After a couple weeks visiting Mumbai, especially its unique regional cuisine from both the city and state of Maharashtra, I can confidently guide you through the best of the street food options unique to this part of India. The locals refer to the city as Bombay, and both names are used interchangeably, in case there’s any confusion, it’s the same place. 

Whether or not to eat street food in India, or anywhere in the world really, is a controversial topic. However, in my experience, if the locals are eating there, the cooks hands are clean, and delicious smells are wafting from the tall, I figure why not? 

Over the course of a few sojourns in India in the last years, I’m comfortable eating street food and have been able to explore what items are my favourite to go back to, many of which are impossible to find in Toronto, or at any rate, good versions aren’t available in Canada. So I wait in anticipation until I can return and eat my way around the street food stalls one day at a time. 

Unlike many other countries around the world, the majority of the street food in India is vegetarian, and I would actually advise to stay away from the stalls with meat, which you can easily get in restaurants around the city. The terrific vegetarian options will keep you busy regardless. 

These are the highlights of Bombay’s street food scene: 

The Bombay Sandwich
If you find this outside of Mumbai, then it probably isn’t the real deal, or if it is, it won’t really be the same without the dusty and loud streets of Bombay in the background of every bite. Hailing from the street food stalls of the city, it’s the most epic vegetarian sandwich on the planet. The original version is made up of two pieces of white bread, doused in butter and spices with cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, onions, and potato,  between the slices. The most important ingredient is the generous portions of green chutney that you taste in every bite. If you’re lucky, it’ll be spicy! 

Although it’s fairly simple to make at home, there’s something special about the taste on  the street that can’t be replicated. Once the sandwich is built, a panini-press contraption grills it for a few minutes as the ingredients all cook together, and then it’s ready to eat. 

The original, and dare I say basic version of this sandwich is incredible, but if you feel like adding some richness then ask for grated cheese on top that ultimately melts, and tastes amazing. It’s up to you, either is great, but for any cheese lovers out there, I think you know which one to go with on your next trip to Mumbai. 

The Vada Pav 
This perfect little slider can be eaten in three bites. For most Indians, it’s a quick snack between meals, but for me, I can eat three at a time and feel as though I’ve had lunch. They’re easy to eat, quick to prepare, and difficult to eat only one. 

The small patties are made from potato, chickpea flour, and spices, then fried and placed in a small dinner roll with green chutney and chilies. That green chutney again – it’s addicting. 

Often when you go for one, it’s hard to walk away without getting one or two more. They’re tiny and packed with flavour, and super affordable at 15 to 18 rupees per sandwich. But the price isn’t what keeps me going back for more, it’s the balance of flavour and spices in the potato, and the zesty kick coming from the chutney. The bread is just there to make it easier to eat. Don’t be surprised if you get a kick of spice since there are commonly chillies involved. 

The Bombay Frankie 
Yet another dish originating from the streets of the big city. This is one more of a roti that’s filled with vegetables, egg, or meat, and then wrapped up and grilled. It’s got a burrito vibe, but it’s less messy to eat, especially if you get the masala potato version, which is my favourite. 

The potato is flavoured with the classic Indian spices, onions, and chutney, and mashed up to be softened and easier to roll up. The portions are generous, and usually just one is great for a snack, but if you’re hungry, you might as well go all out, since like many Indian street food dishes, you always want more. 

The Misal Pav
Despite being more of a state-wide dish, you see it all over the streets of Bombay. It’s traditionally considered to be a breakfast dish, and it usually is, since many of the street stalls selling it are busiest in the mornings. However, you can eat it all day or as a snack with friends. 

The base is a saucy number made of lentils, beans, tomato, coconut milk, and spices. It’s reliably spicy, but usually you can ask to have more spice if you’re in the mood to breathe fire, which I often am. The curry is topped with sev (a crunchy snack with made chickpea flour), lemon, onions, and herbs. You can eat it alone with a spoon, or drink it for that matter, or use bread rolls to soak up the liquid in each bite. 

It’s a savoury and hearty dish that might make you rethink your Canadian breakfast choices. 

The Pani Puri  
There are variations of this snack across the country with different names, but in Mumbai, it’s referred to as Pani Puri. The puri is a hollow-ball that’s filled with spicy pani (water) made from tamarind and mint, and miniscule portions of potato and chickpeas. The balls are comparable to a gold ball, so it’s easy enough to eat it all in one bite, otherwise you’ll java tamarind water all over your clothes. 

The street stalls workers have perfected making these little guys at such an impressive speed that once you finish one, you have another waiting for you to eat, and then another. The orders come in sixes, so despite being a snack, it can also be filling depending on your hunger levels. Once your order is complete, you quickly walk away so that the next people can quickly have theirs too! 

The above fish dishes aren’t the only ones that make the people of Mumbai patriotic, but rather, they’re my faviourite that the city has to offer. On your own adventure, you can try some of the other incredible things available at the street stalls, but at least this can help you find your bearings as you get more comfortable finding what tickles your own palate. 

Eat with you soon in Toronto, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)