Being an ardent foodie, my evenings in childhood were solely dedicated to finding new places to spend my pocket money… mostly street food in Chembur.
When I grew up, my horizons broadened (Territories of Mumbai) and I strode all over the city to experience what I had been missing out on – more of Mumbai street food.
So, here I am presenting my list of the best of the best of Mumbai I have tried.
1. Vada Pav (Anand, Vile Parle)
If Mumbai was a food item, it would be vada pav. This is probably why there is a conflict of love when it comes to picking that one place to have a vada pav. But Anand to Mumbai is what Sanju’s Corner is to Chembur.
There are at least 50,000 vada pav stalls in Mumbai and the competition between them will put IIT Bombay’s cut-off list to shame.
Located outside Mithibai college, Anand’s stall is that perfect romantic setting for a quick hot spicy date (of course I meant with food).
Where: Opposite Mithibai College, Gulmohar Road 1, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
Open: 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Burn: ₹200 (for two)
2. Paani Puri (Elco, Bandra)
From a humble beginning to becoming World famous in the entire Mumbai city, Elco’s success story beats Sharmaji ka beta hands down here.
The traditional young Bombay girl first goes on a shopping spree on the streets of hill road (very good cardio IMO tbh) and then gives herself a well-deserved treat. As she waits for her food to arrive, she reminisces her entire day through the glass window overlooking the very street she shopped on.
In fact, you can also blindly gulp down their dahi puri and bhel puri without worrying about regretting your decisions the next day.
Where: 2/A, Elco Market, 46, Hill Road, Bandra West
Open: 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Burn: ₹450 (for two)
3. Milkshakes – (Bachelorr’s, Marine Drive)
I must confess, I am not really into healthy drinking (sic!), but I do particularly love this place and for a very good reason at that. Most of my college life was spent chilling at Marine Drive and when you are done being in awe of the Queen’s necklace (which technically never really happens but mum’s missed calls sigh!) a pitstop at Bachelorr’s is a MUST DO.
What I particularly like the most about this place is their unconventional menu and excellent service (even in the monsoon, they deliver it right to your car seat).
I strongly urge you to try their chic-choc shake and roccher shake. In fact, their shahi gulab shake and green chilli ice cream are also worth a try. Feeling hungry? They’ll even make you a nice sammich!
Where: 45, Chowpatty Sea Face, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Marg, Marine Drive-, Chowpatty, Mumbai
Open: 10:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Burn: ₹800 (for two)
4. Crab (Mahesh Lunch Home, Multiple Places)
Mumbai being an island city, it is but natural to crave for seafood. Mahesh Lunch Home is famous for its Mangalorean spread and crabs! Seldom do restaurants in Mumbai do justice in serving the latter.
Ask for a crab delicacy and they bring you a cage and put you on a daunting task of picking one. But that’s where all your troubles end. What follows is a gastronomical experience which will keep you licking your fingers the entire time. Ensure you wash your hands before you embark on this journey.
BTW, don’t miss out on the solkadi there. It somehow tastes better than daaru when you are sitting there.
Where: 8 B, Cawasji Patel Street, Fort, Mumbai
Also in Juhu, Saki Naka, Thane, and Vashi
Open: 11:30 AM to 4 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM
Burn: ₹1,800 (for two)
5. Pav Bhaji (Sardar’s, Tardeo, Amar Juice Centre)
I love butter and can have dollops and dollops of it. If you like your pav bhaji like the way I like it, head over to Sardar Refreshments in Tardeo.
Fluffy utterly butterly pav with even more butterly bhaji… ummm just the kind of food you will crave on your cheat day. The wait is long but it is totally worth it!
Culminate the beautiful high-calorie rendezvous with chocolate mousse and caramel custard and lead yourself into eternal bliss.
Where: Tardeo Road Junction, Opposite Bus Depot, Tardeo, Mumbai
Open: 12 PM to 2 AM
Burn: ₹250 (for two)
These 5 were my favourite. Which are your favourite food places in Mumbai?
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