Mumbai is a city unlike any other. It is a melting pot of different cultures and communities, that have drawn a unique history that differs from the rest of India. It also has a great food scene – while you might know of the Bombay Canteens and Olives of Mumbai – there’s also other food, the items which you have to try. We had the tough job of narrowing 10 food experiences to have in Mumbai that you can’t leave the city without trying.
1. Pav Bhaji at Amar Juice Center
Pav bhaji is one of those easy snacks that is healthy (if you skip the butter) and fills you up. Head to Amar Juice Center in Vile Parle which is known for its great pav bhaji and wash it down with mosambi juice.
2. Ice cream sandwich at K Rustom
An institution at Churchgate, K Rustom offers hand-churned ice cream encased in sweet wafers. You will get the usual flavours of chocolate, vanilla, and fruit versions, but the Old Monk Rum n Raisin is a must try.
3. Thali at Golden Star Thali
Gujarati food is decadent, and if you want to experience the best Gujju thali, you have to head to Golden Star Thali in Charni Road where they ply you with some of the best food on offer. Head during the summer months to have their Aamras Puri thali.
4. Vada Pav at Aram
Vada pav is synonymous with Mumbai, and it’s a cult favourite for a reason. After all it checks all the boxes–deep fried, tangy, and spicy.
5. Chicken Sanju Baba at Noor Mohammadi
Situated at Mohammed Ali Road, the Noor Mohammadi restaurant serves a dish called the Chicken Sanju Baba, and the recipe was shared none other than Sanjay Dutt.
6. Drinking Beer at Cafe Mondegar
Okay, this is not food, but it does deserve a mention. Take in the lovely murals on the wall by Mario Miranda, crank up the jukebox, and tuck into onion rings while sipping on a beer.
7. Berry Pulao at Britannia
With the berries specially imported from Iran, this Iranian/Parsi pulao has kebabs, fried onions, and the finishing touch, those tart berries that take the pulao notches higher.
8. Fugias at Jude Cold Storage
The original inhabitants of Mumbai, the East Indians have their own food which hasn’t really been in the spotlight. Fugias are a deep-fried bread that looks like a vada but have a slight sweet tinge. They’re perfect to mop all that vindaloo or spicy curry.
9. Misal Pav at Aaswad
A snack item from Maharashtra, it’s basically a curry made from beans, and then topped with chivda sev which gives it that crunchy element.
10. Crabs at Gajalee
Sure, you might have heard of Mahesh Lunch Home for its seafood, but Gajalee is also another restaurant that is known for their crustacean delicacies. Pick from the crab gassi or the prawns koliwada.
