Mumbai street food is as exciting as it is mouthwatering.

Not only do you have a chance to taste some incredibly flavorful combinations of ingredients, but standing along the humid streets of Mumbai, watching countless people go by, is part of what adds to your experience.

In this blog post I’m going to share with you 10 of the best Mumbai street foods and also where to eat them.

But first, if you haven’t already watched the video, press play below:

(Of you can watch it on YouTube here)

Mumbai street food
The incredible vada pav from Ashok Vada Pav

1. Vada Pav

If you take a walk down any street in Mumbai, you’re bound to quickly come across vada pav, one of Mumbai’s most popular and widely available street food snacks.

Also referred to as the Mumbai vegetarian burger, vada pav consists of a spiced mashed potato mixture, which is deep fried into a patty, packed into a white fluffy bun, and garnished with a variety of different chutneys and spices for seasoning.

Although it sounds rather simple, and it is, it’s one of greatest tasting vegetarian burgers you’ll likely ever eat. The chutney makes all the difference. And also, don’t miss those fried chilies on the side to give you a kick of heat and flavor.

WhereAshok Vada Pav serves one of the legendary versions of vada pav in Mumbai (supposedly the original), and it’s sensational.
Address: Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar, Mumbai (near Kriti College, Dadar)
Open hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm on Monday – Saturday (closed on Sunday)

Indian street food
Mumbai bhelpuri at Juhu Beach

2. Bhelpuri

Another Mumbai street food you’ll commonly find throughout the city, especially along the busy beaches like Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu, is bhelpuri. Although it’s common around India now with many variations, bhelpuri is one of the homegrown Indian snacks from Mumbai.

The basic recipe includes puffed rice and sev, which are mixed together with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, again a variety of chutney, and it’s often topped with a handful of chopped cilantro. The result is a crunchy snack that’s tangy, spicy, and sweet from all the sauces, with a wonderful balance of flavor. It’s the type of Mumbai street food that once you start eating it, you can’t stop.

Where: I tried the bhelpuri in the video at Juhu Beach Food Centre at a place called Om Sai Sagar Chaat Centre.
Address: Juhu Beach Food Centre
Open hours: 10 am – 1 am daily

Mumbai street food
Sev puri at 6th Road Sev Puri

3. Sev Puri

Chaat is a word that is used to describe a huge variety of mostly savory snacks in India, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were thousands of different types of chaat. I’ve eaten a few of them, and one of my personal favorites so far is Mumbai sev puri.

Sev puri begins with a flat puri, which is essentially a little round chip, topped with mashed potatoes, onions, cilantro, sev, and a trio of garlic, tamarind, and chili sauces to give it an incredible balance of flavor. Finally, sev puri is topped with a handful of sev, as the name suggests, and also sprinkled with little bits of green sour mango.

Take a full bite of sev puri, and the flavor explosion will overwhelm your mouth and it may just turn out to be on of your favorite Mumbai street food snacks as well.

Where: I found 6th Road Sev Puri on Foursquare, and since I was in the area I had to give it a try. Turned out to incredible.
Address: On the corner of Indravadan Oza and 6th road, very close to Juhu Beach.
Open hours: Not totally sure of their hours, but I think they open starting around 4 pm in the afternoon.

Indian street food
Pav Bhaji at Juhu Beach – amazing Mumbai street food!

4. Pav Bhaji

I had my first taste of pav bhaji years ago in Kolkata, but when I posted about that, I received many messages from people telling me I needed to try Mumbai pav bhaji. And so finally on my trip to Mumbai with Star Alliance, I made it out to Juhu Beach one day, and the first thing I headed for was pav bhaji (and there are about 20 places to eat pav bhaji in the food section of Juhu Beach, maybe more).

Pav bhaji has an interesting history, and it was originally a late night food that was made for workers from leftovers. A combination of vegetables were mashed up, mixed with spices, and served with bread.

Today, the common recipe includes potatoes and tomatoes, mashed up with spices, and served with buttered toasted bread to mop it all up. It’s simple, and delicious, and it’s a street food you can’t leave Mumbai without trying.

Where: At Juhu Beach I had pav bhaji at a place called Shri Krishna Fast Food. But in Mumbai, also try Sardar Pav Bhaji or Canon Pav Bhaji.
Address: Juhu Beach Food Centre
Open hours: 10 am – 1 am daily

Bademiya, Mumbai
Famous bhuna roll at Bademiya

5. Kebabs and Rolls

On this list of top Mumbai street food you’ll find a lot of vegetarian food (and I happen to think some of the world’s best vegetarian food is in India), but kebabs and rolls are undoubtedly non-veg.

Mumbai has a number of legendary restaurants that serve delicious kebabs and rolls, and one of my personal favorites are the Mumbai bhuna rolls. Bhuna rolls are made with boneless chicken which is cooked in a spice filled gravy, and wrapped within a freshly cooked rumali roti, which is a thin roti that’s very similar to a tortilla.

A bhuna roll is the perfect late night snack that you want to be eating at about 3 am in the morning, and feeling really good about it.

Where: Bademiya in Colaba
Address: Tulloch Road, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai
Open hours: 7 pm – 3 am daily

Indian street food
Chai – one of the Mumbai street food joys

6. Chai

This is not really a food, but I had to include it on this list because of its importance and dominance in the street food arena in India. Chai is not just a cup of tea, but it’s a hot and soothing brew that offers a time to take a rest from the chaotic streets of the city, to slowly sip and enjoy.

Although it’s not served in clay cups like in Kolkata, chai in Mumbai is just as delicious and omnipresent. The tea is usually brewed quite strong, then supplemented with plenty of creamy milk, and seasoned with cardamom, masala, or ginger to give it an extra kick of flavor and spice.

Drinking cups of hot chai on the side of the street is one of the joys of visiting India.

Where: You’ll literally find chai everywhere you look while walking around Mumbai. A cup should cost anywhere from 5 – 15 Rupees depending on where you are and the size of the cup.

pani puri
Pani puri is a one bite wonder!

7. Pani Puri

It takes some serious street food genius to come up with something like pani puri; Who would think to add flavored water to a circular chip that gets soggy?

I’m here to tell you, it works extremely well, and it’s an absolute stunner of an Indian street food.

The little puris are poked with a hole, half stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas, seasoned with spices, and filled with chutney and flavored water. As soon as the vendor hands you one, you’ve got to eat it on spot immediately so the puri remains crunchy, and the spice filled water will collapse in your mouth with the potatoes and chickpeas.

Pani puri is a just a wonderful thing to eat. However, since it does contain water, do be cautious where you eat it.

Where: At Girgaum Chowpatty, there’s a stall called Badshah Pani Puri that serves great pani puri, and they did mention they use filtered water.
Address: Chowpatty, Girgaum, Mumbai, India
Open hours: 3 pm – 12 am midnight daily

Gomantak Restaurant
Bombay duck fry thali at Gomantak

8. Bombay Duck Fry

Although Bombay duck is also served at indoor restaurants and local spots in Mumbai, I had to include it on this food list because it’s a favorite food in Mumbai. Although it’s called Bombay duck (or bombil), it’s not really duck at all, but it’s a type of lizardfish.

The lizardfish is coated in a layer of semolina, then deep fried to a crisp. The result is a crispy outer edge and the fish remains creamy and oily on the inside. Bombay duck is a fantastic dish to eat in Mumbai, and it goes particularly good with a full thali meal that includes rice, chapati, and a variety of side curries to enhance everything.

When I visited Mumbai, Bombay duck was one of the foods I was most looking forward to eating, and it was wholly satisfying with every bite.

Where: Gomantak Boarding House Restaurant serves outstanding Malvani seafood, and one of their specialities is bombil fry.
Address: 301 Miranda Chawl, Kelkar Road, Dadar West, Mumbai
Open hours: 11 am – 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm daily

Mumbai street food sandwich
Mumbai veg and chutney sandwich

9. Mumbai Sandwich (Bombay Sandwich)

If you’re like me, a sandwich isn’t the first thing that would come to mind when you’re thinking about Indian food. But when it comes to Mumbai street food, a local favorite is the Bombay sandwich, and you’ll find food vendors all over busy parts of the city whipping up grilled sandwiches with expertise.

Typically the sandwiches are vegetarian, and they all begin with a couple slices of white bread that are buttered on either side. Then in goes a combination of cilantro and mint chutney, with thin slices of vegetables that can include beetroot, onion, cucumber, tomato, and a layer of masala potatoes, followed by shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chili and cumin.

I think the best way to enjoy your Mumbai sandwich is to order it toasted, so you get it hot and fresh, and crispy on the edges. Don’t forget to dip your street food sandwich in more chutney before taking a bite!

Where: You’ll find Mumbai street sandwiches all over the city, especially in busy areas of the city. In the video, I had the sandwich on a street just off Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar.

dosa street food
The dosa of your dreams!

10. Dosa

Although dosas are originally from South India, since Mumbai is such a melting pot of India, the dosa is also a very common street food in Mumbai.

A dosa is made from a batter of rice and urad bean flour which is lightly fermented, and then fried on a hot circular plate in a thin crepe like shape. Once it’s golden and crispy on the bottom, any number of fillings can be added to the center. The traditional version is the masala dosa, where masala potatoes are added to the dosa, and it’s served with sambar and coconut chutney on the side.

But in Mumbai you’ll find some fusion and very creative types of dosas as well, where both Indian and Chinese dishes are served with the dosa, and they work so well.

Where: Anand Stall serves the dosa of your dreams, and when I went I ordered the paneer tikka dosa, which was unbelievably good.
Address: Outside Mithibai College, Gulmohar Road No. 1, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056, India
Open hours: 8 am – 11:30 pm daily

Conclusion

Mumbai is one of the most important cities in India and it’s a city that loves to eat.

Take a walk through Mumbai and you’re bound to discover a near limitless amount of options when it comes to delicious foods to try.

There are dozens of Mumbai street foods you could try, but this list of 10 is just a beginning, a start to the amazing street food possibilities that you’ll enjoy in Mumbai!

I visited Mumbai on my Round The World Trip for Food with Star Alliance.

73 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Adiloka

    2 years ago

    I’ve never been to Mumbai, hopefully someday I can go there

  • samiran biswas

    3 years ago

    Can you please tell me that which theme is you are using in these website

  • vishal kaushik

    3 years ago

    Fantastic. Please keep up the good work.

  • mobil solo

    5 years ago

    i am go to mumbai one day and i visit the place so amazing the food very delicious omg i am very happy

  • Sakshi

    5 years ago

    Hi…Mark….I am one of your viewer.
    Next time you are in India plz try to visit in konkan, Goa & try traditional konkani food. You definitely like konkani food & travel in konkan. Alphonso mango is a seasonal fruit from konkan in summer you can check abt that on internet. Also the best season for visit in konkan is Ganpati Festival & summer season.
    Thanks…

    • rohan

      5 years ago

      agree with her…konkan region is must to explore

  • Naman Kumar

    5 years ago

    Next time you are in Mumbai, please try the custard apple fruit cream also. I am sure you will like it. Also you should visit Delhi for another range of exciting street food! BTW thanks for telling the history of Pav Bhaji, I didnt know about it.

  • Rajbir Dhawan

    6 years ago

    Vada pav is by far the most exciting fast food or street food we have in mumbai. Its always a time for vada pav. I think dabeli needs a mention here, personal thoughts otherwise you have covered almost every thing. Loved it

  • Niclas

    6 years ago

    The pav bhaj and dosa look so mouthwatering! My mouth is almost dripping just looking at the photos! Nothing beats Indian food it seems right? Cant wait for my visit to India, and looking so much forward to trying their food. Great post!

  • Boxoburger

    6 years ago

    wow it’s so scrumptious list of delicious food

  • Imtila

    6 years ago

    Hello Mark, it’s such a joy to watch the way you have highlighted Mumbai food spectacularly. Just love your VLOG and If you happen to visit Mumbai again, I would really love to host you and your family for lunch or dinner ( or maybe both ).

  • Drew

    6 years ago

    Hey Mark,
    In addition to all the things you recommend, I’d really like to try some Indo Chinese wok fried noodles when visiting India. Are these readily available in Mumbai? Not sure if it would require planning to go a specific spot, or if they’re easily found on the street. Thanks and love your VLOG/Site!

  • First Lombok

    6 years ago

    I Love the rich of spicy india food.. There are also some indian food store in Indonesia.

  • Riyaz ur rahaman ci

    7 years ago

    Sir I want u to do the show with Trevor James together do the show sir both are great. Thank you.

  • Jayshree Patel

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark
    It’s fun watching your videos n mouth starts watering. After watching all videos m seriously thinking to plan for travelling. But don’t want typical tour n travels. So can you guide for local sightseeing n local food n local guide where we actually see n feel city n culture n food.
    Will wait for your reply.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Great to hear that Jayshree, hope you can do some traveling soon, and glad you’re interested in going for it by yourself. Best thing to do is just go for it, and you’ll figure it out as you go!

    • Jayshree Patel

      7 years ago

      Hi Mark
      Thnx for your prompt reply. If you’re planning to visit India again do email. Will take you to better place for food.

  • Sahil

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark, I work 10 minutes away from Girgaum Chowpatty and reading your article makes me want to go and have some sev puri right away. Interestingly, your words just made me appreciate my city a lot more.

  • Shyam Ramaswamy

    7 years ago

    Great list Mark. Mumbai surely has the best street food in India. Keep exploring new places and new cuisines. You are an inspiration!

  • Agness of Fit Travelling

    7 years ago

    I love the artistic and detailed approach of your posts Mark! Great tips.

  • Shailendra

    7 years ago

    Its been a great experience to read your post on Mumbai’s street food.
    Apart from the financial capital, Mumbai is also known as the street food capital of India. Mumbai’s Vada Pav and Bhelpuri are just great. Although available in other nearby cities but the taste is not same as of Mumbai.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Shailendra, thank you very much, Mumbai is such an amazing food city!

  • Lombok Wander

    7 years ago

    Makes me feel hungry suddenly hahaha..

  • Rajat

    7 years ago

    This article reflects the street food culture of India. Hope you enjoyed your time there. Do visit other places like New Delhi.

  • Anderson James

    7 years ago

    Thanks for the excellent post. I am new to Mumbai. Living in Mumbai from last four months and I have tasted all the foods which you have mentioned in your post. VadaPav is my most favorite. I love the ‘Indian Burger’. Mumbai has so much to offer for a real foodie like me.

  • Tim

    7 years ago

    Thanks for the excellent article!! I cannot wait to visit India to try the Vada Pav. Your picture was so well-taken that I am already salivating. And, I love Chai too! Cannot wait to drink a cup of Chai!

  • Enrico & Zuzana

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark,
    amazing post and photos! We’d love to visit India soon, and we adore Indian food…Which precautions do you suggest to follow?

    Thanks 🙂

  • MeTripping Team

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark – you have echoed the thoughts of many Indians and Mumbaikars when you have listed the best street food here – this is a definitive guide for anyone looking to explore chats / street food in Mumbai! Great job! 🙂

    Next time you are in India, do visit Bangalore and give us a holler! 🙂 We would love to host you!

    Team MeTripping.com

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Thank you very much. I’d love to visit Bangalore!

  • Khan habib

    7 years ago

    Hi mark great to u see in mumbai and exploring other parts of world their culture and some xcellent foods nice work

  • Shabbir Mohamedali

    7 years ago

    meant to say if you or Ying ever suffered……..

  • Shabbir Mohamedali

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark,
    I watched your Round the World videos – sumptuous foods! I am off to India in a week for the first time in my life. W would love to try all of the street foods featured, and many more. However, I would like to know if you would advise me eating non-veg items (which have been thoroughly cooked over the coals and in sauces) and if would be safe. I always wondered if and Ying ever suffered from tummy upsets/diarrhoea eating foods featured in your in your videos. Will appreciate your comments.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Shabbir, good to hear you’ll be visiting India soon, and thank your for watching our videos. Luckily, Ying and I haven’t really experienced any stomach issues. However, it is wise to stay away from especially raw fresh things and stick with hot cooked foods. Hope you have a great trip!

  • swetalina baral

    7 years ago

    Your. Food like pav bhaji kathi roll pani Puri is that so good

  • Nimish

    7 years ago

    I am from Mumbai and you pretty much nailed all the major street foods one must try here. Your photographs of these food items are quite hunger-inducing.
    I follow your adventures on Snapchat, so it was quite cool to stumble upon your site. Makes me wonder, why I hadn’t searched fo it before. Anyway, better late than never. Bookmarking.
    Regards,
    Nimish

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Nimish, great to hear you’re from Mumbai, thank you very much. I hope to come back again and try more!

  • Susan

    7 years ago

    Helo ,

    Honestly i’ve never been thinking to go to Mumbai before. And you really show me how beautifull that place is, especially by your food photo and you really made me hungry just by looking at it.

    From you article above, i really like when you describe about Mumbai Sandwich , it really makes me want to go there and eat them all haha. I think now i know where to go for next tip. Thank you so much!

    Cheers

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Susan, thank you for reading. Mumbai is a truly amazing city with so much delicious food to offer. Hope you can visit in the future, it’s a city full of life and a sensory overload!

  • Lisa

    7 years ago

    OMG! All of your food pics are so vibrant and it looks so sumptuous. Traveling and trying out new food of that country are my favorite things to do in the world. I sometimes encounter stomach ache though when I eat street foods but I just cant help it! So I just carry with me some medicine in case I will have a severe stomach ache. Great blog btw! 🙂 Maybe you are also interested of reading one of my fave travel blog: blogodiary.com Check it out and I know you’re gonna love it.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Lisa, thank you very much. Thanks for sharing your blog as well, will check it out!

  • Melissa

    7 years ago

    Hi there.. I watched many of ur videos in india n even d 1 in Oman. . Was having a question in my mind.. u eat all those Street food. . Did u face any food poisoning? What r d precautions u took cz I notices u ate all stall roadside food.. TIA

  • Ashik Ahmed

    7 years ago

    like the Video, know a lot about street food. the picture quality is wonderful.

  • Sandipan Mandal

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark, amazing video on Mumbai… do you have any plans to visit Kolkata soon?

  • Atsu Dominic

    7 years ago

    Hello mark, i’m a really big fan. Love what you and yin are doing, it really means alot when you appreciate the culture and food of others. I don’t travel much so your videos really mean alot. i don’t think i would have experienced this much diversity and richness if not for what you’re doing. Keep having fun eating, i’m looking forward to something new. (BIG FAN)
    P.S
    And to all those who keep complaining about health code violations and all that, if you really want to understand something to appreciate it, you have to experience it.

  • Niladri

    7 years ago

    I am travelling to Mumbai this weekend.I came across this blog and I would love to try few of them.
    I am a big fan of your youtube videos too.I will surely try Britania and Co. as per your food recomendation.

  • Christina

    7 years ago

    Gosh I’m just coming from lunch but seeing this I could eat again straight away. Lucky you! Happy traveleating!

  • Rohith Augustine

    7 years ago

    Amazing stuff you got there
    You should have visited The Avenue Restaurant, Kandivali East
    Reshmi Kebabs and Mutton Handi Biriyani along with Boondi Raita are their specialities
    Maybe Next time, you can try out the restaurant I specified abouve
    Thanks and regards!!

  • Rohith Augustine

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark
    I have lived in Mumbai for 6 years until I shifted to Dubai
    You should have visited the Avenue Restaurant, Kandivali East, Mumbai
    Reshmi Kebabs and Mutton Handi Biriyani along with Boondi Raita are their specialities
    Maybe if you visit Mumbai again, you may want to try the restaurant as I specified above
    Thanks and Regards

  • Ankit

    7 years ago

    Hello Mark, that’s a wonderful description. All the details which you have provided are
    really wonderful and I would love to visit them. I would really like you to visit
    my travel blog at http://www.tnfnetwork.com , and give your view

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Ankit, thank you very much. Great to see your blog!

  • Tarun bhardwaj

    7 years ago

    Great post, love for food is a never ending thing specially when its comes to street food. Amazing pictures, Thanks for sharing.

  • fahmi

    7 years ago

    Thank you for this nice and wonderful interview! It is very inspiring

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Fahmi, you’re welcome, thank you for reading.

  • Snow

    7 years ago

    Nice, colorful article, love the pictures (I’m a picture person more than a video follower!) Definitely made me hungry!

  • Ton

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, that paneer tikka dosa looks incredibly delicious. In the near future I would love to go to India too, to eat all those incredible curries, etc.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you very much Ton. Hope you can visit India soon.

  • Albert

    8 years ago

    I loved this video! I definitely tripped when I saw them serve the street food on a torn out paper with words printed on it! Can you give insight on how to eat good quality, clean food in India? I am concerned about the standards with cleanliness and sanitary kitchens. Thank you!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Albert, thank you very much. The thing about India is that everything is available somewhere, so you can even get some of these street foods at restaurants, or at more hygienic places. Definitely it’s important to be cautious and use your own judgement when you eat street food anywhere in the world. Be especially careful with things that use raw ingredients or water within them.

  • Jonathan Rogers

    8 years ago

    I really enjoy your videos. The trip around the world must have been great. I understand that you were a guest of Star Alliance, flying non revenue in business class. As a retired employee of a Star Alliance, we are told to dress appropriately when flying. This means business casual, and no t-shirts, shorts or athletic shoes. The airlines want to project a professional image. Just saying…take for what its worth.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Jonathan, thank you very much, really appreciate your support and feedback. Will definitely take that into consideration, appreciate it.

    • moorea9

      7 years ago

      Rules for staff travel do not apply to other discounted or “free” tickets, be they frequent flyer or barter (exchange within a marketing agreement). If it were so the airline should state it upon issuance of tickets or signature of agreement.

    • moorea9

      7 years ago

      Rules for staff travel do not apply to other discounted or “free” tickets, be they frequent flyer or barter (exchange within a marketing agreement). If it were so the airline should state it upon issuance of tickets or signature of agreement.

  • Sita ram

    8 years ago

    Nice thanx for you share street food mumbai

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Sita, you’re welcome, thanks for reading.

  • shashank

    8 years ago

    Hie…..Namaste….. Iam shashank. I have recently started following your youtube channel and website. Its amazing that you have elaborated all the information about food. If you have didnt visited HYDERABAD, you could visit once. Thank you

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Shashank, nice to meet you, thank you very much. I would love to visit Hyderabad in the future.

  • Peggy Postma

    8 years ago

    Hello Mark, it certainly was nice to see you eating all of the Mumbai Street food…… I just don’t understand that you do not gain weight, I certainly would have…! I also watched all these foods being prepared in front of you, there is just that one thing that seems to bother me…..are they clean? Meaning the way they handle the food, is not always, the way I would like… there are just a few guys that are wearing gloves….! Just be careful, cause I want to watch your shows for many years to come my friend….! Love from Peggy

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Peggy, thank you very much, really appreciate it. You definitely do need to be careful eating street food in Mumbai, and something are not so healthy to eat all the time, especially things like serving off the paper. Mumbai is full of so many varieties and levels of food / dining, so there are so many options. Thank you for your support, hope you’re doing well.