What Are 15 Famous Mumbai Street Food Dishes?

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Key Highlights

• Mumbai street food represents the culture of the streets of Mumbai, blending Maharashtrian, Mughlai, and Indo-Chinese influences into everyday favourites.
• The guide features 15 popular street food dishes, including Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Dahi Puri, Kheema Pav, and Chinese food staples.
• Mohammed Ali Road stands out for rich Mughlai flavours, especially during late-night street food in Mumbai hours.
• Vegetarian favourites like Dahi Puri and Bhel share equal space with the best non-veg street food in Mumbai options.
• Five late-night hotspots highlight where the city’s fast food culture thrives after dark.
• Five major Mumbai street food places across South Mumbai and the suburbs showcase regional diversity.
• Practical safety tips help identify hygienic stalls while exploring Mumbai street food.

Finding authentic Mumbai street food can feel overwhelming when every corner claims to serve the city’s best flavours. Visitors and even locals often struggle to separate tourist hype from truly iconic dishes that define the real street food of Mumbai.

From crowded train stations to busy college lanes and late-night food hubs, the streets are packed with countless options. Vada Pav stalls compete with chaat vendors, Indo-Chinese carts line up beside Mughlai joints, and long-standing favourites draw daily queues. With so much variety, knowing what to try and where to begin becomes a challenge.

This blog brings clarity to that confusion by highlighting the most famous Mumbai street food dishes, explaining what makes each one special, and helping you navigate the streets of Mumbai with confidence.

Why Is Mumbai Street Food So Popular and Unique?

Mumbai’s street food scene is a story of evolution and flavour, born out of necessity. It began with textile mill workers in the 1800s needing affordable and filling meals they could eat on the go. Street vendors set up food stalls near the mills, crafting portable dishes that were both hearty and delicious. This tradition of providing the best food quickly and cheaply has continued, making it a staple for people from all economic classes. The unique blend of spices in each dish tells a story of the city’s diverse cultural influences.

Today, the popularity of Mumbai’s street food comes from its incredible diversity and accessibility. It brings together people from all walks of life, from office workers to students, all queuing at the same stall for their favourite snack. Tourist-friendly street food options are plentiful, especially in popular areas where hygiene standards are often higher. For locals, dishes like vada pav and pav bhaji are not just food; they are an integral part of daily life, enjoyed for their consistent taste and comforting familiarity.

Which Are the 15 Most Famous Street Food in Mumbai?

Mumbai street food reflects the city’s fast pace, diverse communities, and bold flavours. From spicy chaats to indulgent non vegetarian delights, these dishes define the famous street food in Mumbai and showcase why it is considered the best street food in Mumbai by locals and visitors alike.

Here are 15 must try Mumbai street food dishes that truly capture the flavour and spirit of the city:

1. Vada Pav

Vada Pav is the undisputed king of Mumbai street food. This simple yet powerful snack consists of a spicy potato fritter tucked inside a soft pav, served with chutneys and fried green chillies. Affordable, filling, and packed with flavour, it represents the working-class spirit of Mumbai.

Ingredients

• Boiled potatoes
• Garlic and green chillies
• Turmeric
• Mustard seeds
• Gram flour
• Pav
• Dry garlic chutney

Recipe

• Mash the boiled potatoes thoroughly with garlic, chillies, turmeric, and tempered mustard seeds until well combined.
• Prepare a smooth gram flour batter with salt and a pinch of turmeric for coating.
• Shape the potato mixture into balls, dip them evenly in the batter, and deep fry until golden and crisp.
• Slice the pav, apply chutneys generously, and place the hot vada inside before serving.

No list of famous street food in Mumbai is complete without Vada Pav.

2. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is one of the best street food in Mumbai for those who enjoy buttery, spicy comfort food. Mashed vegetables cooked on a large tawa with generous butter are served with toasted pav and chopped onions.

Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Capsicum
• Pav bhaji masala
• Butter
• Pav

Recipe

• Boil the vegetables until soft, then mash them smoothly to create a thick base.
• Cook the mashed vegetables on a hot tawa with pav bhaji masala and a generous amount of butter, stirring continuously.
• Allow the mixture to simmer so the flavours blend well and develop a rich texture.
• Toast the pav in butter on the same tawa and serve alongside the hot bhaji.

Pav Bhaji showcases Mumbai’s love for bold, rich flavours.

3. Pani Puri

Pani Puri is a burst of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. This chaat favourite is widely enjoyed across Mumbai street food places and is especially popular in street food in South Mumbai markets.

Ingredients

• Puris
• Boiled potatoes
• Chickpeas
• Tamarind chutney
• Mint-flavoured water

Recipe

• Prepare a filling by mixing boiled potatoes and chickpeas with chaat masala and salt.
• Carefully crack the top of each puri and stuff it generously with the potato mixture.
• Add tamarind chutney followed by chilled mint-flavoured water just before serving.
• Serve immediately to retain the crisp texture and refreshing taste.

It remains one of the most loved and famous street foods in Mumbai.

4. Sev Puri

Sev Puri is crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet. A staple in Mumbai street food, it combines flat puris topped with potatoes, chutneys, onions, and sev.

Ingredients

• Flat puris
• Boiled potatoes
• Tamarind chutney
• Green chutney
• Sev

Recipe

• Arrange the puris neatly on a plate to form the base.
• Place a small portion of mashed potatoes on each puri.
• Drizzle tamarind and green chutneys evenly over the toppings.
• Sprinkle sev generously and serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Sev Puri perfectly balances texture and flavour.

5. Bhel Puri

Bhel Puri is light, refreshing, and ideal for Mumbai’s humid weather. Often found at Chowpatty and Juhu Beach, it defines the coastal charm of Mumbai street food.

Ingredients

• Puffed rice
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Tamarind chutney
• Green chutney
• Sev

Recipe

• Combine puffed rice with finely chopped onions and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
• Add tamarind and green chutneys according to taste and toss quickly.
• Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid making the bhel soggy.
• Garnish with sev and serve immediately.

Bhel Puri captures Mumbai’s beachside food culture beautifully.

6. Misal Pav

Misal Pav is a spicy Maharashtrian delight and a strong contender for best street food in Mumbai. Sprouted curry topped with farsan creates a fiery, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Sprouted moth beans
• Onion tomato masala
• Farsan
• Pav

Recipe

• Cook the sprouted moth beans with onion, tomato masala, and traditional spices until thick and flavourful.
• Allow the curry to simmer so the spices are absorbed properly.
• Pour the hot misal into a serving bowl and top generously with farsan and chopped onions.
• Serve alongside lightly toasted pav.

Misal Pav delivers authentic Maharashtrian heat.

7. Ragda Pattice

Ragda Pattice combines soft potato patties with white pea curry. Popular across Mumbai street food places, it is hearty and flavourful.

Ingredients

• Potatoes
• White peas
• Chaat masala
• Tamarind chutney

Recipe

• Mash boiled potatoes with spices and shape them into flat patties before shallow frying until golden.
• Cook soaked white peas with spices to form a thick and mildly tangy ragda.
• Place the patties on a plate and pour hot ragda generously over them.
• Top with chutneys and serve immediately.

Ragda Pattice offers comfort in every bite.

8. Bombay Sandwich

The Bombay Sandwich stands out for its green chutney flavour and chaat masala sprinkle. It is one of the easiest Mumbai street food options available at roadside carts.

Ingredients

• Bread slices
• Green chutney
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Boiled potato
• Butter

Recipe

• Spread butter and green chutney evenly on fresh bread slices.
• Layer thin slices of cucumber, tomato, and boiled potato neatly.
• Sprinkle chaat masala generously over the vegetables for added flavour.
• Grill lightly or serve fresh, depending on preference.

This sandwich defines Mumbai’s everyday street snack culture.

9. Keema Pav

Keema Pav is among the best non-veg street food in Mumbai. This spicy minced meat preparation is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Often enjoyed at late night street food in Mumbai stalls, it pairs beautifully with buttered pav and chopped onions.

Ingredients

• Minced mutton or chicken
• Onion
• Tomato
• Ginger garlic paste
• Garam masala
• Red chilli powder
• Butter
• Pav

Recipe

• Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until they turn golden brown and aromatic.
• Add ginger garlic paste and cook briefly before mixing in tomatoes and powdered spices.
• Add the minced meat and cook thoroughly on medium heat until it becomes soft and well blended with the masala.
• Simmer for a few minutes to enhance flavour, then serve hot with butter toasted pav.

Keema Pav is a must-try for lovers of bold non-vegetarian flavours.

10. Baida Roti

Baida Roti is a Mughlai speciality widely associated with Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai street food. This dish consists of spiced minced filling wrapped inside a paratha and coated with egg before shallow frying.

Ingredients

• Minced mutton or chicken
• Paratha dough
• Eggs
• Onion
• Green chillies
• Garam masala
• Coriander leaves

Recipe

• Prepare the minced filling by cooking the meat with onions, chillies, and spices until fully done.
• Roll out the paratha dough and place a portion of the filling in the centre.
• Crack a beaten egg over the filling before folding the paratha neatly.
• Shallow fry on medium heat until both sides are crisp and golden.

Baida Roti highlights the Mughlai influence in the famous street food in Mumbai.

11. Kebab Rolls

Kebab rolls are a highlight of late-night street food in Mumbai, especially in busy areas like Mohammed Ali Road and Andheri. Juicy kebabs wrapped in soft roti make for a convenient and flavourful meal.

Ingredients

• Seekh kebabs
• Paratha or rumali roti
• Mint chutney
• Sliced onions
• Lemon juice

Recipe

• Grill or shallow fry the seekh kebabs until they are evenly cooked and slightly charred.
• Warm the paratha or rumali roti on a hot tawa to make it soft and pliable.
• Place the kebabs in the centre, add mint chutney and sliced onions.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, roll tightly, and serve hot.

Kebab rolls are perfect for satisfying midnight cravings.

12. Nalli Nihari

Nalli Nihari is a slow-cooked marrow-based curry popular during Ramadan at Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai street food markets. Rich, aromatic, and deeply spiced, it is a treat for meat lovers.

Ingredients

• Mutton shanks
• Ginger garlic paste
• Whole spices
• Red chilli powder
• Coriander powder
• Wheat flour slurry

Recipe

• Marinate the mutton shanks lightly with spices and ginger garlic paste.
• Slow-cook the meat with whole spices on low heat for several hours until tender.
• Add a wheat flour slurry gradually to thicken the gravy and enhance texture.
• Allow it to simmer gently before serving with naan or pav.

Nihari reflects the richness of Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai street food culture.

13. Malpua

Malpua is a festive dessert commonly found in Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai street food stalls. Crispy on the edges and soft inside, it is soaked in fragrant sugar syrup.

Ingredients

• Refined flour
• Milk
• Fennel seeds
• Sugar
• Cardamom
• Ghee

Recipe

• Prepare a smooth batter by mixing flour, milk, fennel seeds, and cardamom.
• Heat ghee in a shallow pan and pour small portions of batter to form mini pancakes.
• Fry gently on both sides until golden and crisp around the edges.
• Dip immediately in warm sugar syrup before serving.

Malpua adds sweetness to the vibrant Mumbai street food experience.

14. Schezwan Noodles

Chinese street food in Mumbai has evolved into a distinct Indo-Chinese style. Schezwan noodles are spicy, garlicky, and smoky, often cooked quickly over a high flame in roadside stalls.

Ingredients

• Boiled noodles
• Cabbage
• Capsicum
• Carrot
• Schezwan sauce
• Soy sauce
• Garlic

Recipe

• Heat oil in a wok and sauté finely chopped garlic until fragrant.
• Add sliced vegetables and stir fry on high flame to retain crunch.
• Toss in boiled noodles along with Schezwan and soy sauce.
• Mix well on high heat until evenly coated and serve immediately.

Schezwan noodles represent the popular Chinese street food in Mumbai.

15. Manchurian

Manchurian is another favourite under Chinese street food in Mumbai. Whether vegetarian or chicken-based, it combines crispy fried balls with a tangy, slightly spicy gravy.

Ingredients

• Finely chopped cabbage
• Carrot
• Cornflour
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Green chillies

Recipe

• Mix chopped vegetables with cornflour and seasoning to form small balls.
• Deep fry the balls until crisp and golden brown.
• Prepare a gravy by sautéing garlic and chillies, then adding soy sauce and cornflour slurry.
• Add the fried balls into the gravy and simmer briefly before serving.

Manchurian continues to be a staple at Mumbai street food places across the city.

These 15 dishes capture the true spirit of Mumbai street food. Whether you are exploring famous street food in Mumbai, enjoying the best non veg street food in Mumbai, or experiencing late night street food in Mumbai at Mohammed Ali Road, this culinary journey highlights why the city’s street food culture is unmatched.

Which Are the 5 Best Places to Enjoy Late Night Street Food in Mumbai?

Late night street food in Mumbai is part of the city’s identity. When restaurants close, street stalls continue serving hungry crowds, from office goers to night travellers.

If you are heading out after 10 pm, these five places are among the most popular options:

1. Mohammed Ali Road: The ultimate destination for late-night street food in Mumbai, especially known for kebabs, Nalli Nihari, Baida Roti, and rich Mughlai dishes that are served well past midnight.
2. Juhu Beach: A favourite for classic Mumbai street food like Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, and Pani Puri, enjoyed with a sea view even late at night.
3. Girgaon Chowpatty: Popular for chaat varieties and kulfi, this South Mumbai location remains lively till late evening and attracts steady crowds.
4. Ghatkopar Khau Galli: One of the busiest Mumbai street food places in the suburbs, known for Chinese street food in Mumbai, sandwiches, and fusion snacks.
5. Andheri Lokhandwala Market: Ideal for kebab rolls, shawarma, and quick bites, making it a strong contender for best non-veg street food in Mumbai after dark.

These five spots prove that the best street food in Mumbai is often enjoyed long after sunset.

Which Are the 5 Most Popular Mumbai Street Food Places to Explore?

Mumbai street food places are scattered across the city, each offering a distinct flavour, crowd, and culinary vibe. From busy khau gallis to heritage markets, these spots serve some of the best street food in Mumbai. If you want to explore famous street food in Mumbai, here are 5 must-visit destinations that do not overlap.

1. Crawford Market Area: Located in South Mumbai, this historic market area is known for Bombay Sandwich, fruit juices, and quick snacks that attract office goers and shoppers throughout the day.
2. Elco Market, Bandra: A well known hub for hygienic chaat, including Pani Puri and Sev Puri, making it a trusted Mumbai street food option for many residents.
3. Carter Road Promenade: Popular among youngsters, this stretch offers rolls, shawarma, and fusion snacks with a relaxed seaside vibe.
4. Mulund Khau Galli: A growing hotspot in the suburbs, known for chaat varieties, sandwiches, and Chinese street food in Mumbai.
5. Colaba Causeway: Famous for street food in South Mumbai, this area serves kebabs, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks to tourists and locals alike.

These Mumbai street food places highlight the city’s diversity, ensuring every neighbourhood brings its own unique taste to the table.

Conclusion

Mumbai street food is more than just a quick bite on the roadside. It reflects the city’s history, migration, resilience, and love for bold flavours. From classic Vada Pav to rich Mohammed Ali Road Mumbai street food specialities and popular Chinese street food in Mumbai, every dish tells a story.

Whether you are exploring street food in South Mumbai or enjoying late night street food in Mumbai, the experience is always vibrant and memorable. The diversity, affordability, and energy make it clear why Mumbai street food continues to be regarded as some of the best street food in Mumbai and across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mumbai street foods are popular with locals?

Locals love Vada Pav from Ashok Vada Pav in Vile Parle, Cannon Pav Bhaji near Churchgate Station, Dahi Puri at Elco Pani Puri in Bandra West, and Kheema Pav at Mohammad Ali Road. These popular street food favourites define the true street food of Mumbai.

Is it safe to eat Mumbai street food, and how can I choose safe stalls?

Yes, Mumbai street food can be safe if you choose busy stalls with high turnover. Look for a tiny stall crowded with locals, fresh ingredients fried in hot oil, and clean preparation areas, especially near train stations and areas like Santacruz West.

How do I navigate Mumbai’s street food scene as a newcomer?

Start in familiar areas like Bandra West, Vile Parle, or near Churchgate Station. Follow the crowds, speak to tea vendors for suggestions, and try different dishes gradually. Exploring the streets of Mumbai step by step helps you understand the street food of Mumbai confidently.

Are there any vegetarian Mumbai street food specialties?

Yes, vegetarian options dominate much of Indian street food in the city. Dahi Puri topped with crunchy chickpea noodles, Pav Bhaji from Sardar Pav Bhaji, and Bhel with crunchy peanuts and green chilies are classic choices across the streets of the city.

What Are the Must-Try Street Foods in Mumbai for First-Time Visitors?

First-time visitors searching for Mumbai street food near you should try Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Dahi Puri, Indo-Chinese fast food, and Kheema Pav at Mohammad Ali Road. These dishes showcase the bold, diverse flavours that define Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture.