Must-Try Dishes in Mumbai: A Beginner’s Guide to Local Cuisine

The city of dreams, Mumbai, is also known as the city of flavour. Mumbai's food culture is as colourful as its people, combining fine dining with street cuisine, local favourites with global influences, and a plethora of unique culinary traditions. This guide will show you how food is deeply ingrained in Mumbai culture and introduce you to some of the city's must-try dishes if you've never been there before.

1. Vada Pav: The Quintessential Mumbai Snack

A fried potato stuffed between pieces of a fluffy pav (bun) and seasoned with chutneys and a dash of garlic powder, vada pav is the city's version of a burger. Despite being straightforward, the flavour is robust and reassuring, perfectly capturing the spirit of Mumbai's street food scene. Try it at Anand Stall, which is close to Mithibai College, or Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar, where the lines of locals attest to its popularity and the flavours are perfectly seasoned.

2. Pav Bhaji: A Spiced Symphony

This meal, which is served with buttery pav, is a substantial combination of mashed and cooked veggies in a thick, spicy tomato foundation. Originally a late-night dinner for Mumbai's mill workers, Pav Bhaji has since become a local favourite and the epitome of comfort food. In Tardeo, Sardar Pav Bhaji is a well-known restaurant that serves it with a decadent slab of butter. Don't omit the lime and chopped onions; they give each bite a zesty, invigorating crunch.

3. Misal Pav: Spice Lovers’ Delight

Misal Pav is the recipe for you if you're craving something spicy and fiery. This meal isn't for the weak of heart; it's a blend of sprouted lentils cooked in a spicy red curry, garnished with sev (crispy noodles), onions, and coriander, and served with pav. The best places to try Misal Pav, which is renowned for its strong and complex flavours, are Mamledar Misal in Thane or Aaswad in Dadar, where the art of spice balance is practised. This meal may pair well with a little Naagin hot sauce, which would add heat without dominating its nuanced flavour profile.

4. Bhel Puri & Sev Puri: A Beachside Favorite

These well-liked chaat dishes are decadent yet refreshing appetisers that wonderfully encapsulate Mumbai's penchant for tart flavours. While Sev Puri employs puris (crispy discs) topped with potatoes, chutneys, and crunchy sev, Bhel Puri is a crunchy, savoury combination of puffed rice, veggies, and sour tamarind sauce. Famous locations to try this are Juhu Beach and Girgaum Chowpatty. This snack can be deliciously transformed by adding a little spicy sauce, such as Naagin, which complements the tamarind.

5. Bombil Fry: Seafood Lovers’ Delight

Because of its closeness to the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is known for its seafood, and one of its best dishes is Bombil Fry, also known as Bombay Duck Fry. In actuality, the Bombay Duck is a kind of fish prized for its delicate texture and distinct flavour. The best places to savour Bombil Fry, which is coated in a seasoned batter and shallow-fried until crispy, are local coastal cuisine hotspots like Mahesh Lunch Home in Juhu or Gajalee in Vile Parle. A must-try for lovers of seafood, each bite has the ideal crunch and is soft on the inside.

6. Keema Pav: A Meaty Indulgence

Both locals and tourists enjoy the breakfast meal keema pav, which is minced spicy mutton served with soft pav. It is perfect for anyone looking for comfort and richness because of the aromatic blend of spices that are cooked slowly with the meat until it is soft. Some of the greatest kheema pav in the city can be found at Olympia Coffee House in Colaba and Cafe Military in Fort, which offers a taste that is distinctly Mumbai. A little Naagin can enhance the flavours and bring out the meatiness of the keema without overpowering it, if you're craving a little more zing.

7. Chicken Shawarma: A Local Take on a Middle Eastern Classic

Mumbai has adopted chicken shawarma, giving the Middle Eastern staple a unique twist. The city's version typically consists of pickled veggies, garlic sauce, and shredded, spicy chicken wrapped in pita bread or soft roomali roti. Bandra's Carter Road is well-known for its street-side Shawarma stands, which offer a tasty, reasonably priced, and portable dinner. It wouldn't hurt to add a little spicy Naagin here, either, since it can give the rich chicken marinade a smoky kick.

8. Parsi Berry Pulao: A Sweet and Savory Treat

The Parsi minority in Mumbai has added a distinct flavour character to the city's cuisine, and one of the most notable dishes is Berry Pulao. Savoury and delicious, this rice dish has a unique and memorable flavour because of its delicate spices, juicy berries, and tender beef. The genuine Berry Pulao at Britannia & Co. in Ballard Estate is well-known. A small quantity of Naagin hot sauce can give the berries and spices a delightful kick for people who like a little heat with sweetness.

9. Ragda Pattice: Comfort in a Plate

Ragda Pattice is a two-part street food dish that consists of a spicy, sour white pea curry (ragda) and a crispy potato patty (pattice). The addition of onions, coriander, sev, and tamarind chutney as garnishes gives this dish a burst of flavour and texture. Try this dish at Canon Pav Bhaji at Gateway of India or Shreeji Stall near CST; the quantities are substantial and the flavours are quite pleasant. This is another excellent meal where the earthy flavour of the ragda may be enhanced without being overpowered by a small quantity of Naagin sauce.

10. Falooda: A Sweet Ending

Without a sweet treat, no Mumbai culinary tour would be complete, and Falooda is just that! Falooda, an Indian delicacy made with milk, rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds, and topped with a scoop of ice cream, has Persian roots. This dessert, which is refreshing, flowery, and decadent, is served in unforgettable forms at Haji Ali Juice Centre and Badshah at Crawford Market. For a refreshing contrast to the heat of the city, finish your Mumbai culinary adventure with falooda, even if Naagin hot sauce isn't used here.

Final Tips for a Mumbai Food Adventure

• Respect the Heat: Many dishes are already spicy, so approach the spice level according to your tolerance. Adding a local hot sauce like Naagin can elevate flavours without overwhelming them.

• Embrace the Pav: From Vada Pav to Keema Pav, this humble bread is an essential part of the Mumbai dining experience.

• Balance: Mumbai cuisine balances textures and flavours—from the crunch of Bhel Puri to the richness of Berry Pulao. Enjoy this culinary diversity as you navigate each dish.

Mumbai’s culinary landscape is more than just food; it’s a reflection of its people, its culture, and its spirit. From sizzling street food to refined Parsi dishes, every meal tells a story. Embark on this food journey, and let your taste buds savour the vibrancy of Mumbai’s culinary heritage.