Mumbai locals and visitors alike are well aware that enjoying street food in Mumbai is an unforgettable experience. Have you ever strolled along the street and noticed a big group congregating around a Dosa stand?

When it’s about real Bombay food, even more people come together. I’ve explored 5 of the city’s top street delicacies, the Emperors of Mumbai Streets. These dishes are a must-try for anyone visiting and a revelation for those Mumbaikars who haven’t had the chance to try them!

1. VADA PAV

Once you’ve had a taste of ‘Mumbai’ and ‘Street Food’ together, it’s highly probable you’ll encounter ‘Vada Pav’ right after. It’s a globally recognized street food from Mumbai that’s too good to miss! Each vendor has their own twist on the dish, from the mix of spices to the extra toppings, cheese, and masala, making it unique.

Among the many, Ashok Vada Pav in Prabhadevi stands out as the top choice. What really sets them apart is the added crunch to their Vada Pav. The Vada is just right, not too soft or too hard, and it’s also well-spiced. The Pav is chewable, and the chutney cools down the heat with a touch of sweetness, while the added chura adds a nice crunch to finish off the dish. Don’t miss out on trying out other Vada Pav stands in Mumbai, such as Anand Vada Pav at Ville Parle and Aaram Vada Pav near the Central Station in Fort.

2. PAV BHAJI

Pav Bhaji is a popular Maharashtrian dish in Mumbai, known for its variety of toppings, similar to Vada Pav. A key difference in Pav Bhaji is the use of butter, where some prefer it extra spicy and others like it milder.

Among the top Pav Bhaji places, there are two right across Tardeo from each other, Sardar Pav Bhaji and Maji Sagar. Sardar Pav Bhaji is known for its generous use of butter in the bhaji, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a rich, flavorful, but non-spicy meal. Maji Sagar, on the other hand, offers a spicier option, mastering the balance of sour and spice in their bhaji, with their Pav topping being notably soft and buttery, complementing the Bhaji’s taste.

3. MISAL PAV

This meal isn’t as well-known as Pav Bhaji or Vada Pav, but it’s still a popular local dish in Mumbai and shouldn’t be missed by any visitor’s itinerary! As a blogger covering Mumbai food, I experienced the ultimate challenge of rating various Misal Pavs from various locations. Perfecting the Misal is a constant challenge. It might not have the right crunchiness, or the Misal could be lacking in flavor. Vinay Health Home rises to the occasion.

It’s situated between Charni Road and Marine Lines, South Bombay. After an invigorating morning walk along Marine Drive, this spot offers the perfect breakfast for a special treat. The Misal at Vinay Health Home is hard to put into words because it strikes the right balance between sweet and spicy, creating a unique flavor.

4. BOMBAY SANDWICH

Looking to take your basic cheese sandwich with cucumber and tomatoes to the next level? Give the Bombay Sandwich a try! There’s a unique charm to the street food spots in Mumbai that specialize in this dish. However, among these spots, there’s a fierce rivalry to come up with the tastiest sandwich.

One notable spot is Raju Sandwich shop at Churchgate, which attracts a lot of college students due to its location near HR college. The sandwiches they offer are incredibly delicious because they’re loaded with butter and cheese. Another top choice is the Popular Sandwich Shop in Lower Parel, known for their tasty sweet-spicy dipping sauce and the ideal cheese amount in their sandwich filling. On a warm, damp day, a piping hot Bombay Sandwich from one of these spots might just satisfy your cravings.

5. BUN MASKA

They mention, “In the western nations, breakfasts are fulfilling, and the staple is the bread-butter combo.”

I argue, “Mumbai can top that. When I say ‘top,’ I mean outshine them. Have you tried our Bun Maska?”

You might think that Bun Maska is just a bun with butter, not particularly exceptional. That’s where Café Irani Chai in Mahim steps in to prove you wrong. This café is recognized as having one of the finest Bun Maska in Mumbai. They maintain a traditional and classic approach by not adding any extra toppings to their buns. Despite this, their soft and easy-to-chew buns are incomparable, with the butter flavor standing out as exceptional.

On a day when Mumbai is known for being rainy, indulging in a Bun Maska-Chai combo at this café would offer a comforting experience worth experiencing. Other places you could visit to try this dish include Britannia & Co. in Fort and Kyani & Co. in Marine Lines.

Here are just a few of the street food options you’ll encounter in Mumbai. However, there’s much more variety when it comes to street food, from traditional fast food like burgers to the cozy flavors of South Indian cuisine. All in all, these culinary delights certainly make Mumbai the City of Dreams!