If you’re a foodie in Mumbai, you’ll have something new to try every day. With the diversity present in Mumbai, there is so much of variety in food, it makes the city a food paradise. Ranging from cheap, lip smacking street food to fancy fine dining restaurants, Mumbai has it all. If you live away from home, these foods are cheap and will also help you and your roommate eat on a budget. These are also great to fulfil all your late night cravings. To add to your list of must try Mumbai’s famous food, here is a list of some of the most iconic ones. Most of the items here are street food in Mumbai, because that’s where the best is usually found!
1. Vada Pav

How can we speak of food in Mumbai and not mention Vada Pav? Mumbai’s obsession with Pav has resulted in almost every dish having Pav. Vada Pav is also a daily staple for many because of its extremely affordable price. Deep fried potato coated with besan (gram flour) and Pav. Don’t forget the delicious chutneys that elevate this dish. Choose from a sweet chutney, spicy green chutney and the famous dry garlic chutney along with your Vada Pav. While you’re there, do check if they have hot bread cutlets and bhajiyas If your roommate and you are looking for the perfect snack, go grab a Vada Pav in your locality.
Best Vada Pav in Mumbai: Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar, Anand Vada Pav opp Mithibai College, Satish Vada Pav in Sion
2. Falooda

A sweet coolant with the most delightful taste, this beverage is another favourite and famous food in Mumbai. Made with flavoured syrup, milk, sev(vermicelli), sabja (sweet basil seeds) and topped with ice cream. Traditionally made with rose syrup, there are various other flavours available now. It’s a perfect way to end your meal, but leave some room for it, as falooda can, be quite filling in itself. If your roommate and you are on the hunt for a dessert or beverage, definitely try out Falooda.
Best Falooda in Mumbai: Badshah Falooda in Crawford, Baba Falooda in Mahim
3. Chaat

Chaat, just the name can make people drool. If you’re in Mumbai, you cannot miss out on having some of the most chatpata chaat. From paani puri (do not call it gol gappa), sev puri, bhel (puffed rice tossed in chutney and veggies), dahi puri, ragda pattice and much more, head out to the streets of Mumbai to taste this delight. Paani Puris filled with potato, ragda or sprouts and paani that is sweet, spicy or a combination of both. If you’re not sure whether you’ll like the other things or not, simply go for chaat, you can’t go wrong with it.
Best Chaat in Mumbai: Any Chowpatty/Beach in Mumbai
4. Sandwiches

Another street food in Mumbai that is popular all across are sandwiches. With the Toasted Bombay Sandwich consisting of vegetables and chutney being the most popular, there are various new variants for you to try out. Pasta, Manchurian, Cheese Garlic, Paneer are some other popular sandwiches that people love. If you want something sweet, chocolate and cheese sandwiches are available at certain stalls. So for a great snack time with your roommate, definitely head out to one of the street side sandwich stalls. With the number of options available, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Best Sandwiches in Mumbai: Anand’s Stall opp. Mithibai College, Sandwich guy outside St Xavier’s College at Fort
5. Pav Bhaji

Another must try dish in Mumbai that has Pav, the very famous Pav Bhaji. People in Mumbai love their Pav Bhaji for its spicy and buttery flavour. Mashed vegetables with spices, served with hot buttered pav. Everyone has a different favourite depending on the way they like their Pav Bhaji, so a little exploring, and you will find your perfect one. Pav Bhaji is a great meal or late night snack and there are many places in Mumbai where you’ll get great Pav Bhaji, so make sure you and your roommates try this one.
Best Pav Bhaji in Mumbai: Cannon Pav Bhaji in Fort, Amar Juice Cemtr in Vile Parle, Sardar Pav Bhaji in Tardeo
6. Akuri

Akuri, another favourite in Mumbai, is a Parsi dish that is made of spicy scrambled eggs. It’s one of the most ordered breakfast items in the legendary Parsi restaurants in Mumbai. The scrambled eggs have delicious spices and are popularly served on bread toast, known as Akuri on toast. If you love spices and egg, this is a dish you’ll surely enjoy. If you’ve headed to a Parsi restaurant also try their omelette and kheema pav for a culinary delight.
Best Akuri in Mumbai: Kyani & Co in Fort.
7. Dabeli

Another popular dish you’ll find in Mumbai is Dabeli. This too has the Mumbaikars favourite, Pav. Dabeli has a potato filling along with chutneys, masalas, onion, sev, pomegranate and roasted peanuts. Its tangy tamarind chutney, sweet pomegranate and spicy masala give it a unique combination flavour. This dish that is originally from Kutch (Kachchh) is now a favourite snack in Mumbai. If your roommate and you are looking to try a different and delicious snack, definitely go try a dabeli.
Best Dabeli in Mumbai: Kapil Dabeli near Kirti college in Andheri, Dabeli House in Vile Parle.
8. Kebabs

If you’re a hardcore non vegetarian, here’s a treat for you. In Mumbai you can find some of the most succulent kebabs. They’re the perfect combination of juicy, tender, crispy and will melt in your mouth. Got you craving it already? Well, that’s how delicious they are. At street stalls, kebabs are only available in the evening post 7pm and are frequented by many people. Both chicken and mutton kebabs are perfectly made and will leave you wanting for more. If you’ve not already understood, these kebabs are heavenly and you have to try them!
Best Kebabs in Mumbai: Bademiyaan in Colaba, Sarvi in Byculla
9. Icecream

Craving for some delicious ice cream? Mumbai definitely has something unique to offer here. There are two ice creams which you must try with your roommate. First, the ice cream at the local Mewad carts. Various flavours to choose from, in a crispy and crunchy come, definitely the perfect way to end a meal. Next, the ice cream from K Rustom in Churchgate. This Parsi ice cream parlour offers some of the best flavoured ice cream sandwiches. A classic favourite that you should definitely try out.
10. Chinese Bhel

Just like most Chinese Dishes in Mumbai, this too has nothing to do with authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s a famous street in Mumbai, mostly loved by students. It consists of fried noodle sticks and cabbage tossed in some spicy and mouth watering schezwan chutney. Few other variations are available too with added vegetables and chicken. You’ll usually find stalls outside schools and colleges. For all those who love spice, chinese bhel is something you should try in Mumbai.
Mumbai has so many new things to try out, and its food should definitely be on top of that list. So those were 10 Mumbai’s famous food that you must try with your roommate. Most of these dishes are inexpensive and are usually available at all times to even fulfil your midnight cravings. Now you know where you can find great food in Mumbai!
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