If I had to name a few things that actually connect people in India, I’d say it’s festivals, films, and food. And Mumbai is one of the top cities to rule all of this, and so much more. Being the ‘City of Dreams,’ it is undoubtedly home to diverse groups of people. So when it comes to street food, there ought to be a harmonious blend of different cultures & cuisines. To have something for everyone. Most of Mumbai’s street food is quick, hassle-free, quite affordable, and excessively delicious. Let’s just jump into the list of the Top 15 mouth-watering street foods in Mumbai!
Top 15 Mouth-Watering Street Foods in Mumbai
1. Vada Pav
Vada Pav lies at the heart of Mumbai. It’s like every Mumbaikar’s all-time favorite fast street food. A delicious, spicy potato mix dumpling, dipped in gram flour, deep-fried in hot oil, and then placed in a bun of bread (Pav). Best relished with some fried green chilies, dry garlic chutney, spicy green chutney, and a hot Mumbai special Cutting Chai. Easily found anywhere & everywhere around Mumbai. Definitely a must-have: Mumbai’s very own Authentic Indian Burger.
2. Pav Bhaji
Another authentic Mumbai based street food is Pav Bhaji. It is an irresistible, spicy, buttery smooth and delicious delight, that one can never get tired of! A highly nutritious blend of a plenitude of mixed veggies that are cooked to perfection, and further spiced & sautéed in butter. Served hot with buttery Pav (Bread Bun). Finely chopped onion with a dash of lemon juice and a small Papad is the sides. Pav Bhaji is well deservingly loved by Mumbai!
3. Pani Puri
How can Pani Puri not be in the list of Mumbai’s best street food! Pani Puri is called as Gol Gappe, Gup Chup, Puchka, Pani Ke Patashe, etc. in various other cities & regions. It is extremely popular and delectable, as a light all-time snack. A crisp, fried round semolina Puri, is filled with spiced soaked Boondi, boiled potatoes or sprouts, and dunked in flavored spicy water (With Dhaniya, Pudina, Chillies, Tamarind, Roasted Jeera Powder & Chaat Masala). Truly one of its kind, and potentially an unmatched spicy treat that will keep you longing for more!
4. Bombay Sandwich
Bombay Sandwich: The name itself is proof enough of this street food’s origin & heart, Mumbai. The famous Bombay Sandwich has simplicity and flavor. It is super low priced and quite on the healthier side as well. The basic sandwich has slices of cucumber, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, beetroot, onion, and some Chaat Masala. These are sandwiched between two slices of white bread, with butter & green chutney applied on the inner sides of them. Toasted or grilled sandwiches are other options. One can also find many variations having Cheese, Paneer, etc. as per one’s taste.
5. Chaat
It’s hard to write about this genre of street food because words certainly cannot contain their irresistible Chatkara. Chaat includes various different types such as Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Dahi Puri, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Samosa Chaat, Ragada Pattice, Raj Kachori Chaat and the list goes on and on… Mouth-wateringly tempting & immensely delicious would also be an understatement for this crazy chaat feast you can have on the streets of Mumbai! The sweet, spicy and tangy flavours are sure to please your taste buds.
6. Misal Pav
Misal Pav has a pure Maharashtrian origin, and it serves as just the right mix of nutrition and taste. Misal (mixture) refers to mixed sprouts, that are usually cooked in a light tomato based curry. With the right spices and some oil, it is ready. The Misal is served with toasted Pav and finely chopped onions on the side. Some people also add Namkeen Farsan on top. Misal Pav is a mildly spicy, wholesome, and tasty breakfast option; that is easily found on the streets of Mumbai.
7. Samosa
Samosa is another super popular street food that can be found in Mumbai. A flavoured potato mix is filled inside a flattened dough of Maida or refined flour; that is made like a cone, then sealed in a triangular shape. Deep fried in hot oil until crisp and golden brown on the outside, and moist on the inside. This deep fried triangular goodness is a sure delicacy, best relished with some spicy chutney or tomato ketchup. Some people also prefer having a combination of Samosa Pav.
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8. Bhajiya
Bhajiya, also called as Pakodas or Fritters are very easily found in and around the streets of Mumbai. There are a plethora of different types of fritters or Bhajiya one can get here. The options range from Aloo, Kaanda, Mirchi, Bread, Palak, Moong Dal, Corn and what not! The only condition is that they should be enjoyed Garma Garam, that is super hot & fresh. It’s such street food that keeps Mumbai going, without being too heavy on the pocket.
9. Kothimbir Wadi
Kothimbir Wadi or Dhaniya Wadi have coriander leaves as their core ingredient. It is a top-notch Maharashtrian delicacy that is one of its kind. It basically has Besan, Curd, some selected spices and lots & lots of fresh, lush green coriander leaves. This mix is cooked, cooled down and then cut into pieces before frying. Served with some authentic Pudiney Ki Chutney (Mint dip) and Adrak Waali Chai. Definitely a must-try street food option in Mumbai.
10. Chana Jor Garam
Chana Jor Garam is as unique in its presentation and taste, as its name. On the streets of Mumbai, you can find vendors having small baskets or carts that offer Chana Jor Garam. They usually have lots of different types of ingredients in multiple big packets. Super low-priced, and pretty awesome in terms of flavour & uniqueness. It’s a tangy & spicy mix that is made with utmost personalization.
11. Kaanda Poha
Kaanda Poha is also a really nice breakfast option as Mumbai’s street food. Steaming hot Poha or flat rice is cooked with onions, curry leaves, green chillies and mustard leaves’ tempering. It’s very light, and not quite spicy, having just some salt and turmeric, instead of very many spices. Kaanda Poha is all set to be served hot with a dash of lemon juice, a bit of onion and some Aloo Bhujiya or crisp Sev sprinkled on top of it.
12. Frankie
Frankie or Wrap is a really nice street food that can be enjoyed on the go as well. The chapati or tortilla is filled with tonnes of different kinds of fillings such as Paneer, Potato, Cheese etc. It is made as per your taste, and you can choose what kind of filling you would prefer in your Frankie. There are various different outlets on the streets of Mumbai, that offer Frankies at really cool prices, and various choices for the mix to be filled inside.
13. Dosa
Dosas or various other South Indian dishes also have room on the streets of Mumbai. You can get Idli, Medu Wada, Dosas of different types like Sada Dosa, Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, Paper Dosa, Cheese Dosa etc. These food choices are usually quite on the healthier side. Mumbai has welcomed South Indian cuisine to be offered as street food, as it’s not just delicious, but also very satisfying.
14. Sabudana Vada
Sabudana Vada is made with tapioca pearls or sago. It is usually a mix of soaked sago, boiled potatoes, some salt, sugar, cumin seeds and green chillies. This mix is made into ball-like shapes, flattened a bit, and then deep-fried in hot oil until golden crisp on the outside, and moist & gooey on the inside. It’s a popular food item in Mumbai that people have a lot during fasting, in the festive season. Sabudana Khichdi is another variation of tapioca pearls.
15. Falooda
How can a food list ever complete without some dessert! Falooda is a popular dessert found in Mumbai. It has ice cream, rose milk, smooth & soft vermicelli noodles, black basil seeds, khus syrup, jelly and dry fruits like cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios etc. It’s a sweet treat in a glass that is icy cold, both nutty & smooth, and quite unique. Nowadays, you can also find different flavours such as Kesar, Paan, Chocolate, Butterscotch, Kulfi etc. and also the ones with seasonal fruits like strawberries or mango. You should surely try some classic Falooda at a street or local eatery in Mumbai.
The streets of Mumbai have a lot more varieties of street food to offer, such as Tandoori Food, Chinese Noodles, Manchurian, Fried Rice, Gold Fingers, other schezwan stuff etc., Kachori, Momos, Kebabs, Shawarma, Potato Tornado, Fries, Chhole Bhature, Dahi Bhalle, Dhokla, Khandvi, Jalebi, Fafda, Bun Maska, Bhutta, Malai Kulfi, Ice Gola… and the list certainly doesn’t seem to end! But these were the Top 15 Mouth-Watering Street Foods in Mumbai that are highly popular, absolutely spot on in taste, and must-haves when you’re in Mumbai! Let us know in the comments, which one is your favourite?
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