Beyond the Classics: 5 Hidden Mumbai Street Foods That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

When you think of Mumbai street food, the usual names like vada pav and pani puri instantly come to mind. But the city’s vibrant food culture goes far beyond these iconic snacks. From spicy, tangy delights to unique local inventions, Mumbai offers a treasure trove of flavors that every foodie must explore. Here are five street foods that locals truly swear by. Mumbai Street Foods

1. Misal Pav

A Maharashtrian classic, misal pav is more than just food — it’s an experience. The dish consists of spicy sprouted lentils, topped with farsan (crispy fried mix), onions, lemon, and coriander, served with pav (bread rolls). The fiery “tarri” or spicy gravy gives it a kick that has made misal a breakfast favorite across the city.

2. Keema Pav

For meat lovers, Mumbai’s street food scene offers the rich and flavorful keema pav. Made with minced mutton or chicken cooked in aromatic spices, this dish is paired with buttery pav that perfectly soaks up the spicy gravy. Small Irani cafés and street stalls in South Mumbai serve some of the best keema pav you’ll ever taste.

3. Frankie Rolls

Often called Mumbai’s answer to wraps, the Frankie is a soft roll stuffed with spiced fillings like potato, chicken, or paneer, with a generous sprinkle of tangy masala. Easy to carry and bursting with flavor, Frankie rolls have become a go-to snack for office-goers, students, and late-night wanderers.

4. Ragda Pattice

A hearty chaat dish, ragda pattice combines mashed potato patties with white pea curry, topped with tamarind chutney, green chutney, onions, and sev. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd favorite, especially in Mumbai’s bustling food lanes like Chowpatty and Girgaum.

5. Baida Roti

This Mughlai-inspired street food is a stuffed flatbread layered with eggs, minced meat, and spices, then fried to perfection. Found mostly in Mohammed Ali Road and Bohri Mohalla, baida roti is a filling and indulgent treat that reflects Mumbai’s diverse culinary heritage.

While vada pav and pani puri remain unmatched symbols of Mumbai’s street food culture, these five dishes show the city’s culinary diversity and depth. Whether you’re a spice lover, a meat enthusiast, or someone with a craving for tangy chaat, Mumbai’s streets have something unforgettable waiting for you.