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What is famous in Mumbai to eat? The answer lies in the city’s fast-paced streets, packed food stalls, and old cafés that never run out of flavours. Mumbai offers more than just a meal—it gives a story in every bite. With over 200 different communities living here, the local food reflects diversity and tradition. From spicy vada pavs to coastal seafood curries, Mumbai’s food culture is always moving, always changing—just like the city itself. Let’s explore what makes it unforgettable.
What Is Famous In Mumbai To Eat? Top 6 Local Dishes
What is famous in Mumbai to eat? From street snacks to seafood, this guide lists 6 must-try dishes in the city.
1. Vada Pav
Vada pav is arguably Mumbai’s most iconic street food, often referred to as the “Mumbai burger” or “Indian burger”. This beloved snack consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) made from spiced mashed potatoes, coated in chickpea flour batter, and sandwiched between a soft pav (bread roll). Originally popularized by mill workers in the 1960s, vada pav has become Mumbai’s ultimate on-the-go snack, representing the essence of the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Where To Eat: Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar (legendary original version), available throughout Mumbai at numerous street vendors
Average Cost: ₹15-20
2. Pav Bhaji
Photo: SwingingUvula / Wikimedia Commons
Pav bhaji is a quintessential Mumbai street food that features a thick, spiced vegetable mash served with buttered pav. The bhaji is prepared by mashing together potatoes, tomatoes, peas, cauliflower, and various other vegetables, then cooking them with aromatic spices including pav bhaji masala, creating a rich and flavorful curry. The dish is typically garnished with chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a generous dollop of butter, served alongside warm buttered pav rolls.
Where To Eat: Cannon Pav Bhaji, Fort area (opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), Sardar Pav Bhaji, Tardeo
Average Cost: ₹150-200
3. Bombay Sandwich
Photo: Seriously Low Carb / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Bombay sandwich is Mumbai’s unique take on the classic sandwich, transformed into a distinctly local street food. This grilled sandwich typically features layers of boiled potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and beetroot, all seasoned with mint and coriander chutney. The sandwich is generously buttered, filled with grated cheese (usually mozzarella), and grilled until golden and crispy on the outside. What makes it particularly Mumbai-style is the addition of various chutneys and the option to customize with different vegetables and spice levels.
Where To Eat: Colaba Causeway, Gupta Bhel Puri House, Vile Parle
Average Cost: ₹30-100
4. Keema Pav
Photo: Vidurmayor/ Wikimedia Commons
Keema pav represents Mumbai’s Persian and Irani café heritage, brought to the city by Zoroastrian immigrants. This rich and deeply comforting dish features minced mutton slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic garam masala spices, creating a flavorful and hearty curry. The keema is traditionally served with buttery pav bread. Often garnished with a fried egg on top and served with a squeeze of lime, keema pav offers a perfect blend of spices and textures that make it a beloved comfort food.
Where To Eat: Gulshan-e-Iran, Crawford Market, various Irani cafés across Mumbai
Average Cost: ₹450 for two
5. Bhel Puri
Photo: Manoj2095 / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
Bhel puri is a popular beachside snack and one of Mumbai’s homegrown chaat varieties that perfectly captures the city’s coastal essence. This delightful mixture combines puffed rice with sev (crispy fried noodles), chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and fresh coriander. The magic lies in the blend of chutneys – sweet tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney, that coat the ingredients, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The dish is traditionally served in paper cones and eaten immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the puffed rice.
Where To Eat: Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach
Average Cost: ₹30-70
6. Cutting Chai
Photo: Suraj Shakya / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cutting chai is Mumbai’s signature tea experience that perfectly captures the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and social culture. This strong, milky tea is prepared by boiling tea leaves with milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like ginger (adrak) and cardamom. The term “cutting” refers to the practice of serving tea in smaller glasses, allowing people to enjoy multiple servings throughout the day. The ritual of sipping cutting chai while standing at bustling street corners, discussing daily life, or taking a break from work has become an integral part of Mumbai’s urban culture.
Where To Eat: : Tapris (tea stalls) throughout Mumbai
Average Cost: ₹10-20
What is famous in Mumbai to eat? Everything from street snacks to traditional sweets, Mumbai’s food reflects the city’s heart—fast, warm, and full of taste. Whether you’re wandering through markets, beaches, or old lanes, there’s always something delicious waiting. Each bite tells a different story, rooted in culture, history, and community. Ready to taste Mumbai’s best? Let TripXL help you design a culinary journey.
Cover Photo: Omar Lezama Hernandez / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
