Vada Pav To Misal Pav: A Culinary Tour Of Mumbai’s Best Eats – News18
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Mumbai secured the 5th place on Taste Atlas’ list of the ‘100 Best Food Cities in the World,’ making it a must-visit destination for 2025 food lovers.
Mumbai’s street food captures the city’s vibrant spirit.
Mumbai continues to impress, and this time it gives you even more reason to indulge in its vibrant food scene. Ranked 5th in Taste Atlas’ list of the ‘100 Best Food Cities in the World,’ the city is a must-visit for any 2025 travel plans. With its rich food legacy and a wide array of affordable, flavourful street food, here are some top picks to enjoy during your next winter evening binge.
Vada Pav
While opinions may vary, one food that represents Mumbai is the iconic vada pav. This humble yet irresistible snack features a warm pav filled with a thick, golden-brown potato patty, topped with a generous spread of tangy green chutney, and often accompanied by a fiery green chilli. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavours, with the spicy, crunchy patty complementing the soft bread. No matter how many times you indulge in vada pav, there’s always room for more—it’s the kind of food that never loses its charm, no matter how many times you try to walk away.
Pav Bhaji
Right behind the vada pav in Mumbai’s culinary spotlight is the hearty and satisfying pav bhaji. This dish pairs perfectly buttered, golden-toasted bread with a rich, spicy vegetable mash bursting with flavour. Topped with endless heaps of finely chopped onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon, pav bhaji is pure comfort food. There’s a certain joy in knowing a hot, fragrant plate of this Mumbai classic is on its way to your table.
Ragda-pattice
The one dish on this list that skips the bread entirely is the iconic ragda-pattice —a true standout. For those unfamiliar, tasting an authentic plate of this dish is an experience like no other. It’s a vibrant medley of flavours: fluffy mashed potato patties drenched in a spiced pea curry, generously topped with crispy sev and heaps of diced onions. Just picturing it is enough to transport us straight to street food paradise!
Bombay Sandwich
This is one dish you can easily create at home without the need to order in. The secret lies in nailing the perfect consistency of the green chutney, which elevates the Bombay sandwich to a whole new level. Packed with layers of potatoes, beets, cucumbers, and more, it’s a meal that satisfies not just your hunger but also your spirit. A classic sandwich with a delightful twist, it’s pure comfort on a plate.
Dabeli
Originally a Gujarati speciality, dabeli has found a beloved place among Mumbai’svibrant street food offerings. Imagine it as a turbocharged version of vada pav, infused with a delightful hint of sweetness at its core. This irresistible snack has us craving a bite already!
Frankie
Frankie is a beloved Mumbai street food bursting with bold flavours. It features naan wrapped around spiced fillings of either vegetables or meat, topped with a medley of chutneys and onions. Available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties, the veggie Frankie skips the egg and is stuffed with potatoes or paneer. This quick and satisfying treat is ideal for when you’re on the move!
Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a staple on any list of iconic street foods in Mumbai. This flavourful dish combines curried lentils with poha, spiced potato bhaji, crunchy chivda, fresh tomatoes, and diced onions. Bursting with spice and zest, it’s traditionally enjoyed with pav, making it a favourite breakfast choice among Mumbaikars. Starting the day with Misal Pav is like kickstarting your morning with a punch of flavour and energy. Some prefer pairing it with a side of yogurt to balance out the heat. If you’re craving something bold and spicy, Misal Pav is the perfect pick!
