Mumbai has incredible variety when it comes to street food. There are many lip-smacking dishes that locals find themselves drawn to, again and again. If you are new to the street food scene in the city or if you are visiting as a tourist, we have curated a list of some of the most popular places serving different street food. Many have been around for decades. While Mumbai has a great variety of street food, this list includes places to enjoy the classics you can’t miss: vada pav, pav bhaji, pani puri, samosas and more.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy street food in Mumbai:
Vada pav is one of Mumbai’s most famous street food snacks (Picture for representation purpose only). Photo Credit: iStock
1. Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar
If there is one street food that is known in Mumbai (not only on a domestic scale, but also internationally) – it is vada pav. It is said to have been invented by Ashok Vaidya, who sold this quick and budget-friendly snack to factory workers who flocked to localities near Dadar to earn their daily wages. For “authentic” fun, vada pav lovers still visit the stall set up near Kirti College.
Where: Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai.
2. Aram, Fortress
Since Mumbai is the land of vada pav, there are many good 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 eating joint is located right next to 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 like eating vada pav on a busy street surrounded by busy Mumbaikars – also in a hurry to enjoy a snack – while you gaze at one of the city’s best monuments.
Where: Capital Cinema Building, 126, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai.
See also: Where to Eat in Kala Ghoda: 10 Best Cafes and Restaurants You Must Try
3. Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo
Pav bhaji is another street style treat that Mumbaikars will love. And when you mention it, chances are you will be directed to Sardar Pav Bhaji near Mumbai Central. This legendary no-frills eatery is almost always packed with hungry foodies craving the buttery goodness of pav and bhaji. There are other variations that you can try.
Where: Junction, 166-A, Tardeo Rd, Janata Nagar, Tardeo, Mumbai.
Pav bhaji is a great street style combo in Mumbai (Image for representation purpose only) Photo Credit: iStock
4. Canon Pav Bhaji, Fort
Canon Pav Bhaji is another famous place near CSMT that you can visit. Go here after a vada pav indulgence in Aram for the “Mumbaikar experience”. The name says it all – this is the place to dig into bhaji (made from mashed vegetables) paired 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 explore while you’re in this neighborhood.
5. Amar Juice Centre, Vile Parle
We’re not done with our options for pav bhaji places! Further North than others, you will find the Amar Juice Center near Juhu. Relish pav bhaji, tava pulao, masala pav (both are usually made with the same bhaji) and various other street food at this wonderful place.
where: 3, Gulmohar Rd, Next to Cooper Hospital, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai.
6. Elco, Bandra
Like vada pav, most people have their own local favorites to indulge in pani puri. But if we had to narrow down one spot to our “bucket list” of Mumbai experiences, it would be Elco in Bandra West. Crispy puris, refreshing pani and a perfect combination of textures, you don’t want to miss out on this treat while in Mumbai. Keep your eyes peeled when you taste pani puri in Elco – 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 cheap buys from small vendors to luxury goods in multi-storey shops. Plan a day/evening in Bandra West so that you drop by Elco as a break from shopping.
See also: Top 10 Breakfast Places in Mumbai You Must Try
7. Punjab Sweet House, Bandra
Another place to drop by during your Bandra outing is Punjab Sweet House. This eating joint is famous for its North Indian classics, including samosas, chole bhature, pani puri (or golgappa), and more. Don’t leave without tasting some of the different mithai dishes.
where: Shop No. 3 & 7, Dheeraj Arcade, Opp Jude Wines, Dr Ambedkar Road, Pali Mala Road, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Samosas are a favorite snack among Mumbaikars
8. Guru Kripa, Sion
Guru Kripa is a legendary place for snacks and sweets in central Mumbai. It boasts loyal patrons from all over the city for many years. We highly recommend samosas (with or without pav/chole), ragda pattice, pani puri and other chaat items. End the meal with some delicious mithai – we love sev barfi and other Sindhi style sweets.
where: 40, Rd Number 24, near Sies College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sion West, Sion, Mumbai.
9. House of Sindh Pani Puri, Chembur
Go to the inner city areas to explore different special offers and local street food. Chembur has a thriving scene that attracts people who love Sindhi and Punjabi delicacies. Among the oldest and most famous is the Sindh Pani Puri House. Try the named food as well as delicious Sindhi snacks.
where: Shop 13, Dr. CG Road, Chembur Camp, Chembur East
10. Mumbadevi Jalebi Wala, Kalbadevi
Savory food has dominated this particular list, but we end on a sweet note. One of the best jalebi joints in the city is Mumbadevi Jalebi Wala. Just fried in desi ghee, they nail the level of sweetness of these mouth-watering jalebis. The brand has several branches in the suburbs but it started its story in South Mumbai.
where: 77, Zaveri Bazar, Near Mumba Devi Mandir, Kalbadevi.
See also: 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants You Must Try In Mumbai
