Best Food in Mumbai: 18 Local Dishes You Cannot Miss

Mumbaikars know Mumbai’s food culture very well, but the real question is for those who are non-Mumbaikars and are visiting Mumbai for the first time.

While guiding tourists around the city, I have often heard people say that Mumbai has countless local restaurants, food stalls, dhabas, and home-style eateries, but they simply don’t know where to begin their food journey.

Many tourists return home after eating only in hotels and restaurants, without ever experiencing the real local flavours of Mumbai.

Some visitors face difficulties because they do not speak Marathi or Hindi, making it harder to discover authentic local food. Others struggle with the spices, as the heat level in some Mumbai dishes may not suit everyone.

Many travellers are also looking for vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian food options. In a city as busy and crowded as Mumbai, finding the right food quickly and easily can sometimes be difficult.

In this food guide, I have listed some of Mumbai’s most famous dishes along with information about whether they are vegetarian, vegan-friendly, or gluten-free.

I have also included places where you can enjoy these dishes in a hygienic setting with authentic taste.

All of these locations can be explored alone or with family, and some of them are hidden gems that are also featured on our Cityscape Mumbai Food Tour.

1. Pohe

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Spice Level: Mild | Best For: Morning Breakfast

If there is one breakfast dish that is truly popular in Maharashtra, it is Pohe. This light and flavorful dish is made from flattened rice cooked with onions, turmeric, mustard seeds, peanuts, and fresh coriander. It is simple, delicious, and very satisfying. If you try a slightly spicy version, you can easily call it a first-class breakfast.

What it tastes like: Light, savoury, slightly tangy, and mildly spiced.

Best Place to Try Pohe in Mumbai

Aaswad Upahar & Mithai Gruh
Sanskruti Building, Gadkari Chowk, Lady Jamshedji Road, Opp. Shiv Sena Bhavan, Dadar West, Mumbai – 400028

2. Upma

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Mild | Best For: Morning Breakfast

Upma and Sheera are two very popular breakfast dishes in Mumbai. Both have a somewhat similar texture, but Upma is the savoury version. It is made from roasted semolina (rava) cooked with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables. The dish is soft, warm, and lightly spiced, making it a comforting and filling breakfast option.

What it tastes like: Soft, savoury, mildly spiced, and slightly nutty from the roasted semolina.

Best Place to Try Upma in Mumbai

Ram Ashraya
Shop 3-6, Jamnadas Mansion, Laxmi Narayan Lane, Matunga East, Mumbai – 400019

3. Sheera

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Not Spicy | Best For: Morning Breakfast, Dessert

For those who prefer something sweet in the morning, Sheera is an excellent choice and something everyone should try at least once. A warm bowl of Sheera with a cup of chai can easily make your day. Sheera is a traditional Indian sweet dish made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. It has a soft, pudding-like texture and is often garnished with raisins and nuts.

What it tastes like: Sweet, rich, buttery, and lightly flavoured with cardamom.

Best Place to Try Sheera in Mumbai

Dhanmill Naka Pohe & Sheera
Shop No. 3, Devji Bhuvan, Sant Rohidas Chowk, Jagannath Bhatankar Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400025

4. Vada Pav

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Medium | Best For: Breakfast, Snack

Vada Pav is Mumbai’s pride and identity. A soft pav holding a perfectly fried potato vada inside is what makes this dish so special. It is affordable, filling, and available almost everywhere in the city. For many Mumbaikars, Vada Pav is more than just food; it is an emotion. It consists of a spicy potato fritter placed inside a soft bread roll and served with chutneys and fried green chillies.

What it tastes like: Crispy, spicy, savoury, and satisfying.

Best Places to Try Vada Pav in Mumbai

Cafe Bharat
Ground Floor, Capitol Cinema Building, Maharshi Karve Road, Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020

Ashok Vada Pav
Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Kirti College Lane, Dadar West, Mumbai – 400028

5. Samosa

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Mild to Medium | Best For: Snack, Evening Snack

Samosa is one of India’s most loved snacks and is enjoyed throughout Mumbai. It is a crispy fried pastry filled with potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices. It is commonly eaten during tea time and is often served with sweet and spicy chutneys.

What it tastes like: Crispy, crunchy, savoury, and mildly spicy.

Best Place to Try Samosa in Mumbai

Saurashtra Farsan
1 & 7, N. C. Kelkar Marg, Opp. Maruti Temple, Near Kabutar Khana, Dadar West, Mumbai – 400028

6. Pav Bhaji

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Medium | Best For: Lunch, Dinner

Pav Bhaji is one of Mumbai’s most famous street foods. It consists of a thick vegetable curry cooked with butter and served with soft bread rolls toasted on a hot griddle. Originally created for textile mill workers, it has become one of Mumbai’s most iconic dishes.

What it tastes like: Rich, buttery, savoury, slightly spicy, and full of flavour.

Best Place to Try Pav Bhaji in Mumbai

Girgaon Chowpatty
N. S. Purandare Marg, Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai – 400007

7. Pani Puri

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Medium to High | Best For: Snack, Evening Snack

Pani Puri is a dish loved by almost every Mumbaikar, especially among women. It consists of crispy hollow puris filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and flavoured water.

The real fun of Pani Puri comes from its two types of water. One is spicy mint water, while the other is sweet tamarind and date water. Many people like to enjoy both flavours together. After finishing Pani Puri, you will often be offered a complimentary Sukha Puri. Never forget to take it.

What it tastes like: Crunchy, tangy, spicy, refreshing, and full of flavour.

Best Place to Try Pani Puri in Mumbai

Girgaon Chowpatty
N. S. Purandare Marg, Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai – 400007

8. Sev Puri

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Mild to Medium | Best For: Snack, Evening Snack

Sev Puri is one of Mumbai’s most popular chaat dishes. It is made with crispy puris topped with potatoes, onions, chutneys, and a generous layer of sev.

What it tastes like: Crunchy, sweet, tangy, savoury, and slightly spicy.

Best Place to Try Sev Puri in Mumbai

Girgaon Chowpatty
N. S. Purandare Marg, Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai – 400007

9. Misal Pav

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: High | Best For: Monrning Breakfast, Lunch

Misal Pav is one of Maharashtra’s most famous dishes. It is made with spicy sprouted lentil curry topped with farsan, onions, coriander, and served with pav.

What it tastes like: Spicy, savoury, crunchy, tangy, and packed with bold flavours.

Best Place to Try Misal Pav in Mumbai

Aaswad
Gadkari Chowk, Lady Jamshedji Road, Dadar West, Mumbai – 400028

10. Dabeli

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Mild to Medium | Best For: Snack, Evening Snack

Dabeli originated in Gujarat but has become a favourite snack across Mumbai. It consists of a soft pav stuffed with a sweet and spicy potato mixture, topped with peanuts, sev, pomegranate seeds, and chutneys.

What it tastes like: Sweet, spicy, tangy, crunchy, and flavorful.

Best Place to Try Dabeli in Mumbai

Dabeli Junction
Near Juhu Beach, Mumbai

11. Chicken Biryani

Vegetarian: No | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: Usually Yes | Spice Level: Medium | Best For: Lunch, Dinner

Chicken Biryani is one of India’s most loved rice dishes and a favourite among food lovers visiting Mumbai. It is made with fragrant basmati rice, marinated chicken, herbs, and aromatic spices.

What it tastes like: Aromatic, savoury, rich, and mildly spicy.

Best Place to Try Chicken Biryani in Mumbai

Mohammad Ali Road
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai – 400003

12. Baida Roti

Vegetarian: No | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Mild to Medium | Best For: Lunch, Dinner

Baida Roti is a famous Mumbai street food influenced by Irani and Mughlai cuisine. It consists of a thin flatbread stuffed with minced meat, wrapped in egg, and pan-fried until crispy.

What it tastes like: Crispy on the outside, juicy and savoury on the inside.

Best Place to Try Baida Roti in Mumbai

Mohammad Ali Road
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai – 400003

13. Chicken 65

Vegetarian: No | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: Usually No | Spice Level: High | Best For: Starter, Snack, Lunch

Chicken 65 is known for its bold flavour and spicy taste. The chicken is marinated, coated, and fried until crispy.

What it tastes like: Crispy, spicy, tangy, juicy, and packed with flavour.

Best Place to Try Chicken 65 in Mumbai

Mohammad Ali Road
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai – 400003

14. Kheema Pav

Vegetarian: No | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Medium to High | Best For: Breakfast, Lunch

Kheema Pav is a classic Mumbai dish made with minced meat cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices, served alongside soft pav.

What it tastes like: Rich, savoury, juicy, spicy, and deeply flavorful.

Best Place to Try Kheema Pav in Mumbai

Mohammad Ali Road
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai – 400003

15. Kulfi

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: Usually Yes | Spice Level: Not Spicy | Best For: Dessert

Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen dessert that is richer and creamier than regular ice cream. It is made using slow-cooked milk and flavored with pistachio, saffron, cardamom, mango, or rose.

What it tastes like: Rich, creamy, sweet, and refreshing.

Best Place to Try Kulfi in Mumbai

Taj Ice Cream
Shop No. 1, SBUT Transit Cluster, Bohri Mohalla, Mumbai – 400003

16. Puran Poli

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No | Spice Level: Not Spicy | Best For: Dessert, Festival Food

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils. It is one of the most loved festive foods in Maharashtra.

What it tastes like: Sweet, soft, rich, and lightly flavoured with cardamom and nutmeg.

Best Place to Try Puran Poli in Mumbai

Dadar, Mumbai

17. Modak

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: Usually No | Gluten-Free: Usually Yes | Spice Level: Not Spicy | Best For: Dessert, Festival Food

Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet associated with Ganesh Chaturthi. It is made using rice flour and filled with coconut and jaggery.

What it tastes like: Soft, sweet, rich, and delicately flavoured.

Best Place to Try Modak in Mumbai

Lalbaug, Mumbai

18. Falooda

Vegetarian: Yes | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: Usually Yes | Spice Level: Not Spicy | Best For: Dessert, Refreshing Drink

Falooda is a popular cold dessert drink made with milk, rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds, ice cream, and nuts. It is especially refreshing during Mumbai’s hot weather.

What it tastes like: Sweet, creamy, refreshing, and rich with rose flavour.

Best Place to Try Falooda in Mumbai

Mohammad Ali Road
Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai – 400003

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on my personal experience, research, and recommendations. Food quality, prices, hygiene standards, and availability may change over time. Please verify details with the respective restaurant or food vendor before visiting.