7 Lip-Smacking Street Food Options In Mumbai That You Must Try

Where anything and everything can change, street food in Mumbai is the only constant.

Mumbai; a city that never sleeps! The city finds its exclusivity in its buzzing streets, countless hawkers dishing out mouth-watering local cuisines. Even the locals in this fast-paced city always find time to pause at these places to eat in Mumbai.

Although street food in Mumbai was born out of necessity, the street food culture finds its roots in the industrial revolution era. Mills and factories workers needed quick and inexpensive places to eat. ‘Khau gallies’ or eat street culture was the answer. ‘Khau’ is a Marathi term meaning treat and ‘Galli’ means a small lane. Hence the name, ‘Khau Galli’.

Even today, the streets of Mumbai jump into the rhythmic cycle of chopping, spicing, grilling and frying every morning. Street food in Mumbai is a symbolic representation of diverse cultures and influences all churned into one. As a matter of fact, Khau Gallis is an integral part of Mumbai’s metropolitan culture. Even though these places to eat in Mumbai may be cramped, they are always thronged by people from every stratum of society. People patiently queue up waiting their turn. As a matter of fact, street food is not only a culmination of different cuisines but also a culmination of people irrespective of caste, color, and status.

These culinary delights will surely tingle your taste buds but then again will be easy on your pocket! So on this note, let’s take a look at all the places to eat in Mumbai.

1. CST station

With around 20 shops, the Khau Galli at CST is one of the hot spots in the city. Being a busy neighborhood, people are always on the go. People barely have the luxury to sit, relax and enjoy a proper meal. Hence, this quaint little places to eat to the rescue.

CST houses a lot of government and private offices along with a lot of colleges in the vicinity. Being a major commercial center during the British rule, the area still proudly displays a lot of the heritage structure. Hence, a lot of tourists (both Indian and foreigners) find their way into this fascinating part of the city which gives you a sneak peek into the past.

Some of the popular stalls in this area include Aaram Vada Pav and Cannon Pav Bhaji. Allegedly, Cannon Pav Bhaji is the restaurant that invented Pav Bhaji and hence should be on your list of places to eat in Mumbai.

2. Colaba Causeway

Next on our list of street food in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway; a true paradise for shopping addicts and foodies alike. This upscale area of Mumbai offers fashionable and chic clothing and jewelry options at affordable prices. As for the foodie in you, there are options both for hip cafes and popular roadside stalls.

Various kinds of chaats, masala tea, pav bhaji, and various other dishes are the highlight of the place. The lip-smacking food leaves you craving for more. While in Mumbai, head to Colaba Causeway not only to get a feel of the place but also to witness one of the best places to eat in Mumbai. Another plus point is that Colaba Causeway is just 10 minutes away from the Gateway of India. Hence, you can even take a boat ride and enjoy the sea before you dig into the delicacies the place has to offer.

3. Fort street food

At close proximity of the CST Station is the Fort area complete with heritage buildings and delightful street food. The place has been around since the pre-independence era and hence holds a place in the rich history of our country. The Fort area also houses the biggest and first Starbucks in Mumbai. However, the bliss of sipping on a piping hot cup tea at a small tea stall during rains is unfathomable.

Vada-pav to ‘desi’ Chinese dishes to paranthas to kebabs, this place has it all. The whole place is a star for yet another reason, these stalls start with their business in the wee hours of the morning at about 4 am.

Working late night, worry not for we have got you covered. Some stalls in the area serve up till 2 AM. Definitely, one more reason to add it to your list of places to eat in Mumbai.

 

4. Carter Road Khau Galli

A pleasing sea breeze caressing your face and great positive vibes all around you! Add this experience to a serving of lip-smacking street food in Mumba! What else do you need in life, right?

The Carter Road Khau Galli near the Bandra promenade is famous for its food joints and small eateries. These stalls serve up an explosion of spices, flavors, aroma, and textures. While you are here, do not forget to try the shawarma. Other dishes whipped up in these stalls are momos, falafels, wok-fried noodles, and corn on a cob. Do not forget to indulge in frozen yogurts, cupcakes and waffles for dessert.

5. Ghatkopar Khau Galli

Looking for mouth-watering vegetarian food? Well, your search ends here.

Of all the places to eat in Mumbai, Ghatkopar Khau Galli should definitely be on your list. Do not forget to indulge your sense of smell and taste in the ‘remix dosa’. The dish is sure to leave every dosa lover reminiscing in joy.

In fact, the entire Khau Galli is famous for its various forms and types of dosas. Cheese Burst Sada Dosa to the Thousand Island Dosa to the Ice Cream Dosa, you actually have it all here.

6. Mohammed Ali Khau Gali

Transitioning from vegetarians to meat lovers, next on our list of street food in Mumbai is the Mohammaed Ali Khau Gali. The place is legit heaven for meat lovers and serves up a plethora of dishes. The place is filled with sights and sounds of sizzling tikkas, fluffy naans, succulent kebabs, and mouth-watering malpuas.

Of all the places to eat in Mumbai, this place is a definite star for the delectable Mughlai cuisine served up during the month of Ramadan. Some stalls that sell Nalli Nihari and haleem are a hangout for even the Bollywood stars.

 

7. Zaveri Bazaar Khau Gali

Zaveri Bazaar, name synonyms with gold and diamond jewelry is famous for yet another reason. The iconic Zaveri Bazaar Khau Galli never not only whips up and delivers the best culinary delights but that too at an extremely affordable rate.

Hungry businessmen to busy shoppers, the Khau Galli has got you covered. The street food here is a blend of local and Gujarati flavors. While you are exploring the places to eat in Mumbai, remember to stop here and take a dig at pudla, kachoris, papdi, and moong dhal bhajiyas. Gulp it all down with a cold badam shake or freshly pressed sugarcane juice.

Well, we believe that this list of best street food in Mumbai has surely left you drooling. After all, “the only thing better than talking about food is eating it”, right? Go ahead and plan a fun day with family and friends. Indulge at some of the best places to eat in Mumbai and treat yourself to the ultimate food orgasm.

Hire a Scout if you need any help with planning or to get the perfect itinerary. They will help you #MarkAndEmbark on a journey of a lifetime.