Street food in mumbai

 Mumbai, the city of dreams, is truly a magical place for not just aspirers but for foodies also. Its cultural diversity is what attracts people which can totally be seen in the culinary richness the city offers. Whether it’s Maharashtran, Gujarati, South-Indian, Parsi, or Muslim, there are a number of dishes to eat in Mumbai with countless flavours, colours, and textures. One can easily taste the true flavours of Mumbai’s best dishes without even worrying about the pockets. So, take a look at the top 10 food to eat in Mumbai.

1. Vada pav

Vada pav, alternatively spelt wada pao, It is a vegetarian fast food dish. Ashok Vaidya of Dadar is often credited with starting the first vada pav stall outside Dadar railway station in 1966. The dish consists of a deep fried potato dumpling placed inside a bread bun (pav) sliced almost in half through the middle. It is generally accompanied with one or more chutneys and a green chili pepper. Although it originated as an affordable street food in Mumbai, it is now served in food stalls and restaurants across India. The most famous snack in Mumbai, vada pav is claimed to be a part of the culture of Mumbaikars. 

Where To Try:- Anand Vada Pav Stall & Parleshwar Vada Pav Samrat in Vile Parle West, Ashok Vada pav & Shree Krishna Vada Pav in Dadar, Kirti vada pav, Aram Vada Pav in CSMT etc.

2. Pav Bhaaji

Pav bhaji is a fast food dish from India consisting of a thick vegetable curry (bhaji) served with a soft bread roll (pav). It originated in the city of Mumbai. The dish originated as a fast lunchtime dish for textile mill workers in Mumbai. Pav bhaji was later served at restaurants throughout the city.

Variations on pav bhaji include:- Cheese pav bhaji, Fried pav bhaji, Paneer pav bhaji, Mushroom pav bhaji, Jain pav bhaji etc. 

Where To Try:- DP's Fast Food Center at Matunga, Shree Ram Pav Bhaji at Juhu Beach, Cannon Pav Bhaji at CSMT etc.

3. Pani Puri

Talk about chaat and you have a great amounts of street-style fare that people will recommend. But, if there is one that is close to everyone’s heart, it’s pani puri. This Mumbai street food staple features crisp, hollow puris (usually made with sooji or semolina flour). And yet there are ample different iterations even within this colourful dish—some with boondi, some with sprouts, some spiced with a tangy chutney and others filled with mint-infused water. Northerners might know them as gol gappas, or puchkas they may be called in West Bengal–in Mumbai, though, it’s ‘pani puri’ which is the much-loved street food that commands a host of loyalists. Everyone has their own favourite style and you won’t be hard-pressed to find a good version of this, whether from a street-side stall, sweet mart, or restaurant.

Where To Try:- Elco Pani puri centre in Bandra, B Bhagwat Tarachad, Jhama Sweets & Sindh Pani puri in Chembur, Shreeji Stall in Borivali West, Guru Kripa at Sion West, Punjab Sweet House at Bandra West etc.

4. Misal Pav

Spicy, savoury and with lots of pungency and heat to it, misal pav is a street food favourite and you’ll find this dish practically in every corner of the city. This popular snack and breakfast dish features a spicy red curry with sprouted beans, topped with farsan or sev, chopped onions, coriander and a dash of lemon for that zesty flavour. It’s served with soft, white pav for a comforting meal that’s also easy on the pocket. You can taste different varieties of misal pav in mumbai. 

Where To Try:- Café Bharat in Churchgate, Vinay Health Home in Charni Road, Anand Bhuvan Hotel in Lower Parel, Mama Kane & Aaswad in Dadar West, Ladu Samrat in Parel etc.

5. Bombay Sandwich

The Bombay sandwich is iconic for many reasons–it’s an ode to the city’s hustle and on-the-go culture, with ingredients that are cheap, filling and satisfying. You have layers of soft potatoes, sometimes cooked with spices, along with cucumber, beetroot, onions, a slathering of butter and cheese, and spicy green chutney—all toasted to perfection between slices of white bread, and topped with crunchy sev or cheese, whatever you prefer. Mostly found at street stalls, as a cheap alternative for a snack or a quick meal, the Bombay sandwich has developed into a cult-favourite and street staple, no matter which part of the city you’re in.

Where To Try:- Sanjay Singh Sandwichwala at Kala Ghoda, Sandwich stalls outside Mithibai College, Raju Sandwich at Churchgate etc.

6. Kheema Pav

Kheema Pav, the spicy minced meat curry served with freshly baked bun is one of the most popular dishes in Mumbai. People love to gorge on this classic breakfast dish in Mumbai at some of the popular Parsi food joints. This lip-smacking dish a favorite for those who love non-veg food and you can find this dish on the menu of small food joints as well as popular pubs.

Where To Try:- Bombay Food TruckComplex in Bandra Kurla Complex, Soda Bottle Openerwala in BKC, Britannia & Co. Restaurant in Fort, Café Military in Fort, Koolar & Co. in Matunga, Kyani & Co. at Marine Lines, Cafe Irani Chaii in Mahim, Lucky Restaurant in Bandra etc.

7. Biryani

Featuring chunks of slow-cooked meat or chicken, potatoes (in several cases), a mélange of spices and fragrant basmati rice that’s then layered and cooked together for an earthy aroma—biryani is one of those quintessential Indian dishes you can’t go wrong with. Whether it’s a mildly-spiced Lucknowi or Awadhi-style biryani, or a more robust Maharashtrian biryani found in Mumbai, the options are endless.

Where To Try:- Persian Darbar at Bandra West, Peetuk at Powai, Delhi Darbar at Colaba, Cafe Noorani at Tardeo, Lucky Restaurant at Bandra West, Behrouz biryani etc.

8. Falooda

Falooda, also known as faluda, is an Indian summer dessert drink created with layers of milk, ice cream, and rose syrup. This classic Indian dessert is great for warmer weather and outdoor dining, and may be found in restaurants and even on the streets in many Indian cities.

Where To Try:- Haji Ali Juice Center, Badshah Cold Drinks, Baba Falooda, Shalimar Cool Point etc.

9. South Indian Food

Mumbai's fast life leaves little time for everyone to cook; so it isn't a surprise that many people start their morning with a breakfast out in restaurants. While there are many good breakfast places around the city, South Indian cafes have made a special place for themselves in the category owing to their quick service and delicious food.

Where To Try:- Poornima Restaurant at Lower Parel & Fort, Cafe Vrindavan at Sion, South Of Vindhyas – The Orchid at Vile Parle East, Mani’s Lunch Home & Cafe Mysore & Hotel Ramashray & Arya Bhavan & Cafe Madras at Matunga, Simbly South at Andheri East, Dakshinayan at Malabar Hill etc.

10. CSMT Khau Galli

The Khau Galli Mumbai pav bhaji is considered a quick snack for the busy Mumbaikars. That’s not only tasty but also suits every pocket. Cannon at Khau Galli Mumbai CST provides you one such flavourful Pav Bhaji. The Bhaji involves a perfect mix of vegetables, topped with butter & sprinkled with coriander. This vegetable gets served along with soft & puffy pavs. A slice of lemon & finely chopped onions skyrockets the taste. And, not just this, if you are at this Khau Galli of Mumbai, you can also opt for freshly prepared pizzas and layered burgers at Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Subway, etc. 

11. Mahim Khau Galli

Located near the Mahim Dargah, Mahim Khau Galli is one of the busiest and one of the most popular food streets of Mumbai. Lined with an array of food stalls and eateries, there are a variety of dishes and fusion foods that you can find here. Buzzing with college crowd and young office goers, the highlight of the place is its very famous khichda or haleem and ice cream from Baba Falooda. Other delicacies include sheer khurma, chicken tandoori, baida roti, khiri and more.

Must Try :- Baba Falooda, Makhdoom Masahab, Hussain Khichdawala, Garib Nawaz etc.

#AamchiMumbai