Dadar, a vibrant neighborhood in Mumbai, is renowned for its diverse and delicious food scene. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, the best food in Dadar offers a culinary journey that caters to all tastes. One of the highlights is the bustling Dadar Market, where you can find an array of local delicacies. Don’t miss the opportunity to try iconic Mumbai street food like vada pav, bhel puri, and pani puri. For a more upscale experience, Dadar boasts several excellent restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
10 Best Food In Dadar
Here’s a list of 10 best food in Dadar to discover and relish on in the vibrant neighborhood of Mumbai:
1. Vada Pav
Photo: Sharvarism / Wikimedia Commons
A famous food in Dadar, Vada Pav features a spicy mashed potato fritter (vada) coated in gram flour. It is deep-fried, and served in a soft pav (bread roll) with chutneys and fried green chilies. This iconic snack is a burst of flavor and spice, perfect for a quick bite.The vada, made from spiced mashed potatoes, is the star of the dish. It’s seasoned with green chilies, garlic, and various spices, giving it a delightful spiciness that excites the palate. In essence, Vada Pav is a delightful symphony of spicy, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements.
Best Restaurant: Aaram Vada Pav
2. Pav Bhaji
Photo: Nehabca24 / Wikimedia Commons
This is a rich and spicy vegetable curry made with mashed potatoes, peas, and a medley of veggies, served with buttered pav (bread rolls). The bhaji is cooked with a special blend of spices and served with a dollop of butter, diced onions, and a wedge of lemon for an extra zing. It’s a go-to food for busy commuters and a staple for those seeking quick, delicious meals on the street. Street vendors selling it can be found in nearly every corner of the city, serving people from all walks of life
Best Restaurant: Anand Stall
3. Misal Pav
Photo: Ishanya 1507 / Wikimedia Commons
This is a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils and topped with a mix of chopped onions, coriander, and farsan (crispy snacks). Served with soft pav, Misal is a flavorful dish that balances heat with freshness, making it a popular breakfast option. Misal Pav is a beloved part of Maharashtrian culture. It is often enjoyed during breakfast or as a mid-day snack and is commonly found at local eateries, roadside stalls, and festivals. The dish is celebrated for its affordability, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.
Best Restaurant: Shivaji Park Misal
4. Dhokla
Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
A steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, Dhokla is light, fluffy, and mildly spiced. Often garnished with mustard seeds and fresh coriander, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Dhokla has a unique combination of flavors and textures. It is soft and spongy, with a mildly tangy and nutty taste from the chickpea flour and fermentation. The tempering adds a burst of flavor, while the garnishes of coriander and coconut lend freshness and visual appeal. Dhokla is often served with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney, making it a delightful and healthy snack.
Best Restaurant: Gujju Paatla
5. Puran Poli
Photo: Pratha Bopche / Wikimedia Commons
This is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and split chickpeas. Often served with ghee and milk, Puran Poli is a festive dish enjoyed during celebrations, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and flavor. Puran Poli holds a special place in Indian cuisine, especially in Maharashtrian households. It is often prepared during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, and Holi, symbolizing prosperity and joy. The dish is a staple in traditional Maharashtrian thalis, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.
Best Restaurant: Mohan’s, Dadar
6. Bombay Sandwich
Photo: Wind Hashira / Wikimedia Commons
This is a colorful sandwich layered with sliced vegetables, green chutney, and sometimes cheese, all stacked between slices of buttered bread. Grilled or toasted, this snack is a delightful combination of crunchy and creamy textures, bursting with fresh flavors. Bombay Sandwich embodies the spirit of Mumbai’s street food culture. It is widely available at street stalls, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city. The sandwich is often enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an evening snack.
Best Restaurant: Shivaji Park Café
7. Ragda Pattice
Photo: Maskaravivek / Wikimedia Commons
This is a popular chaat dish consisting of potato patties served with a spicy white pea curry (ragda), topped with chutneys, onions, and sev (crispy noodles). This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd favorite. Ragda Pattice is a beloved street food dish in Mumbai and is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. It is commonly found at roadside stalls, food carts, and restaurants. The dish reflects the vibrant street food culture of Mumbai, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity. It offers a delightful blend of textures; creamy, crispy, and crunchy. This is with a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite snack in Mumbai.
Best Restaurant: Ashok Vada Pav
8. Thalipeeth
Photo: Dharmadhyaksha / Wikimedia Commons
A multi-grain flatbread seasoned with spices, vegetables, and herbs, Thalipeeth is typically served with yogurt and butter. It’s a nutritious and filling dish, offering a wholesome taste of Maharashtrian cuisine. Thalipeeth reflects the agricultural heritage of Maharashtra. It is often associated with the harvest season and is made from locally available ingredients. The dish is also popular among health-conscious individuals due to its wholesome ingredients and nutritional value.
Best Restaurant: Prakash Upahaar Kendra
9. Kothimbir Vadi
Photo: Hrishikesh / Wikimedia Commons
These savory steamed cakes made from besan (gram flour) and fresh coriander leaves are spiced. Then, they are cut into pieces before being shallow-fried until crispy. Kothimbir Vadi is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, full of herby goodness. It holds a special place in Maharashtrian cuisine and is often served during festivals, family gatherings, or as a popular tea-time snack. Its simplicity and flavor make it a beloved dish among locals and a delightful introduction to Maharashtrian food for newcomers.
Best Restaurant: Kothimbir Vadi Corner
10. Modak
Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
A sweet dumpling filled with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, Modak is a traditional delicacy, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. The outer covering is made from rice flour, providing a soft and chewy texture that perfectly complements the sweet filling. Modak is closely associated with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the arrival of Lord Ganesha. According to Hindu tradition, modaks are offered to Ganesha as a symbol of devotion. Devotees believe that consuming modaks brings blessings of knowledge and prosperity
Best Restaurant: Gajanan Modak
From vada pav to misal pav and modak, the best food in Dadar tells a story of tradition, culture, and community. The local eateries and street food stalls serve not only satisfying meals but also a sense of nostalgia and warmth that resonates with both locals and visitors. The diverse range of dishes, combined with the bustling atmosphere of the area, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the authentic flavors of Mumbai. Plan your Dadar adventure now with TripXL!
Cover Photo: ClumsyHomeChef / Wikimedia Commons