The iconic city of Mumbai is a delight for food lovers. With a range of culinary options on offer, there is something to suit every taste and pocket. Having spent around a couple of years in this city myself now, here is an earnest attempt to put together the list of best foods to eat in Mumbai. The list is in no way exhaustive, but definitely includes the best dishes to savor when you happen to be in the financial capital of India. Here we go!
Don’t forget to check out my other posts in the Best Foods To Eat Series I’m putting together on this Indian food blog.
Sardar’s Pav Bhaji at Tardeo
Sin thy name is the pav bhaji at this joint. Nestled close to Mumbai Central station, they serve one of the best pav bhaji in town. The taste and flavor of spices that make the bhaji, the dollops of butter on top, and delightfully hot and crispy pavs, this is a must-have when it comes to the best foods to eat in Mumbai.
Kulfi Falooda by the beach
Juhu beach is well-known for vendors who sell mouth-watering kulfi falooda. Different flavors of authentic kulfi topped with falooda (popularly known as vermicelli), generous servings of dry fruits and cherries, and topped with rabri and fruit syrups, this is sure to melt in your mouth. Talk of the best foods to eat in Mumbai, this one is definitely a hot favorite!
Parsi fare at Jimmy Boy
If you are someone with a love for authentic Parsi cuisine, look no further than Jimmy Boy- a bakery cum restaurant situated in the heart of Fort area (very close to the Bombay Stock Exchange building). They are known for delectable Parsi fare such as dhansak (a rich combination of vegetables, meat, and lentils served with caramelized rice), akuri (egg bhurji) on toast, and many more. You can also enjoy their fresh bakery items. The puddings and pastries deserve a special mention. Try it and you will know what we are referring to!
Fresh fruit waffles at Coffee By Di Bella
For those with a sweet tooth, fresh fruit waffles at Coffee By Di Bella are a must-try. This multi-outlet coffee chain serves freshly made waffles with generous toppings of seasonal fruits such as mangoes, strawberries, and so on. One of the best foods to eat in Mumbai, for sure!
French Fries
Now before you wonder how French Fries stand out as one of the best foods to eat in Mumbai, we would like to tell you that the city has a host of hangout joints that serve rich and delightful versions of the conventional French Fries. Try the “loaded fries” at Bar Stock Exchange- French fries served with cheese and Cajun spiced. Sounds delicious right? If you are looking for more variety, head to any outlet of Tea Villa Café. They serve a special assortment of three kinds of fries in the “Villa Fries Basket”. Sweet potato, potato wedges, and the conventional French Fries, served with three kinds of dips, this sure is a delectable trio. Still hungry for more? Then head to Doolally Taproom for their renowned “House Fries”. Served with five kinds of dips, this is one of the best foods to eat in Mumbai.
Old world charm at Sion
Whether it is the traditional Punjabi Chole Bhature, or sumptuous butter chicken, or the extremely delectable Koliwada fish and prawns, GTB Nagar in Sion West is a food lover’s heaven. One can find many old and small establishments in this area (in the vicinity of Dashmesh Darbar Gurudwara) which serve authentic Punjabi as well as Maharashtrian food. A must-visit when you are in Mumbai.
A mention of the best foods to eat in Mumbai would be incomplete without the mention of the quintessential vada pav. Epitomizing the concept of “a cutlet in a bun” since time immemorial, this dish is every Mumbaikar’s delight. A cutlet of potatoes served with spicy chutney spread on a bun, vada pav can be found in every nook and corner of the city.
Just like its culture, Mumbai has a rich diversity in the culinary adventures it can offer to tourists who visit this city in huge numbers every single day. You can start with the above list on the best foods to eat in Mumbai, but we guarantee that this will just be the beginning of a wonderful ride! Happy eating and happy exploring!
