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A Guide to Mumbai's Iconic Street Food: Must-Try Culinary Delights

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a city of diverse cultures and cuisines, and its street food scene is no exception. From savory snacks to sweet treats, here's a guide to some of Mumbai's iconic street food that you absolutely must try:

  1. Vada Pav: Often called Mumbai's answer to the burger, the vada pav consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a pav (soft bread roll) with chutneys. It's a quick and flavorful snack available at street corners throughout the city.

  2. Pav Bhaji: This popular street food dish is a spicy mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered and toasted pav. It's a great combination of flavors and a favorite among Mumbaikars.

  3. Bhel Puri: A delightful mixture of puffed rice, sev (crispy noodles), chopped vegetables, and tangy chutneys, bhel puri is a light and refreshing snack. It's perfect for a quick bite while strolling through the streets.

  4. Pani Puri/Golgappa: This iconic snack consists of hollow, crispy balls filled with a mixture of spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. It's a burst of flavors in every bite.

  5. Sev Puri: Another popular chaat (snack), sev puri is made with flat, crispy puris topped with a mixture of diced potatoes, onions, chutneys, and sev (crispy noodles). It's a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

  6. Misal Pav: Originating from Maharashtra, misal pav is a spicy curry made from sprouted moth beans or matki, topped with farsan (crispy snacks) and served with pav. It's a fiery delight for spice lovers.

  7. Dabeli: Dabeli is a street food specialty that consists of a spiced potato filling served in a pav along with chutneys, pomegranate seeds, and roasted peanuts. It's a sweet and spicy snack that's truly unique.

  8. Kheema Pav: For meat lovers, kheema pav is a must-try. It features minced meat (often mutton or chicken) cooked with aromatic spices and served with soft pav buns.

  9. Frankie/Roll: Similar to a wrap or burrito, a Frankie is made by stuffing a flatbread (roti) with various fillings like spiced chicken, paneer, or vegetables. It's a convenient on-the-go snack.

  10. Samosa: While samosas are found all over India, Mumbai offers a unique twist with its chutney-filled samosas. These deep-fried pastries are stuffed with a spicy mixture of potatoes and peas.

  11. Kalaadi: This is a specialty from the Konkan region, and it's essentially fried spiced cheese. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a delightful vegetarian option.

  12. Malai Gola (Ice Gola): Beat the Mumbai heat with a colorful ice gola, which is essentially flavored shaved ice on a stick. It comes in a variety of fruity flavors.

  13. Jalebi: Finish off your street food adventure with a sweet treat like jalebi – deep-fried spirals of dough soaked in sugar syrup. They're crispy, sweet, and absolutely addictive.

Remember to explore the bustling street food markets and stalls in Mumbai, such as Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty, Fariyas Hotel Mumbai and Mohammad Ali Road during Ramadan, to savor these culinary delights. Mumbai's street food scene is not only about food but also about experiencing the city's vibrant culture and energy. Enjoy your gastronomic journey through this city of dreams!

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