Street Food Safari: Must-Try Dishes in Mumbai & Where to Find Them

October 18, 2025

Mumbai, which is also known as the city that never sleeps, is not just about the skyscrapers and Bollywood celebrities! It has much more to offer, and one of which is street food! It’s heaven for those who are food lovers and try to explore the variety of cuisines. The city’s soul lives in its crowded alleys, buzzing beaches, and aromatic street corners where vendors serve up delicious, affordable dishes all day and night. If you’re planning a street food safari in Mumbai, get ready for a flavourful roller coaster. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and where you can find the most authentic versions.

Street Food Tour in Mumbai

Why Choose Street Food Tours in Mumbai?

1. Vada Pav – The Iconic Burger of Mumbai

It would be impossible to discuss Mumbai Street cuisine without bringing up Vada Pav. Consider it the Indian equivalent of a burger: a hot potato fritter (vada) served within a bun (pav), frequently flavoured with fried chillies and chutneys.

Where to Try:

Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar – This place is a must try for Vada paav. It is a famous joint for locals as well as celebrities.
Anand Stall, Ville Parle – It is one of the oldest vada paav stall situated right across the street from Mithibai college. It is always crowded with students and regular people alike.

2. Pav Bhaji – A Rich, Butter-Laden Delight

The thick vegetable dish known as Pav Bhaji is served with lemon juice, buttery pav, and onions. For anyone who want a tasty, filling supper without breaking the bank, this is the ideal recipe.

Where to Try:

Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo – You will want to come here again and again. It is known for its extra extra buttery overloaded pav bhaji. A must try!
Cannon Pav Bhaji, CST Station – Great for a quick, hearty meal before catching a train or exploring South Mumbai.

3. Bombay Sandwich – Layers of Crunch and Flavour

The Bombay sandwich is a multi-textured marvel that consists of perfectly toasted soft bread, spicy mashed potatoes, beetroot, cucumber, onion, and a good amount of mint chutney.

Where to Try:

Sandwichwalla outside HR College, Churchgate – A legendary spot for those in the know.
Carter Road, Bandra – Multiple vendors line up selling variations with cheese and innovative stuffings.

4. Bhel Puri and Sev Puri – The Beachside Must-Haves

Nothing screams Mumbai more than a plate of Bhel Puri or Sev Puri while sitting on the edge of a bustling beach. Crunchy, tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once — it’s a party in your mouth.

 

Where to Try:

Chowpatty Beach – The stalls here have perfected the art of balancing all flavors.
Juhu Beach – While it’s a bit crowded, the experience of eating here with the sea breeze is unbeatable.

5. Kheema Pav – A Meaty Morning Feast

For the meat lovers, Kheema Pav is a dream come true — spicy minced meat served with soft buttered buns. It’s most popular as a breakfast dish, especially in the older parts of the city.

Where to Try:

Olympia Coffee House, Colaba – No-frills, old-school, and mouthwatering.
Bademiya, Colaba – While it’s more famous for kebabs, their Kheema Pav is highly recommended too.

6. Ragda Pattice – Comfort Food, Mumbai Style

Ragda Pattice is made of two elements: pattice (potato patties) and ragda (white pea curry). Topped with chutneys and crunchy sev, it’s a filling and soul-satisfying dish.

Where to Try:

Kailash Parbat, Colaba – A more hygienic, sit-down version of street ragda pattice.
Elco Pani Puri Centre, Bandra – Their ragda pattice is as famous as their pani puri!

7. Kebabs – A Midnight Craving Solution

Craving a midnight feast? Mumbai’s kebab stalls fire up the grills late into the night. Juicy, flavorful, and smoky — the kebabs here are hard to resist.

Where to Try:

Bademiya, Colaba – Their seekh kebabs are legendary.
Ayub’s, Kala Ghoda – Another hotspot for late-night kebab runs.

8. Misal Pav – Spicy, Tangy, and Incredibly Addictive

Misal Pav is a Maharashtrian specialty featuring sprouted lentils cooked with a spicy gravy, topped with onions, farsan (crunchy savory mix), and a dash of lemon — served with pav.

Where to Try:

Aaswad, Dadar – Their Misal Pav even won an award for the ‘World’s Best Vegetarian Dish’.
Mamledar Misal, Thane – For those who can handle extreme spice levels!

Pro Tips for Your Mumbai Street Food Safari:

Go easy on the spice. Mumbai food can pack a fiery punch!
Stay hydrated — coconut water vendors are everywhere.
Be mindful of hygiene — pick crowded stalls (fast turnover usually means fresher food).
Carry cash — small vendors often don’t accept digital payments.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s street cuisine offers a taste of the city’s soul in addition to satisfying your hunger. Every dish narrates a tale of invention, migration, and Mumbai’s unwavering spirit. In Mumbai, there is always something tasty to find around every corner, so be sure to pack your hunger and spirit of exploration.