Mumbai is known for a lot of things, especially its paradoxical nature. The city is harsh yet kind, traditional yet contemporary, over-crowded and bursting at its seams yet lonely – you get the drift. It’s a chaotic but magical concrete jungle that everyone is striving to get a slice of, fiercely and frantically.
Speaking of slices, Mumbaikars are known for their crazy love for street food and of course, for its army of hawkers that help satiate their cravings. The city takes its love for food very seriously, and you know what they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” So whether you’re a foodie or not, whenever you visit the city, we insist you take some time out to explore the fare that the place offers. And if you’re thinking hoity-toity upmarket fine-dining, think again! We’re talking about the local but supremely delectable treats that you can savour, straight off the streets. Wondering where to start? Here are 5 lip-smacking items to add to your “to eat” list…
1. Kanda Poha
Kanda Poha is a famed Mumbai street food that is fairly easy-to-make and mostly eaten for breakfast or as an evening snack. Onions (kanda) and flat flaked rice (poha) are mixed with chopped potatoes, green chilies, and peanuts; tempered with mustard seeds and garnished with fresh coriander, sev and lemon.
2. Batata Vada
Batata Vada, otherwise known as Aloo Bonda, is also a popular Mumbai street food that is made of potato mash, which is coated with chickpea flour and deep fried. Salt, turmeric, and red chili powder seasonings are added and the dish is served with green chutney and fried green chilies.
3. Vada Pav
Also comically known as a “poor man’s burger,” Vada Pav could easily be the most loved snack in the city and even in all of Maharashtra. The dish is essentially a bun (pav) and a potato fritter (vada) topped with pickled chilies, garlic powder and a tangy chutney.
4. Misal Pav
Originating from Pune, Misal Pav is a spicy mix of curried lentils, potatoes, chopped onions and tomatoes. As you travel through Maharashtra, each city has its own twists and ingredients that are added or subtracted from the recipe. Call us biased, but the Mumbai version has the best of everything and an ideal balance. The dish is served with a side of pav.
5. Ragda Pattice
A hot-seller among locals, Ragda Pattice is a combination of ragda – soft and spicy chickpeas, and pattice – deep fried patties of mashed potatoes. The ragda is crushed with the pattice, after which finely chopped onions, tamarind sauce, and green chutney is added on top!
