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Mumbai food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Mumbai.
Photo by kumar chandugade on Unsplash
What to eat in Mumbai
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Vada Pav
$0.12–$0.24
A spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched in a soft bun (pav), often smeared with chutneys. It's the quintessential Mumbai street snack, offering a burst of flavor and texture.
Where to try: Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar West
Pav Bhaji
$1.2–$2.4
A thick, spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered, toasted bread rolls (pav). This hearty and flavorful dish is a Mumbai staple, perfect for a filling meal.
Where to try: Sardar Refreshments, Tardeo
Bhel Puri
$0.36–$0.6
A savory snack made with puffed rice, chopped vegetables, and tangy tamarind chutney. It's a delightful explosion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, best enjoyed fresh.
Where to try: Street vendors along Girgaum Chowpatty
Parsi Dhansak
$5–$10
A fragrant lentil and vegetable stew, often cooked with mutton or chicken, served with caramelized brown rice. This Parsi community specialty is a comforting and complex dish.
Where to try: Britannia & Co. Restaurant, Ballard Estate
Bombil Fry
$6–$12
Bombay duck (a type of fish, not a duck) coated in semolina or rice flour and shallow-fried until crispy. It's a popular coastal delicacy with a unique texture and subtle flavor.
Where to try: Gajalee, Vile Parle East
Misal Pav
$1.2–$2.4
A spicy curry made with sprouted moth beans, topped with farsan (crispy mix), onions, and lemon, served with pav. This fiery Maharashtrian dish is a true test of spice tolerance.
Where to try: Aaswad, Dadar West
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Dadar
Bustling local hub for traditional Maharashtrian snacks and sweets.
Street FoodVegetarian OptionsAuthentic Experience
Fort/Ballard Estate
Historic colonial architecture housing old-school Irani cafes and Parsi eateries.
Historic CafesParsi CuisineLunch
Bandra
Trendy and diverse, offering everything from casual cafes to upscale international dining.
International CuisineCafesNightlife Dining
Girgaum Chowpatty
Iconic beachfront promenade famous for its vibrant street food scene, especially in the evenings.
Street FoodSeafood SnacksSunset Views
Dietary notes
Mumbai is incredibly accommodating for vegetarians, with a vast array of delicious vegetarian dishes. Vegan options are also increasingly available, especially in health-conscious cafes. Gluten-free options can be found, but be mindful of dishes that use chickpea flour or wheat-based breads.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants.
- •Carry cash for street food and smaller establishments, though cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants and shops.
- •It's common to eat with your right hand, especially when eating traditional Indian meals, but utensils are always provided.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Plan the rest of your Mumbai trip
Food guides elsewhere