13 Popular Dishes In Mumbai That Will Make You Nostalgic

Hyderabad is known for its Biryani, Bengal for Rossogulla and Delhi for Kulche Chole. One can actually create an Indian map with the popular food of each state and city. Here are 13 popular dishes in Mumbai that one can easily associate with the city and as soon as you hear the name you’re sure to feel a wee bit of nostalgia.

1. Vada Pav

The batata vada itself is a treat and when put between a pav with sweet, spicy and garlic chutneys, it’s a bliss. It’s the cheapest, filling and delicious snack that’s attained the glory of being called the Indian Burger. Vada Pav is a dish Mumbai loves and counts on while madly rushing through the crowd.

2. Pav Bhaji

When the iron tava is steaming with a mixture of vegetables and vendor is tirelessly adding masalas and heaps of butter to it, you know it’s going to be worth the wait. Mopping up steaming hot pav bhaji is bliss for a Mumbaikar and we love ours with extra maska on pav and the bhaji!

3. Bhajji Pav

The Kanda Bhajiya is meant to be eaten with a pav and you can add the chutneys or simply pick up a fried green chilli and take a bite. Yep, what’s a bhajji pav without a teekha kick isn’t it?

4. Misal Pav

A snack that’s loaded with sprouted beans in a thick gravy that’s topped with farsan, chopped raw onions and a drizzle of lemon. Mop it up with a pav and you have a delicious, healthy snack on the go.

5. Bhel Puri

Bombay Bhel Puri is gaining country-wide popularity as no matter which city you go to, the Bombay tag has to be there before bhel puri. Yet another healthy, zingy and delicious snack, it is one of the most popular street foods of Mumbai.

6. Pani Puri

Served with boiled ragda or sprouts, pani puri is the ultimate spicy delight that one can enjoy in this city. You can have it teekha, with sweet water and even with boiled potatoes if you ask nicely. But speed up because the vendor will always be eager to serve you the next puri and oh, never leave without and extra sukha puri.

7. Bombay Sandwich

A hot mess I’d like to call it because yes it will be messy once you dig into a Bombay Sandwich. Filled with vegetables, chutneys and cheese if you’d like, this sandwich is an ultimate one. You can even ask for a masala sandwich wherein they’ll add spicy potatoes along with the raw vegetables. And again don’t forget to ask for a potato slice after you’re done.

8. Bheja Fry

Don’t chew the brains of a Mumbai-kar but you can always chomp on a bheja fry which is goat brain sautéed with tomatoes, onions and spices. Mop it up with a roti or a pav, this is the meatiest and the most awesome dish you could have.

9. Bombil Fry

Mumbai being a coastline is famous for its seafood and amongst the dishes the first name you’ll hear is Bombil Fry. Bombay Duck is commonly found here and the preparation is done by dipping the fish in a batter and fried. Have it plain or with a roti, it’s always delicious.

10. Butter Garlic Crab

If you’ve read up so far, you must’ve realised that we Mumbai-ites get high on butter and when it comes to seafood with lather it up with butter too. One bite of butter garlic crab and you’ll definitely come back for more. A dish in itself, this deadly combination of butter and garlic with sweet crab meat will linger on your mind till you return to eat it.

11. Brun Maska

The influence of the Parsi community is strong in Mumbai and it has brought to the city its amazing food heritage. Dipping a brun maska in chai and chatting away is the ideal way to live, no kidding. And while you linger doing this in an Irani Café of Mumbai, might as well stay till meal time and binge on delicacies like Akuri on Toast, Kheema Pav and Chicken Dhansak.

12. Ragda Pattice

An aloo tikka crispy on the outside and soft on the inside is served with generous helping of radga. It is a popular Mumbai snack and you can of course ask for it to made spicy with extra masala, chutneys and chopped green chillies.

13. Falooda

Last but definitely not the least Falooda is the ultimate refreshing drink in Mumbai. Served with a scoop of Kulfi and sabza it will help you fight the heat and humidity of the city. Oh and the word Falooda has also found a meaning in the Mumbai slang and is now synonymous to disrespect or insulting behaviour.