Try the best and cheapest of street food in Mumbai, India

Crunchy crispy vada pav is a must-try. Photo by Sharvarism, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Vada pav isn't just a snack – it is one thing Mumbaikars cannot live without. Originating from the bustling streets of the city, this iconic dish comprises a spicy potato dumpling (vada) enclosed within a soft bun (pav), often accompanied by fiery chutneys made from garlic, green chili, and tamarind. Vada pav stalls are scattered all over Mumbai, with some upscale restaurants even introducing their own 'deconstructed' versions of this dish, causing a culinary sensation. However, nothing quite rivals the authentic street-side experience.

Ask anyone in Mumbai about their favorite spot for vada pav, and Ashok Vada Pav near Kirti College in Dadar is bound to be the top pick. For decades, this humble eatery has held the coveted title of serving the best vada pav in the city. Locals adore it for the perfect textural crunch and spice of the vada itself, paired with a generous heap of besan choora, fried green chilies, and chutney. What's more, they've introduced their own twist with chura pava, where flattened rice mixed with chutney is stuffed inside the pav. This unassuming joint has fed numerous Bollywood celebrities, and tourists often hop in rickshaws just to savor their iconic snack by the sea at Dadar Beach during sunset hours.

The price of vada pav – $0.30

Bhaji pav – like many culinary masterpieces, was born out of chance and necessity. Photo by BHAAGIi, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Emerging from Mumbai's textile mill era, pav bhaji has become a beloved culinary favorite for everyone. When the American Civil War shook up cotton supplies, Bombay's traders worked tirelessly to meet market demands, often laboring late into the night. Exhausted, they would visit local eateries, where yesterday's leftovers were quickly transformed into a flavorful concoction known as bhaji, meaning "vegetable" in Marathi. This hearty blend, paired with soft pav bread from nearby bakeries, became the go-to meal for these hardworking traders. Today, pav bhaji proudly stands as Bombay's signature dish, a symbol of its rich history and enduring appeal.

Established decades ago, Maji Sagar has been a beloved culinary destination for generations of Mumbaikars. Its roots trace back to a humble seaside eatery where local fishermen would gather to share stories and savor freshly caught seafood. Over time, it evolved into a bustling restaurant renowned for its generous portions of masala dosa and pav bhaji, which they make just right. One of their top dishes is Koliwada prawns, coated in a spicy batter and fried until crispy, a nod to Mumbai's coastal flavors. Walking from the majestic Haji Ali Dargah toward Mumbai Central, you can't miss this unassuming yet widely-known eatery loved by the entire city.

The price of pav bhaji is $7.80 (for two)

Fried Bombay duck is a fish in disguise! Photo by Durvankur Patil, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bombil fry, also known as Bombay duck fry, is a testament to Mumbai's love affair with seafood. Despite its name, this dish is not a duck at all but a type of strong-smelling lizardfish found abundantly in the waters along the Maharashtra coast. The fish is coated in a delicate spiced batter, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of tangy green chutney. With its crunchy exterior giving way to tender, flavorful flesh, bombil fry is a seafood lover's delight, offering a tantalizing taste of the ocean in every bite.

Featured in the prestigious 50 Best of the World list, Gajalee Restaurant boasts three locations in the city, but the original one on Hanuman Road steals the spotlight. Inside, it's all about simplicity – no frills, just good food and a diverse mix of people, from fancy suits to everyday folks, enjoying top-notch seafood from the Maharashtra coast, their specialty for years.

Indulge in crab, shrimp, or lobster cooked in a tandoori oven, or venture into what brought you here – the iconic Bombay duck, which is actually a fish. It comes in two tempting versions: as a bombil fry, rumored to have originated right here, or stuffed with prawns for a delicious twist.

Average price per person $15

Once you try bhel puri from a street vendor, it will steal your heart right away. Photo by stu_spivack, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Originating from the streets of Mumbai, this popular chaat combines puffed rice, crispy sev (fried chickpea noodles), diced onions, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, tossed together with tangy tamarind and spicy green chutneys. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, punctuated by the satisfying crunch of each bite. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as a refreshing treat on a hot summer's day, bhel puri captures the essence of Mumbai's street food scene, offering a symphony of tastes that never fails to delight.

Nestled in the heart of Juhu, a neighborhood famous for its lively beach and the mix of up-and-coming actors from the nearby film studios, you'll find Jacky Bhel Puri – a true hidden gem beloved by people from all walks of life. It's basically a humble street stall that's been serving up tasty treats for generations, passed down from father to son. Their finger-licking pani puri, sev puri, and bhel puri have been hailed as masterpieces by all who've tasted them.

Keep an eye out for spotboys dispatched by Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra herself, known to send them for a plate of bhel puri between nearby shoots. And what's even better is that this iconic dish remains affordable for everyone, despite its fame.

Even though it may be small, Jacky Bhel Puri caters to wholesale orders for parties and weddings. It's during these moments that you'll see the founder, Mr. Gupta Sr. himself, rolling up his sleeves and diving right into the action.

Bhel puri costs $0.60

Kutchi dabeli pav – another treat even Bollywood stars can not resist. Photo by Bharat Mirchandani from Mumbai, India, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Dabeli is a culinary gem that hails from the western state of Maharashtra, where it has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts across the region. This flavorful snack features a spiced potato mixture, known as dabeli masala, sandwiched between buttered buns and garnished with an array of toppings such as roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and sev. What sets dabeli apart is its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors, achieved through the use of ingredients like tamarind chutney, garlic chutney, and a special dabeli masala spice blend.

Tucked away near Hanuman chowk in Mulund, Joshi's Dabeli House stands as one of the oldest dabeli joints in this part of the city, serving for over 30 years. It may not catch your eye at first glance, with its simple signage and humble metal display case, but many visitors praise its exceptionally high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Start with their regular dabeli, loaded with potatoes, masala peanuts, onions, and seasonal fruits, all topped generously with melted butter. And if you're up for it, dive into kutchi kadak – a spicy treat similar to red curry with chunks of pavs (bread rolls) – guaranteed to keep you full and satisfied until the end of your day.

Regular dabeli – $0.20

We trust our culinary journey through Mumbai's bustling streets has ignited your appetite, offering a taste of local life. For further immersion into this vibrant city's life, delve into our guide detailing its most captivating tourist destinations.