From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Mumbai offers a gastronomic journey. Here are ten must-try dishes that will entice your tastebuds and leave you craving more.
Vada Pav
The popular Indian burger is an exceptional street food from Mumbai. It consists of a spicy potato vada sandwiched between pav and chutneys.
Pav Bhaji
A Mumbai classic, pav bhaji is a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered pav bread, topped with diced onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon.
Pani Puri
Also known as golgappa or phuchka, pani puri is a famed street snack consisting of crispy hollow puris filled with spicy, tangy water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas.
Bombay Sandwich
A delightful combination of boiled potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and chutneys layered between slices of bread and grilled to perfection.
Misal Pav
A spicy curry of sprouted moth beans, topped with crunchy sev, onions, and coriander, served with buttered pav bread.
Bhel Puri
Bhel puri is a crunchy and tangy mixture of puffed rice, chopped vegetables, tamarind chutney, and spices, a perfect snack on the beach.
Kheema Pav
Minced meat cooked with flavourful and aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and peas, served with buttered pav bread, a favourite among meat lovers.
Dabeli
Originating from Gujarat but widely loved in Mumbai, dabeli is a spicy potato filling with chutneys, onions, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds, served in a soft bun.
Chicken Tikka Roll
A famous grab-and-go option is succulent pieces of marinated chicken tikka wrapped in a roti, paired with onions, chutneys, and spices.
Malpua
A decadent dessert made from fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup and with nuts, served hot, a sinful indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.
FAQs About Dishes in Mumbai to Eat:
Q: What is Mumbai’s speciality dish?
A: Mumbai is famous for its street food, with dishes like vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri among the most popular specialities.
Q: Where do you savour the best street food in Mumbai?
A: Head to iconic street food hubs like Chowpatty Beach, Mohammad Ali Road, and Khau Gallis (food lanes) in areas like Ghatkopar and Vile Parle for the best street food experience.
Q: Is street food safe to try?
A: While street food is generally safe, choosing crowded stalls is essential to ensure freshness and hygiene.
Q: What is the difference between vada pav and pav bhaji?
A: Vada pav consists of a spicy potato patty served in a bun, while pav bhaji is a zesty vegetable mash served with buttered pav bread.
Q: Are there vegetarian options available for street food in Mumbai?
A: Yes, Mumbai provides a range of vegetarian street food options, including pav bhaji, pani puri, bhel puri, and dabeli.
Q: Can I find non-vegetarian street food in Mumbai?
A: Yes, Mumbai’s street food scene also includes non-vegetarian options like chicken tikka rolls, kebabs, and seafood dishes.
Q: What is the best time to enjoy street food in Mumbai?
A: Post-evening is the best time to enjoy street food in Mumbai, as many stalls and food joints open during these hours.
Q: How much does street food cost in Mumbai?
A: Street food prices in Mumbai vary depending on the dish and the location, but most street snacks are affordable and budget-friendly.
Q: Are there any famous sweets in Mumbai that you can try?
A: Yes, Mumbai is known for its delicious sweets, such as malpua, jalebi, modak, and shrikhand, which are available at sweet shops across the city.
Q: Can I find international cuisine in Mumbai?
A: Yes, Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse culinary scene. Restaurants and cafes throughout the city offer a wide range of international cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, Lebanese, and more.
