulfi and cheesecake occasionally appear on the menu too (www.zomato.com ). Across branches, drinks are mainly soft (cold drinks, shakes and non-alcoholic mocktails in Borivali), since none of the outlets has a liquor license. Portions are generous: many orders come in sectioned takeaway boxes designed to keep food fresh. Notably, One By Two is known for its careful, tamper-proof packaging (www.zomato.com ), which preserves the taste and texture of sauces and rice even on delivery.
Ordering and Paymets
One By Two does not use a formal ticketing or reservation system – it’s essentially a quick-service eatery. You can simply walk in and place your order, or phone ahead to pick up food. For example, the Andheri East branch is at “Shop 11, Kamlesh Apartment, Shere Punjab Soc, Andheri East” and is open 12 noon–midnight (with a late slot to 1 am) (www.zomato.com ); you could call its number (+91 91677 60311) to order in advance (www.zomato.com ). All locations also appear on major food apps (Zomato, Swiggy, etc.), so you can order through those if you prefer delivery. In general, walk-ins are welcome any time during business hours – there’s no box office or advance ticketing. Because some evenings can get busy, it’s smart to call ahead for large orders or peak dinner time. Once at the counter, you’ll pay after ordering; outlets accept cash and card payments (the Borivali spot explicitly notes “Cash and Cards accepted” (www.zomato.com )). There are no different pricing tiers or advance-release deals – just the menu prices as listed.
Seating and Layout
The layout varies by branch. Most One By Two outlets are modest takeout counters with a handful of stools or tables. In fact, several locations (Chembur, Powai, Chakala, Prabhadevi, Jogeshwari, etc.) are delivery-only kitchens with no indoor seating (www.zomato.com ) (www.zomato.com ). They function like street-side food joints – you walk up, order at the counter, and wait for a takeaway box. By contrast, the Borivali West and Andheri East (Aaqib’s) branches do offer indoor seating. These have a small dining area – perhaps 10–15 tables – with simple décor (tile floors, fluorescent lighting, wall menus) and quick-service counter. Customers describe the Borivali outlet as having a “cozy ambiance” and friendly vibe (www.zomato.com ), though it’s still very no-frills: plastic chairs, bench seating and a counter to order from. The Andheri East Aaqib’s branch likewise has indoor seating and even advertises halal food (www.zomato.com ). There are no VIP or barred-off areas – all seating is general. Views and acoustics are mundane (expect Bollywood or pop playing at moderate volume, and typical clatter of a busy eatery). Overall, seating at 1 BY TWO is basic and communal, best for casual meals with friends or family.
Getting There and Parking
Each 1 BY TWO outlet is in a local neighborhood, usually on a busy street. For instance, the Chembur branch is on P L Lokhande Marg, near the Chembur flyover (www.zomato.com ). Nearby transit options include BEST buses on Lokhande Marg (several city routes stop in this area) and local trains. Chedda Nagar (Harbour Line) and Ghatkopar (Central Line and Metro Line 1) stations are within 10–15 minutes’ walk of Chembur Lokhande Marg, and the Chembur Monorail station is only about a 10-minute walk away (moovitapp.com ). The Borivali branch sits in Kastur Park, a short distance from Borivali station (Western Line) and main road. Andheri East (Aaqib’s) is near the MIDC area; Marol Naka metro or the Andheri (East) bus station are a few minutes away. In all cases, auto-rickshaws and taxis / app-based cabs are readily available for drops. Driving in is possible but street parking is very limited – most outlets have no private lot. Bikes or scooters can often be parked right at the curb, but cars may have to use paid multistorey lots or park farther away. Our advice is to use public transport or rideshares (Ola/Uber etc.) to reach 1 BY TWO, especially during rush hour. If you do drive, allow extra time to find parking. (There are no designated disabled-accessible parking spots or car parks specifically for the restaurant.)
Inside the Venue
Once inside a dine-in branch, expect a clean, casual café atmosphere. The counter near the entrance is where orders are placed; menus may be on the wall or handed to you. Tables are small and functional, and lights are bright (no ambient or mood lighting here). The staff will bring your food on trays, and condiments (soy sauce, chili sauce, disposable chopsticks/forks) are usually available at the table or included with your order. If you’re taking out, orders come in stacked, compartmentalized boxes sealed with branded tape – users rave about how well the food stays intact (www.zomato.com ). In dine-in branches, there is typically at least one customer restroom in the back – it’s simple but clean, as required. There is no coat check or cloakroom, so keep your belongings with you at the table. Wi-Fi or charging outlets are not advertised, so assume this is strictly a ‘eat-and-go’ spot. After your meal, you simply pay at the counter (they accept credit/debit cards as noted (www.zomato.com )) and are on your way. No tipping is expected since staff are paid employees (though you’ll find tip jars at most tables, should you want to round up).
Nearby Amenities
1 BY TWO outlets tend to be in mixed residential-commercial districts, so you’ll find everyday shops and services around. For example, the Chembur branch is close to Chedda Nagar local markets and is about a 5-minute walk from the K-Star Mall (which has a food court and arcade). Borivali’s outlet is near Link Road’s long line of shops and eateries; Borivali Railway Station (with an auto stand) is a 5-minute drive. Andheri East’s location sits among smaller hotels and businesses off the Western Express Highway – nearby landmarks include the Andheri Industrial area and the Holiday Inn. If you get to 1 BY TWO early, you could stop by a local store or café in any of these neighborhoods before your meal. If you arrive late (many guests do, since these places close past midnight), note that street lights and shop shutters exist, so visibility is okay but traffic thins out. Late-night autos or ride-hail apps are advised for the trip home (public buses will be scarce after midnight). In short, plan your dining trip around whatever else you need: all branches are a short walk from general stores, pharmacies or fruit markets common in Mumbai suburbs. (Nearby hotels or bars aren’t a big draw – this is mostly a homegrown local-hangout scene.)
What Makes This Venue Special
One By Two’s charm lies in its local, word-of-mouth reputation. It’s not a glitzy franchise, but rather a series of homegrown eateries run by folks who understand Mumbai’s palate. Customers often remark on the personal touch: one frequent patron discovered that the owner – apparently named Swapnil – even writes a thank-you note on some orders (restaurant-guru.in ). The small scale (only a few outlets per city) helps keep quality and consistency high. Foodies also appreciate the reliability: unlike many street carts, 1 BY TWO’s packaging is hygienic and sturdy (www.zomato.com ), meaning your meal stays hot and neat during delivery. Economic impact is modest but real – these shops employ local youth and serve as hangouts, keeping bustling suburbs lively. Culturally, One By Two taps into Mumbai’s longstanding love of Indo-Chinese late-night food. It fills the gap in neighborhoods where bigger restaurants shut early, offering Chinese comfort dishes even past midnight in some locations (www.zomato.com ). Fans love it for that reason – a humble spot where you can grab a plate of garlic chicken or hakka noodles any time hunger strikes. In short, One By Two stands out not for flashy architecture or celebrity patronage, but for being a reliably tasty, affordable fixture in the local scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Ordering:** The easiest way to get food is to *visit the branch or call ahead*. Walk-ins are welcome anytime during opening hours. Some branches (Chembur, Chakala, Powai, Prabhadevi, Jogeshwari) are delivery-only; the dine-in branches (Borivali, Andheri) you can enter and be seated. If going in person, take note of each outlet’s hours (listed online) – for example, the Prabhadevi shop even opens at midnight (www.zomato.com ) while Chembur closes by 11:30pm (www.zomato.com ).
**Serving Style:** At dine-in locations, food arrives quickly after you order – expect about 10–15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, mention this to the staff or consider takeout. In any case, ask for a parcel box if you have leftovers; everything stacks neatly for easy transport.
**What to Bring:** Cash is always good on hand, but card payments are accepted at least at Borivali (www.zomato.com ) (likely all branches do). Bring small change if possible. Since seating is simple, comfortable casual clothes are fine – there is no dress code. The restaurants are air-conditioned in summer, but it’s a quick meal environment, so you might feel the air-con at night.
**Timings:** Branch timings vary: the Chembur and Powai outlets open from 11 am to about 11 pm (www.zomato.com ), whereas Andheri East and Prabhadevi locations serve late-night (midnight–2 am) crowds (www.zomato.com ) (www.zomato.com ). Plan accordingly. If you need food after 11pm, check which branch is still open – for instance, Prabhadevi and Andheri East are among the latest-grabbing ones.
**Parking & Transit:** Street parking is scarce. The safest bet is to hop off in an auto-rickshaw or use Ola/Uber. If driving, look for small paid parking lots near the area or park farther and walk. Chembur’s Lokhande Marg spot is near Chedda Nagar (light rail) station (moovitapp.com ), so the monorail is a great option. Borivali is close to the Borivali train station and bus routes on Link Road; Andheri East has nearby bus stands and a metro station (Marol Naka). Leave extra time at night, as sidewalks may be dim or auto stands limited.
**Accessibility:** The restaurants are generally on ground level, but not specifically wheelchair-equipped (no ramps or lifts). The interior space can be tight, and restrooms are standard home-style facilities. If mobility is an issue, we recommend phone ordering or dining at the more spacious Borivali or Andheri branch (where staff tend to be helpful).
**Food Restrictions:** The Andheri East (Aaqib’s) outlet is halal-certified (www.zomato.com ), and all meat dishes (chicken, prawns) should be halal at these branches. Vegetarian dishes (like veg noodles, paneer Manchurian) are plentiful too. If you have allergies, note that Indo-Chinese food is often cooked with soy sauce (contains gluten) and nuts (peanuts in schezwan sauce), so inquire politely. Many customers also add extra chili or sauces according to taste.
**Missteps to Avoid:** Don’t arrive right when the kitchen is about to close – it can sell out or cut off ordering. Checking the branch’s closing time (online) is wise. Also, some patrons say the spice level is quite high: if you prefer mild, explicitly mention “less spicy” when ordering. Finally, don’t expect table service for drinks – order drinks at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of One by Two branches?
Hours vary by location. For example, the Chembur outlet runs 11:00 am–11:30 pm (www.zomato.com ), while the Andheri East branch opens 12:00 pm–midnight (plus a late-night slot to 1:00 am) (www.zomato.com ). Check the specific branch (via their online listing) for exact times. Many outlets close by 11 pm, but a few (like Prabhadevi or Andheri) stay open past midnight (www.zomato.com ) (www.zomato.com ).
How can I place an order at One by Two?
There’s no online booking – just walk in or call the outlet. You can phone the branch (phone numbers are listed on its web or app page (www.zomato.com )) or use a food-delivery app like Zomato or Swiggy to order for pickup/delivery. For dine-in (Borivali or Andheri), you can also enter and order at the counter. During busy hours it’s smart to call ahead and reserve some dishes for pickup.
Does One by Two offer only delivery or also dine-in seating?
Most branches are delivery/ takeaway only, but a few have seating. The Borivali West outlet and the Andheri East (Aaqib’s) outlet have indoor seating and let you dine in; the rest (Chembur, Powai, Chakala, Prabhadevi, Jogeshwari) are pickup/delivery kitchens (www.zomato.com ) . If seating is important, head to Borivali or Andheri; otherwise, plan on takeout or delivery.
Are the One by Two outlets halal and vegetarian-friendly?
The chain mainly serves mainstream Chinese cuisine, with vegetarian and non-veg options. Paneer and vegetable Manchurian, chow mein, etc. are on the menu for vegetarians. Importantly, the Andheri East branch is explicitly halal (all meat is halal) (www.zomato.com ), and the other branches typically use similar halal ingredients. If in doubt, you can ask the staff – they usually accommodate simple requests (like “no meat” or “extra chili”).
What is the average price range at One by Two?
One by Two is inexpensive. Most single dishes or combo meals cost under ₹200 (www.zomato.com ). For example, a plate of Schezwan fried rice or chicken Manchurian might be around ₹150–₹250. The dine-in branches have higher pricing on drinks or specialty plates (~₹700 for two at Borivali (www.zomato.com )), but typical takeout orders are quite affordable. Overall, budget roughly ₹100–₹200 per person for a standard meal.
Where are 1 BY TWO outlets located, and how do I reach them?
Outlets are in Mumbai’s suburbs. The Chembur branch is at MMC shop on PL Lokhande Marg near Chembur Flyover (www.zomato.com ); Borivali outlet is in Kastur Park near Ganesh Mandir; Andheri East is at Shere Punjab Society on Marol Naka Road. Public transit is convenient: for Chembur, the Chedda Nagar local train station and the Chembur Monorail stop are both ~10 min walking distance (moovitapp.com ). For Borivali, the Western Line station is nearby; for Andheri East, use the metro or BEST buses on the Western Express Highway and Marol Naka corridor. Wheel-and-auto taxis can drop you right at the door. (Exact GPS addresses or landmarks can be found on map apps or the destination listing.)
Is parking available at One by Two locations?
None of the branches have dedicated parking. Street parking is very limited, and spots fill up fast. If you drive, you will likely have to park in a nearby paid lot or on the street some distance away. Two-wheeler parking is somewhat easier, often right in front of the shop. In practice, most visitors use autos or ride-hailing services (Ola/Uber/taxi) to avoid parking hassle. If you do park on the street, be sure to lock your vehicle as the area can get busy.
Can I call and reserve a table at 1 BY TWO?
No reservations or table bookings are offered. All seating is first-come-first-served. If you have a large group or exact timing in mind, it’s best to call ahead, but note that the branches mainly take takeaway orders. If you need confirmation, you can place an order by phone (the shop will hold it for you to pick up) (www.zomato.com ). For dining, just walk in early, especially on a weekend or holiday.
Are there any age or dress restrictions?
No formal age or dress regulations. Families, students and working professionals all dine here casually. There’s no need for fancy attire – normal casual clothes are fine. Children are welcome with parents, and the staff are used to accommodating table mixing (there are usually other families or friends around). If bringing kids, the only caution is that the food is often spicy, so mention “less spice” when ordering for children.
What are some recommended dishes or bestsellers?
Water-cooler reviews say 1 BY TWO excels at Schezwan fried rice (often listed as a specialty) and veg/Chicken Manchurian. Other crowd-pleasers include Hakka noodles (veg and chicken versions), chili chicken, and Manchow soup. From actual menu listings: Veg Schezwan Fried Rice, Veg Hakka Noodles and Chicken Chilli are top dishes (www.zomato.com ). Some go for novelty items: for example, the “Chicken Triple Schezwan” and “Paneer Malaysian” are specific dishes mentioned on online menus (www.zomato.com ). Because portions are large, many diners say one plate can serve two people.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes – a good portion of the menu is vegetarian. You’ll find veg Manchurian, vegetable chow mein, paneer curries, veg fried rice, and similar items. Even the Chinese gravies can usually be made with veggies or paneer instead of meat. Sadly, fully vegan (no eggs and no dairy) is harder – for example, many soya chow mein or Manchurian sauces use egg or dairy. If vegan, look for the “VEG” labels and ask if the dish can be made without egg. But vegetarians (ovo-lacto) will have many satisfying choices.
Can I pay by card or use digital wallets?
Yes. Though 1 BY TWO is casual, most branches accept credit/debit cards and some digital wallets. The Zomato listing for Borivali explicitly says “Cash and Cards accepted” (www.zomato.com ). In practice, we’ve seen customers swipe cards for dine-in and payment-by-delivery. It’s always safe to carry a bit of cash, but card payment (and app payment via delivery partners) is generally supported.
How clean and safe is the food?
From user reports, One By Two has a good hygiene track record. Many reviews explicitly mention the cleanliness of packaging (“nice packaging,” “tamper proof packaging” (www.zomato.com )) and the quality of ingredients. The cooking area isn’t on display, but deliveries come sealed and well-labeled. If you have specific concerns (e.g. eggs or peanuts), you can ask staff. Overall, it’s considered as safe as any reputable fast-food joint in Mumbai – indeed, many customers cite the careful packing and service as positives.
Is outside food or drink allowed?
No, standard restaurant policy applies: you cannot bring your own food or drinks inside. This is a private restaurant, so outside items aren’t allowed. If you ordered a drink or dessert from home, you’d be asked to consume it quickly or discard it. Stick to the menu stuff. There’s also likely no bottle service – again, this place has no alcohol license.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Lunch (1–3 pm) and dinner (8–9:30 pm) are the busiest times, especially on weekends. To avoid a line for dine-in, try arriving before noon or after 10 pm (for branches still open late). Mid-afternoon (4–6 pm) is usually quiet. Note that the kitchens continue cooking continuously, so even a 5 pm visit is fine. If you are ordering delivery or takeout, calling around 30 minutes before you want the food will help beat any rush. In short: outside peak meal times is best for a fast service experience.
Does One by Two have any loyalty program or discounts?
Not currently. One By Two doesn’t advertise any official loyalty scheme or membership card. However, occasional delivery app offers (like combo deals or festive promotions) may appear on Zomato/Swiggy. The best “deal” is ordering large family packs or combo meals when they run specials. Otherwise, the restaurant relies on word-of-mouth and repeat customers rather than coupon programs.
Who owns and runs One by Two?
One by Two appears to be a private local enterprise (likely family-run). Specific ownership details aren’t widely published, but anecdotally a person named Swapnil is associated with the brand (reviews mention “Thank you Swapnil” on orders (restaurant-guru.in )). It’s not a franchise or international brand – all branches are uniform in name and style, suggesting a single owners’ network. The focus is on street-level operations rather than corporate branding.
