Exploring Mumbai’s Street Food Scene: 8 Delights That Can Stand Up to Delhi’s Best

Mumbai is a vibrant city known for its lively streets and diverse cultures, but its street food truly defines it as a local favorite. The street food scene is remarkable for its variety and fusion of flavors, reflecting the city’s multicultural essence. Unlike Delhi’s focus on fried snacks and yogurt, Mumbai’s street food offers a delightful mix of crunchy, fresh, spicy, and tangy tastes, with bold yet balanced spices that deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.

The fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai makes street food an ideal choice for quick and satisfying meals, whether enjoyed at the beach, in local markets, or from food carts. While Vada Pav is a well-known favorite, there is a wide range of snacks to discover. So, when you’re in Mumbai, don’t miss the chance to savor these street snacks and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary experience.

Dhokla.

Dhokla is a light and flavorful steamed snack that hails from Gujarat but has become a staple in Mumbai’s street food scene. This delicacy is prepared using a fermented batter made from rice and chickpea flour, and it is typically topped with mustard seeds, green chilies, and fresh coriander. Dhokla is often served with a variety of chutneys, which can range from tangy to sweet, making it an ideal snack for any time of the day. While Delhi boasts its own steamed treats like momos, the unique airy, spongy texture and mild tang of dhokla make it a favorite among many in the city. Additionally, it’s a guilt-free option that can be enjoyed with very few calories.

Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.

Kebabs and seekh kebabs are a highlight of Delhi’s culinary scene, but Mumbai has its own delicious variations of these skewered treats. From tender, spiced chicken kebabs to flavorful mutton seekh kebabs, Mumbai’s offerings are equally tempting. Typically accompanied by fresh onions, lemon wedges, and green chutney, the kebabs here are juicy, packed with flavor, and perfectly spiced. Popular spots like Mohammed Ali Road serve these street kebabs, making them a beloved evening snack that can easily compete with Delhi’s renowned kebab establishments. The smoky taste from the grill and the rich blend of spices create an unforgettable dining experience.

Pav Bhaji.

Pav Bhaji is a classic street food from Mumbai that stands strong against Delhi’s chaat options. It consists of a spicy, mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) topped with a generous amount of butter and served alongside buttered pav (bread rolls). This rich and flavorful dish originated in the 1850s as a quick meal for mill workers but has grown into a popular street food found at numerous stalls and eateries throughout the city. What makes Mumbai’s Pav Bhaji unique is the intense mix of spices used in its preparation, with different variations available to cater to all taste preferences. It’s an excellent choice for a hearty snack or even a full meal.

Frankie.

Frankie is a must-try street food in Mumbai that rivals Delhi’s wraps and paratha rolls. This beloved snack features a soft, paratha-like flatbread that wraps around a filling of spiced chicken, mutton, or paneer. The filling is usually prepared with a mix of vegetables, chutneys, and a good amount of masala. You can find Frankie vendors all over Mumbai, offering different variations to cater to all tastes whether you like it spicy, tangy, or mild. It’s an ideal meal for those on the move, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying street snack.

Pani Puri.

Pani Puri is one of the most beloved street snacks in India and is a must-try when in Mumbai. This tasty treat features crispy puris filled with a zesty and spicy combination of tamarind water, potatoes, chickpeas, and onions. The charm of Pani Puri lies in the explosion of flavors you experience with each bite sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. The Mumbai version tends to be spicier than Delhi’s Gol Gappas, with vendors often adding various chutneys and their own special spicy tamarind water.

Bhel Puri.

Bhel Puri is another iconic Mumbai street food that you can’t miss! It’s a delightful mix of puffed rice, sev, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and a blend of tangy chutneys. You can often find vendors selling Bhel Puri along Marine Drive or Chowpatty Beach, where you can enjoy this crispy and flavorful snack. The special taste of Bhel Puri comes from the tamarind and mint chutneys that balance the spiciness and tanginess perfectly. It’s no wonder that both locals and tourists love this savory snack, providing a tasty contrast to Delhi’s dahi puri.

Bombay Sandwich.

Bombay Sandwich is truly a gem in Mumbai’s street food scene. It’s not just any sandwich; it has a dedicated fan base. This delightful creation features layers of fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and beetroot, all generously spread between soft white bread, which is often toasted with butter for added flavor. 

What elevates the Bombay Sandwich to another level is the chutney made from mint, coriander, and spices, which adds a burst of freshness to each bite. Additionally, the sandwich is often enhanced with a sprinkle of black salt, a dash of lemon juice, and sometimes a spicy potato filling. It’s quick, filling, and embodies the unique essence of Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture.

Sev Puri.

Sev Puri is a popular street snack that has become a staple in Mumbai’s culinary scene. These bite-sized treats consist of crispy puris topped with diced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of chutneys. The standout feature of Sev Puri is the crunchy sev, which adds a delightful texture to the dish. The mix of sweet, sour, and spicy chutneys enhances the flavors, making it an absolutely irresistible snack.