Mumbai, the Bollywood city, is all about people turning their dreams into reality, beaches, and, best of all, some of the most delectable dishes. While each state of India brings a diverse set of cuisines and flavour profiles, the capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai, has recently been ranked in the top 10 on the list of the world’s 20 best cities for food.
As per the recent report by Time Out, Mumbai bags the eighth when it comes to getting the best food. Mumbai really does justice to their statement as the beauty of the city lies in the flavourful food in every nook and corner. Their survey revealed that every local has a favourite spot, from spicy Manchurian to the famous vada pav. You can name a dish and find the best ones in Mumbai. If you’re visiting the city, here are some of the most popular dishes you must try.
Vada Pav
Vada pav is one of the most popular street food in Mumbai. Wherever you are in the city, you can easily find a vada pav corner at a walking distance. The dish features a vada or a potato fritter that is made with a savoury mixture containing mashed potatoes, green chillies, spices, ginger, garlic, etc. The vada is placed in a pav with red and green chutneys spread on the bottom and top bread. The local’s go-to dish is usually served with a green chilly.
Bhel Puri
Bhel puri is a no-cook snack that has its word not just in Mumbai but also in the rest parts of the country. The simple yet flavourful Mumbai street food is made by mixing puffed rice, chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and spices like red chilli powder, salt, chaat masala, etc. Then, a sweet and spicy tamarind chutney is added to the mixture. Garnished with chopped coriander leaves and sev, you can enjoy this street food made within ten minutes.
Ragda Pattice
If you are visiting Mumbai, you cannot miss the delightful combination of aloo tikki and chickpeas in a plate of Ragda Pattice. The aloo tikki is made by deep-frying mashed potatoes in the shape of disks called pattice. Ragda features a white chickpea curry garnished with chopped onions and coriander leaves. When combined, the textures give rise to an irresistible snack, ragda pattice.
Pav Bhaji
Pav bhaji is a Mumbai-special street food that features a spicy bhaji and soft pav. The bhaji is made with boiled potatoes cooked in a tomato-based gravy with peas, butter, and the usual spices. It is then garnished with chopped coriander leaves, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice and buttery pav that perfectly balances the spicy flavour.
Frankie
Frankie is similar to a wrap that is made with a soft and buttery naan. It has a rich filling of vegetables, such as mutton or eggs, and is available in many different options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. To make it more indulgent, a blend of spices and chutneys is added, making Frankie one of the most popular Mumbai snacks.
Puran Poli
To end the list on a sweet note, there’s nothing better than Mumbai’s sweet flatbread – Puran Poli. It is made with chana dal, jaggery, ghee, cardamom, and nutmeg. The mixture is kneaded into a dough and is then cooked on tawa till both sides are golden brown. Thanks to the sweet profile and widespread love, puran poli is one of the dishes made on special occasions and festivals.