Mumbai has incredible diversity when it comes to street food. There are many delicious dishes that locals gravitate towards again and again. If you are new to the street food scene in the city or if you are traveling as a tourist, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular places serving various street foods. Many of them have existed for several decades. While Mumbai has a great range of street food, this list includes places to enjoy the unforgettable classics: vada pav, pav bhaji, pani puri, samosa and others.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy street food in Mumbai:
Vada Pav is one of the most famous street food snacks of Mumbai (image for symbolic purposes only). Photo: iStock
1. Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar
If there’s one street food that Mumbai is known for (not just domestically, but internationally too) – it’s Vada Pav. It is said to have been invented by Ashok Vaidya, who sold this quick, budget-friendly breakfast to mill workers who came to areas near Dadar to earn their daily wages. For “real” pleasure, vada pav lovers still visit the stall set up by him near Keerthi College.
Where: Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai.
2. Aram, Fort
Since Mumbai is the land of vada pav, there are many great places to try it. One of our recommendations is Aram, not only because of its delicious spicy taste, but also because of its location. The eatery is located right opposite CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), one of the most important railway stations in the city. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, there’s nothing better than eating vada pav on a busy sidewalk surrounded by bustling Mumbaikars – plus you can enjoy a quick snack – as you take in the city’s most iconic monuments. Let’s look at one.
Where: Capital Cinema Building, 126, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai.
Also read: Where to eat in Kala Ghoda: 10 best cafes and restaurants you must try
3. Sardar Pav Bhaji, Taddev
Pav Bhaji is another street-style dish that Mumbaikars will love. And as soon as you mention it, chances are you will be directed to Sardar Pav Bhaji near Mumbai Central. This famous no-frills eatery is almost always packed with hungry food lovers craving the delicious taste of its buttery pav and bhaji. There are other variations you can try as well.
Where: Junction, 166-A, Tardeo Road, Janta Nagar, Tardeo, Mumbai.
Pav Bhaji is an iconic street-style combo in Mumbai (image for representational purposes only) Photo Credit: iStock
4. Canon Pav Bhaji, Fort
Canon Pav Bhaji is another famous place near CSMT that you can visit. After enjoying Vada Pav at Aram, head here for the “Mumbaikar Experience”. The name says it all – it’s a place to eat delicious, buttery bhaji (made from mashed vegetables) along with buttery pav.
Where: Mahapalika Marg, Opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Hazarimal Somani Road, Fort.
Pro Tip: The Fort area, where CSMT is located, has many places of historical, cultural and culinary interest. Click here to find out what else you should see when you’re in this neighborhood.
5. Amar Juice Centre, Vile Parle
We haven’t exhausted our options for pav bhaji places yet! Further north than others, you will find Amar Juice Center near Juhu. Enjoy street foods like pav bhaji, tawa pulao, masala pav (both usually made from the same bhaji) and many more at this iconic spot.
Where: 3, Gulmohar Road, Next to Cooper Hospital, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai.
6. ELCO, Bandra
Like Vada Pav, most people have their own local favorite to eat Pani Puri. But if we had to narrow down one place for a Mumbai “bucket list” experience, it would be Elco in Bandra West. Crispy puris, refreshing water and the perfect combination of textures, you don’t want to miss this dish when you are in Mumbai. Keep your eyes peeled when enjoying Pani Puri at Elko – celebrities are said to frequent this place.
Where: 46, Hill Road, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Pro Tip: Hill Road in Bandra is considered a shopping hotspot for affordable shopping ranging from small vendors to expensive items at multi-storey shops. Plan your day/evening in Bandra West such that you stop by Alco to take a break from your shopping.
Also read: Top 10 Breakfast Places in Mumbai You Must Try
7. Punjab Sweet House, Bandra
Another place to stay during your visit to Bandra is Punjab Sweet House. This eatery is famous for its North Indian classic dishes, including samosas, chole bhature, pani puri (or golgappa) and more. Don’t miss out on some of their wide range of sweets.
Where: Shop No. 3 & 7, Dheeraj Arcade, Opp Jude Wines, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pali Mala Road, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Samosa is a favorite snack among Mumbaikars
8. Guru Kripa, Sion
Guru Kripa is a famous place for breakfast and sweets in the central part of Mumbai. It has boasted of loyal patrons from all over the city for many years. We highly recommend the Samosas (with or without pav/chole), Ragda Pattis, Pani Puri and other chaat items. Finish off your meal with some of their delicious sweets – we especially love their Sev Barfi and other Sindhi-style sweets.
Where: 40, Road No. 24, Near SEES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sion West, Sion, Mumbai.
9. Sindh Pani Puri House, Chembur
Head into the inner city to explore exclusive offerings and a variety of local street food. Chembur has a thriving food scene that attracts people who love Sindhi and Punjabi cuisine. The oldest and most famous is the Sindh Pani Puri House. Try the dish they are named after as well as other delicious Sindhi snacks.
Where: Shop 13, Dr. CG Road, Chembur Camp, Chembur East
10. Mumbadevi Jalebi Wala, Kalbadevi
This particular list has been dominated by delicious street food, but we’re ending it on a sweet note. One of the most iconic jalebi joints in the city is Mumbadevi Jalebi Wala. Skillfully fried in desi ghee, they increase the sweetness level of these mouth-watering jalebis. The brand has a few branches in the suburbs but its story began in South Mumbai.
Where: 77, Zaveri Bazaar, Near Mumba Devi Temple, Kalbadevi.
Also read: 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants You Must Try In Mumbai
