Street Foods is to Mumbai is that Eiffel Tower is to Paris. An experience you simply cannot afford to miss. In case you haven’t planned anything on arrival, a strong recommendation would be to slash out the historical places; if there are any remaining, do visit the streets for a large variety. Here’s what you may come across.
Mysore Masala Dosa
Where? – Outside Sophia College, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mysore Masala Dosa outside Sophia College has re-defined the manner in which South Indian foods have become a part of our breakfast regime. Crispy at the edges, pulpy and soft towards the centre, it’s not just favourite only students at Sophia College, the place has high-profile residents at Pedder Road, Warden Road and Kemps Corner, too, grabbing a bite. Highly recommended by CNN Travel, this is a must visit spot for all travelling to Mumbai for the first time.
The Bombay Sandwich
Where? – Sandwich Wallah Outside Xavier’s College, VT
The staple of every Mumbaikar, the sandwiches here are appreciated for its practical food quality and gastronomical satisfaction. If you’re too tired to think, then its best to hog a sandwich. The one outside St Xavier’s tops the list of Sandwiches in Mumbai. And with so much variety, you are sure of not going with an empty stomach.
Pav Bhaji
Where? – Cannon Pav Bhaji Stall, VT
Pav Bhaaji is rolling all across Mumbai city. Trouble is to find the one that best describes the original taste. If you aren’t satiated with the taste so far, chances are you haven’t tried Cannon Pav Bhaji at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT). A closely guarded secret, the recipe for Pav Bhaji here has been run and managed by ladies for almost four decades now. A stand-and-eat joint, Canon Pav Bhaji has been attracting a huge crowd of everyday commuters as well as the occasional visitors of VT.
Bhel Puri
Where? – Stalls Outside Chowpatty
A common Chaat-like quick savoury recipe for the taste buds is the ‘Bhel Puri.’ Chowpatty is seem to have choked the entire beach with its huge fan following, especially after 6PM. Covering the crowd at three Chowpatty beaches of Mumbai – Juhu, Dadar and Girgaum, these Bhel Puri stalls in Mumbai has created their fame through their outstanding mixing and preparing style.
Vada Pav
Where? – Opposite Mithibai College, Vile Parle West
Street food has never been complete without the staple Vada Pav. A simple potato deep fried dumpling in Pav, the craze of this street food never ceases to die out. If you are trying this out for the first time, it is highly recommended that you try the best at Dheeraj Vada Pav, opposite Mithibai College. Raided every day for its superlative quality by students galore, one can’t miss the lip smacking green chutney while you are enjoying Vada Pav at Mithibai College in Mumbai.
Misal Pav
Where? – Mamledar Kacheri, Thane West
Spicy to the core, Misal Pav is yet another to-die-for-street-food in Mumbai. Though people of Pune are in a constant tussle on who has the spicier version; there’s nothing to bear the Misal Pav of Mamledar Kacheri at Thane West. Spicy that will make you teary eyed, almost always. It’s the best ‘teekha’ (supreme spicy) affair you could have asked for.
Baida Roti
Where? – Bade Miya, Colaba, Mumbai
Bade Miya is perennially famous for its no veg affair. Minced meat (Keema) topped with egg (Baida) and rolled squarely into a roti, and filled in square shaped roti, this has been the hot favourite since long. You can be sure to be stuffed if you make a trip here. Visited by actors and celebs alike, the place also attracts cricketers and industrialists.
Falooda
Where? – Badshah, Crawford Market, Lokmanya Tilak Marg, Mumbai
While talking of spicy food, can the royal cooler be far behind? Badshah’s Falooda at Crawford Market has had its loyalists for as long as one can remember. A great pick on a hot and humid day, after a tiresome shopping ordeal, the place offers you luscious varieties of Falooda available at Badshah. Pick the rose flavour as the current favourite.
Juices
Haji Ali Juice Centre, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
A one-of-a-kind foodie joint, the Haji Ali Juice centre is one for quick fixes. These may either comprise of the regular juices or delicacies like the Sitafal cream and milk shake. If you are looking for a tummy fulfilling experience in the heat, this is a sure shot winner.
Zunka Bhakar
Where? – Any Zunka Bhakar Kendra
A Maharashtrian staple, the introduction of Zunka Bhakar was a way to connect with a forgotten quick recipe. Made with chopped onion along with chickpea flour, Zunka gets its perfect companion in Bhakar, made from Jowar. A delicacy worth trying, the dish gives you a taste of the city with its acceptable flavours.
So, which is your favourite street-food and the foodie destination in Mumbai?
