Top 10 Best Street Foods in Mumbai

Mumbai, the city of dreams, is also the city of flavors. From its bustling streets to the coastal promenades, the city’s love for street food is evident everywhere. Be it a quick bite during a busy day or a late-night indulgence, Mumbai’s street food culture offers a feast for all the senses. Let’s take a deep dive into the Top 10 Best Street Foods in Mumbai, each offering a unique flavor that reflects the vibrant culture of this megacity. Here’s your ultimate guide to these iconic dishes and where to find their best versions.

1. Vada Pav: Mumbai’s Iconic Snack

No street food tour in Mumbai is complete without the quintessential Vada Pav. Often referred to as the “Indian burger,” this humble snack is a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between a soft pav (bread roll) and served with tangy chutneys. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of Mumbai—simple, affordable, and packed with flavor.

Best Places to Try:

Aaram Vada Pav: Located just outside CST station near Residency Hotel Fort, this iconic spot is loved for its fluffy pav and crispy vada.

Anand Vada Pav: Located in Vile Parle East, this joint attracts everyone from college students to business professionals.

2. Pav Bhaji: A Buttery Delight

A dish born in Mumbai’s textile mills, Pav Bhaji is a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) cooked with butter and served with soft, buttery pav. This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser and has become synonymous with Mumbai street food.

Best Places to Try:

Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo: Famous for its indulgent use of butter, this is the place to go for a rich, flavorful pav bhaji.

Cannon Pav Bhaji, CST: Centrally located, this eatery offers a quick and delicious take on this beloved dish.

3. Bhel Puri: A Tangy Treat

For a light, refreshing snack, Bhel Puri is a go-to. This popular dish is a mix of puffed rice, sev (crunchy noodles), chopped vegetables, and tangy chutneys, all tossed together with a dash of lemon. It’s a snack that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Best Places to Try:

Elco Pani Puri Centre, Bandra: Famous for its hygienic and tasty Bhel puri, this spot is a favorite for locals.

Carter’s Blue, Carter Road, Bandra: Enjoy your Bhel puri with a view of the sea at this scenic spot.

4. Pani Puri: Burst of Flavors

Pani Puri (also known as Golgappa in the north) is a must-try for any street food lover. These crispy puris filled with tangy, spicy water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas deliver an explosion of flavors in every bite. Eating pani puri on the streets of Mumbai is as much about the experience as it is about the taste.

Best Places to Try:

Paradise Pani Puri, Juhu: Known for its delicious, spicy pani, this is a top spot for pani puri enthusiasts.

Dilli Chaat Center, Ghatkopar: Offers a North Indian-style version that is packed with bold flavors.

5. Kebabs: Grilled Goodness

Mumbai’s streets are not just about vegetarian fare. Kebabs, especially Seekh kebabs and tikkas, are a favorite among meat lovers. Juicy, tender, and grilled to perfection, these kebabs are smoky, spicy, and utterly delicious.

Best Places to Try:

Bademiya, Colaba: A legendary spot for late-night kebabs, known for its perfectly spiced chicken tikka and mutton Seekh kebabs.

Sarvi, Byculla: This century-old kebab joint is an institution in itself, serving some of the best kebabs in town.

6. Misal Pav: A Spicy Kick

For a truly fiery experience, try Misal Pav. This Maharashtrian delicacy consists of a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils, topped with crunchy sev, onions, and coriander, served with pav. The combination of textures and the burst of heat make this dish a favorite among spice lovers.

Best Places to Try:

Aaswad, Dadar: Awarded for having the best misal in Mumbai, Aaswad offers a balanced, flavorful version of this spicy dish.

Prakash Upahaar Kendra, Shivaji Park: Another classic joint where you can enjoy a plate of mouthwatering misal pav.

7. Dabeli: Sweet, Spicy, and Crunchy

Hailing from Gujarat, Dabeli has carved out a niche for itself on Mumbai’s street food scene. This delicious snack features a spicy potato mixture stuffed in a pav, topped with tangy chutneys, pomegranate seeds, and roasted peanuts. The contrasting flavors and textures make Dabeli a hit with Mumbaikars.

Best Places to Try:

Kirti College Dabeli, Dadar: A local favorite known for its flavorful, perfectly spiced Dabeli.

Kirti Parbat Dabeli, Ghatkopar: Another great spot for this Gujarati delight.

8. Kheema Pav: A Hearty Meal

For those craving meat, Kheema Pav is a must-try. This dish features spicy, minced meat curry served with buttery pav. A hearty meal that is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, Kheema Pav is a treat for carnivores.

Best Places to Try:

Good Luck Kheema Pav, Bandra: A beloved joint that serves some of the best Kheema Pav in the city.

Cafe Gulshan, Andheri: Known for its spicy, perfectly cooked kheema, this spot is a hidden gem.

9. Frankie: A Quick, Flavorful Wrap

Frankie is Mumbai’s version of a wrap. Rolled in soft roti, the filling options include spiced chicken, mutton, paneer, or vegetables. It’s a portable snack that packs a punch, making it a popular choice for those on the go.

Best Places to Try:

Bachelors, Chowpatty: Famous for its Frankies and milkshakes, this spot is perfect for a quick bite by the sea.

10. Kulfi: A Sweet Ending

No street food journey is complete without dessert, and Kulfi is the perfect way to end your feast. This traditional Indian ice cream comes in flavors like mango, pistachio, and rose. Creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a sweet conclusion to your street food adventure.

Best Places to Try:

K Rustom’s Ice Cream, Churchgate: Known for its kulfi sandwiches, this iconic spot is a must-visit.

Gokul Ice Cream, Shivaji Park: Offers a wide variety of kulfi flavors, perfect for cooling off after a spicy meal.

Conclusion: Savor Every Bite

Mumbai’s street food scene is a culinary journey that reflects the city’s diversity, vibrancy, and love for flavors. From the spicy vada pav to the refreshing kulfi, every dish tells a story. So the next time you find yourself wandering through the streets of Mumbai, make sure you indulge in these iconic street foods—you won’t regret it!