5 Mumbai Dishes Everyone Should Try at Least Once

Mumbai’s food scene is legendary. Loud, flavorful, sometimes fiery—and always unforgettable. From bustling bazaars to the sands of Marine Drive, the city’s food captures hearts and palates alike.

And it’s not just locals who love it—international stars can’t get enough. Here’s your guide to five iconic Mumbai dishes, where to try them, and how to pay seamlessly with the Mony app, no cash required.

1. Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Burger

The Dish: Spiced potato mash, deep-fried in gram flour, tucked into a soft bun with chutney and fried green chili. A true street-food classic.

Celebrity Fans: Anthony Bourdain called it “the perfect street snack,” while Russell Brand raved about its “unexpected punch” during his India tour.

Where to Try:

Anand Stall, Vile Parle
Aaram Vada Pav, opposite CST station

Vada Pav isn’t just food—it’s Mumbai’s edible heartbeat. Crisp, spicy, and utterly satisfying, it’s the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the city streets.

2. Misal Pav – The Spice Bomb

The Dish: A spicy lentil curry topped with farsan, onions, coriander, and served with fluffy pav. Bold, hearty, and impossible to forget.

Celebrity Fans: Gordon Ramsay praised its complex flavors on his India travel series, and Padma Lakshmi called it “the original comfort food with a kick.”

Where to Try:

Mamledar Misal, Thane
Aaswad, Dadar (globally acclaimed)

Misal Pav is comfort food with an attitude—fiery, crunchy, and totally Mumbai. Pair it with a cold chai, and you’ve got a street-food feast.

3. Bombil Fry – The Bombay Duck That Isn’t Duck

The Dish: A soft, boneless fish native to Mumbai’s coast, marinated in masala and shallow-fried to golden perfection.

Celebrity Fans: Nigella Lawson praised it on her blog after tasting it at Trishna, and Jamie Oliver called it “a surprising texture with bold Indian flavors.”

Where to Try:

Gajalee, Vile Parle
Trishna, Fort
Koli fishing village eateries in Versova for authentic coastal flavors

Bombil fry is Mumbai’s coastal pride. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a dash of history from the local Koli fishing communities.

4. Bhel Puri – Street-Style Crunch at the Beach

The Dish: Puffed rice, sev, onions, chutney, and raw mango—sweet, spicy, tangy, and addictive. Served traditionally in a paper cone.

Celebrity Fans: Julia Roberts reportedly loved it during her India visit, calling it “chaotic yet delicious,” while Will Smith was seen enjoying Bhel Puri with locals at Marine Drive.

Where to Try:

Juhu Chowpatty stalls
Sharma Bhel, CST
Gupta Bhelwala, Dadar

Bhel Puri is Mumbai in a bite—crunchy, zesty, and perfect for sunset snacking along the city’s iconic beaches.

5. Prawns Koliwada – The Fisherfolk Fry

The Dish: Juicy prawns marinated in a spiced batter and deep-fried. Originating from Mumbai’s Koli fishing communities, it’s a crispy, savory delight.

Celebrity Fans: David Beckham reportedly asked for seconds on a charity trip to India, and Trevor Noah shared his admiration on Instagram after a visit to a friend’s home in Bandra.

Where to Try:

Highway Gomantak, Bandra East
Jai Hind Lunch Home, Fort

Prawns Koliwada is Mumbai’s coastal magic—perfectly crisp, spiced just right, and a reminder of the city’s rich fishing heritage.

Pay Like a Local—Without the Cash Drama

No need to fumble with foreign cards or carry stacks of rupees. With the Mony app, you can scan and pay at most eateries across Mumbai instantly. Link your international card, load your wallet, and enjoy: tap, scan, eat, repeat.

Final Bite: Mumbai on Your Plate

From street corners to sea-facing diners, Mumbai’s food is more than sustenance—it’s culture. Each bite tells a story, and clearly, you’re in good company. From Julia Roberts to David Beckham, the world is already digging in.

So what are you waiting for? Explore the flavors, get Mony, and experience Mumbai one dish at a time.