7 Mumbai food joints you must try!
Apart from the usual culprits like the countless vada pav and chaat stalls in Mumbai, or the upmarket restaurants we have a myriad other options when it comes to bingeing. There are food joints that make up the middle ground between street stalls and posh restaurants that are a definite must-try. We also have areas that are specially assigned for clusters of street food stalls, and we have really old but really famous establishments that offer the best local dishes that you could ask for. This here is a list of 7 such Mumbai food joints that, no excuses, you simply have to try out!
Bademiya, Colaba—For the tastiest meaty treats
This innocuous food joint is only innocuous till the first of its customers line up outside. It almost seems out of place in the chic locality of Colaba in south Mumbai; but it sees a horde of people every day, from all classes, for its drool-worthy chicken tikka rolls, with the juiciest meat wrapped in thin rumali rotis. Located directly behind Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, you’ll find Bademiya open even after 3 am, which makes a late night binge in order!
Koolar’s, Matunga—For its overwhelming old-world charm
Established in the early 1900s, Koolar & Co. in King’s Circle, Matunga is a little Iranian cafe that is sure to make you nostalgic. This cafe has existed from the time that Mumbai was Bombay, and as such has seen a lot of history take place, which gives the place an old-world vibe. Try out the yummy Irish coffee, (they actually put a little whiskey in it!) kheema pav and caramel custard and sit back listening to the owner haggle and yell at their suppliers and servers in a good old light-hearted way.
Café Gulshan, Matunga—Relive your college days
Right next to some of the best colleges in Mumbai, you will find this little jewel that is reminiscent of college days gone by. You will still find groups from the neighbouring colleges stop by for some kheema pav and cold drinks, giving this place a youthful and dynamic character. This reasonably priced restaurant is one other Irani food joint that has passed the test of time and still stands strong.
Khau Galli, Churchgate—A treat street out of your dreams
Khau Galli, which literally means treat street or, if we may, eat street, is a street dedicated to food and more food. This isn’t one place; it’s a lot of places all converging into one place. Located at a similar distance from Marine Lines and Churchgate, Khau Galli is a foodie’s paradise. You’ll find all sorts of food stalls here offering multi-cuisine fare so if you’re planning a visit to Khau Galli, make sure you come hungry.
Haji Ali Juice Centre, Mahalaxmi—Quench your thirst with the sweetest juices
If you’re in the area, don’t forget to make a stop at Haji Ali Juice Centre for its variety of fresh fruit juices and delicious falooda. Instead of quenching your thirst with cold drinks in the sweltering hot summer, your best bet is this juice centre for a fresh and wholesome alternative. The variety of juices you get here is mind-boggling and hence, makes for a definite must-visit.
Dheeraj, Vile Parle—Hog on the spiciest Indian burgers
For the students of Mithibai College in Vile Parle, a vada pav from Dheeraj is a routine thing. But for those who haven’t been to this vada pav stall ever, it’s a sure shot treat. There are several other famous vada pav stalls in Mumbai, like Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar and Graduate Vada Pav in Byculla, but what makes Dheeraj so special is that it’s next to one of Mumbai’s best colleges and it’s basically a lot of fun eating with the college crowd.
Elco Pani Puri Centre, Bandra—Shop, eat, repeat
How could we forget Elco Market, one of Mumbai’s best-loved shopping streets? Elco Pani Puri Centre definitely makes it into the list of Mumbai food joints to try! This place is famous for its tangy, mouth-watering pani puri, so take a break from all that shopping and give your tastebuds a treat. Other than the pani puri, Elco is also popular for other chaat like bhel puri, ragda pattice and sev puri.
