Mumbai, the bustling and vibrant city on the west coast of India, is a melting pot of cultures and influences. And what better way to experience this diversity than through its street food? With a history steeped in trade and colonialism, Mumbai’s street food scene is a reflection of its past, with a unique blend of Indian and international flavors.
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Recently, I had the opportunity to take part in a food walk through Mumbai’s famous street food scene. And let me tell you, it was an absolute treat for the senses. From savory snacks to mouthwatering sweets, I got to indulge in some of the city’s most iconic dishes. And I cannot wait to share my experience with you.
So, join me as I take you on a culinary journey through Mumbai’s bustling streets, exploring popular dishes and learning about their history.
Mumbai Street Foods: Puriwala
Our food walk began at a small but bustling eatery known as Puriwala. As the name suggests, puri (deep-fried flatbread) is the star of the show here. But what makes this place truly special is the variety of puris they offer – from spinach and beetroot to paneer and plain. And let me tell you, they were all delicious! Served with a side of chole (chickpea curry) and pumpkin curry, this dish was a perfect start to our food walk.
Mumbai Street Foods: Vada Pav
Walking towards the famous VT station (now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus), we stopped at a crowded stall serving one of Mumbai’s most beloved street foods – Vada Pav. This iconic snack consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) sandwiched between two pieces of bread (pav) along with a variety of chutneys and sauces. A must-try for anyone visiting Mumbai, the Vada Pav did not disappoint with its burst of flavors and textures.
From the simplicity of Puriwala to the chaos of the Pav Bhaji lane, every dish and every street had something unique to offer.
Mumbai Street Foods: Pav Bhaji
As we made our way through the busy streets, our next stop was a lane filled with stalls selling Pav Bhaji – a popular dish made of mashed vegetables and spices served with bread buns. The aroma of butter and spices filled the air as we watched the vendors skillfully prepare this dish on their large tawas (griddles). And let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The combination of the flavorful vegetables and the soft, buttery buns was simply divine.
And that’s not all – this lane also had stalls selling other popular street foods such as Bada Pav, Tawa Pulao, and Idli. The vibrant atmosphere and endless options made it hard to leave.
Mumbai Street Foods: Lassi & Jalebi
No food journey in Mumbai is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. And our food walk had just the perfect stop for that – a small stall serving piping hot jalebis (crispy, syrupy fritters) and refreshing lassi (a yogurt-based drink). These two classic Indian sweets were a match made in heaven, with the tartness of the lassi perfectly balancing out the sweetness of the jalebis.
Mumbai Street Foods: Biryani
As we walked towards our final stop, we passed by street vendors selling everything from chaat (savory snacks) to fresh fruits. But our destination was a small eatery known for its irresistible biryani (a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables). The aroma of spices hit us as soon as we entered the place, and we knew we were in for a treat. Served with a side of raita (a yogurt-based dip), this biryani was the perfect end to our food walk.
4am biryani cravings in mumbai! Well nourished by @TajLandsEnd Bandra pic.twitter.com/c7J89EStG8
— shallaying (@shallaying) January 20, 2024
So, if you ever find yourself in Mumbai, make sure to take a food walk through its streets. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to let me know about your experience in the comments below!