Mumbai’s top street food and where to find it

Much like New Delhi, Mumbai is renowned for its street food, known as 'chaat,' derived from the Hindi word 'chaatna,' which means 'to lick.' It's the perfect description since these delicious bites will definitely have you licking your fingers.

Eager to dive in? Here’s our guide to the best street snacks Mumbai has to offer.

We’ve included a few extra videos from our recent Culinary Journeys trip to Mumbai to further stir your appetite. And for those worried about the infamous 'Delhi Belly' – or should we say 'Mumbai Malady?' – we’ve also listed some safe spots to enjoy these treats.

Vada pav

This local take on the veggie burger is giving McDonald’s a serious run for its money.

Affordable and widely available, vada pav is likely Mumbai’s most beloved street snack. It’s a tasty combination of crispy and soft textures: a golden, deep-fried vada (potato patty) with a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful center, stuffed into a pav (thick bun) with a generous spread of spicy garlic and chili chutney.

For an extra kick, whole semi-fried green chilies are served alongside.

Where to try it: Aram Batata Vada, Capital Cinema Building, Opposite CST Station

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Pav bhaji

Mumbai’s obsession with pav continues with this rich, red curry made from mashed vegetables (don’t worry, the redness comes mostly from the tomatoes, not the chili).

Pav was brought to Mumbai from the neighboring state of Goa, which originally got it from the Portuguese during their colonization centuries ago. A generous amount of butter is used to toast the pav and also mixed into the curry just before serving. Top it off with a squeeze of lemon and some raw onions, and you have a dish that's pure bliss.

Where to try it: Sardar’s, 166-A Tardeo Road Junction, Tulsiwadi, near Tardeo bus depot

Chutney sandwich

In this dish, Mumbai puts its unique spin on the simple white bread sandwich.

The secret lies in a generous spread of vibrant green chutney made from fresh coriander, green chilies, and garlic. Additions like tomatoes, cucumbers, boiled potatoes, and crumbled cottage cheese are packed into this sandwich, which is then grilled to a crispy golden perfection on a small hand-held toaster.

We suggest avoiding the dreadful tomato sauce that the vendor might offer as a topping.

Where to try it: Bachelorr’s, Chowpatty Sea Face, opposite Birla Krida Kendra

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Bhel puri

Simple to prepare, bhel puri is one of the few healthy street foods in India. In fact, modern versions often include boiled sprouts and green peas as well.

Found all over India, bhel puri varies in taste and style depending on the local ingredients used. A perfect blend of six distinct flavors, textures, and spices come together in every serving.

Mumbai’s bhel puri consists of puffed rice, sev (a crunchy chickpea flour snack), boiled potatoes, raw mango, and onions, all topped with fresh coriander and a mix of chutneys – sweet, spicy, and tangy.

For those new to chaat, bhel puri is likely the mildest option in terms of spice.

Where to try it: Swati Snacks, 248, Karai Estate, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo Road

Pani puri

This popular street snack has many regional variations, each claiming to be the original and the best.

In Mumbai, it’s known as pani puri, in Kolkata it’s phuchka, and in Delhi, golgappa. This crispy, hollow ball made from refined flour is filled with your choice of stuffing, then dipped in spiced water – first savory, then sweet.

Mumbai’s version uses a filling of boiled potatoes mixed with mild masala powders. Pop the entire puri into your mouth and let the flavors burst.

Where to try it: Elco Market, 46 Hill Road, Bandra West

Ragda pattice

Ragda pattice is a classic Mumbai chaat, found at every popular snack stall around the city.

Potato patties are lightly fried on a large flat pan and paired with a mild white pea curry called ragda. Topped with sweet and spicy chutneys, finely chopped onions, and fresh coriander, the dish comes together with a flavorful punch.

Where to try it: Guru Kripa, Plot 40, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion

Falooda

After sampling the savory dishes, it's time for dessert. Served in a tall glass, falooda consists of vermicelli noodles, dried fruits and nuts, rose syrup, and sabja seeds (sweet basil seeds).

For an extra indulgence, go for the kulfi falooda, which includes a generous scoop of rich, local kulfi ice cream.

Where to try it: Haji Ali Juice Center, Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill