Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in Mumbai
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsSignature Dishes
Mumbai's food is characterized by bold flavors – spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory all coexisting beautifully. Street food reigns supreme, offering a quick and delicious glimpse into the city's culinary heart. Seafood is abundant, and vegetarian options are equally plentiful.
Vada Pav
A deep-fried potato patty (vada) served in a soft bun (pav) with chutneys and fried green chilies. It's the quintessential Mumbai street food.
Pav Bhaji
A thick vegetable curry (bhaji) mashed and served with buttered bread rolls (pav). Often garnished with coriander and a squeeze of lime.
Pani Puri
Hollow, crispy puri filled with a mixture of flavored water (pani), tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas.
Bhel Puri
A savory snack made with puffed rice, sev (thin fried noodles), vegetables, and tangy chutneys. A delightful explosion of textures and flavors.
Misal Pav
A spicy Maharashtrian curry made with moth beans, topped with farsan (a mixture of crunchy savory snacks), onions, and coriander, served with pav.
Bombay Duck (Bombil Fry)
Despite the name, it's not duck! It's a lizardfish that's battered and deep-fried until crispy. A popular seafood dish.
Ragda Pattice
Potato patties served with a white pea curry (ragda), chutneys, and toppings. A flavorful and filling snack.
Frankie
A wrap filled with spiced potatoes or meat, onions, and chutneys. A convenient and tasty street food option.
Modak
A sweet dumpling made of rice flour, filled with coconut and jaggery. Especially popular during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Shrikhand
A creamy dessert made from strained yogurt, flavored with cardamom and saffron. Often served with poori.
Local Tips
Navigating Mumbai's culinary scene can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure you have a safe and delicious experience.
Choose Reputable Vendors
Opt for street food stalls that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers. This usually indicates fresh ingredients and good hygiene.
Spice Level
Mumbai food can be quite spicy! Don't hesitate to ask for your food to be made less spicy or request a glass of lassi (yogurt drink) to cool down.
Water Safety
Stick to bottled water to avoid any waterborne illnesses. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
Explore Different Areas
Different areas of Mumbai are known for specific dishes. Explore areas like Mohammed Ali Road for Mughlai cuisine and Girgaum Chowpatty for street food delights.
Bargaining (Sometimes)
While prices are generally fixed at most established places, you may be able to bargain slightly at some street stalls, especially if buying in bulk.
About Mumbai
Food History
Mumbai's cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of its diverse history. As a major port city, it has absorbed culinary influences from the Portuguese, British, Gujarati, Parsi, and South Indian communities, resulting in a unique and eclectic food culture. The indigenous Maharashtrian flavors also play a significant role, creating a delightful fusion.
Food Culture
Food is deeply ingrained in Mumbai's culture, reflecting its fast-paced lifestyle and diverse communities. Street food is not just a meal, but a social experience, bringing people together from all walks of life.
Street Food as a Social Hub
Street food stalls are more than just places to eat; they are vibrant community spaces where people connect and share experiences. Quick bites and conversations go hand-in-hand.
Tiffin Culture
The 'dabbawalas' of Mumbai are famous for delivering homemade lunches (tiffin) to office workers. This highlights the importance of home-cooked meals amidst the city's bustling life.
Festival Feasts
Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Eid are celebrated with elaborate feasts featuring traditional dishes specific to each occasion. Food plays a central role in these celebrations.
Irani Cafes
Old-world Irani cafes, with their checkered tablecloths and classic dishes like bun maska (buttered bun) and chai, offer a nostalgic glimpse into Mumbai's past and a unique cultural experience.