Nomad - £1-3 per person

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Hit the streets and eat like a local. These places serve basic, tasty fare to be eaten on the go.

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Aaram Vada Pav, CST Road

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Quintessentially ‘Bombay’ and impossibly tasty, Vada Pav is the city’s staple street food and midday fuel for the its thousands of old-timers, young professionals and wide-eyed sightseers.

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‍It’s simple: a deep-fried potato dumpling sandwiched between two soft bread buns, garnished with chutneys and a single green chilli. We’ve selected a central, popular vendor by the city’s iconic train station, but most of Mumbai’s packed outlets will satisfy your craving.

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Manohar Pav Bhaji, Girgaon

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If there’s a dish as universally adored in Bombay as Vada Pav, it’s Pav Bhaji, and Chowpatty Beach in East Mumbai is the love affair’s epicentre. A soft bread roll, served beside vegetable curry and fresh onions is plated up with generous lashings of butter. Various stalls along the beach sell Pav Bhaji, and for a sit-down experience we love the nearby local favourite Manohar Pav Bhaji.

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Chaat at Gate of India

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‍Love of Chaat is on full view at the bustling entrances to Mumbai’s imposing Gate of India - take a dip around the stalls and sample the Bel Phuri, Pani Puri and Patata Puri that drives so many in this city to indulgent frenzies. Expect crunchy cereals and puffed rice smothered in sauces and fresh salad, served in a newspaper cone.

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• Misal Pav

• Guru Kripa

BONUS DRINKS  - For a Chai fix with a twist, head to Raju Ki Chai on Cawasji Patel Road, with its head-spinning variety of flavoured sweet teas: we recommend the lemongrass.

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Explorer/Backpacker - £3 - 5 per person

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Step inside and enjoy some of Mumbai’s best-value local dining. Order as much as you can.

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‍Prakash Upahaar Kendra - Maharashtra Breakfast

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Delight in the sheer choice of traditional Maharashtrian breakfast snacks at the bustling Prakash Upahaar Kendra, a popular eatery in East Mumbai. From Sabudana Vada to Misal Pav, each dish is bursting with flavors that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra. The drinks on offer have to be sampled; try the FFF and the Solkadhi, a pink, tart digestive drink to be drank after you gorge.

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Cafe Nizari

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Mumbai boasts a proud Mughal heritage, and Bhendi Bazaar offers some of the best Islamic fare for meaty feasting. Work your way through the Afghani Chicken, Mutton Kebabs and Biryani in the city’s vibrant Muslim quarter, washed down with an ice-cold lime juice.

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Gulshan E-Iran - Islamic Deserts

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Counteract the humidity with a trip to this place and indulge in its traditional Mughlai deserts. If we had to choose two, we’d go for the Firni, a classic light dish made from rice flour, and Shahi Tukda, a deliciously indulgent bread pudding topped with nuts and rich dry fruits.

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Sassanian - Marine Lines

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Experience a taste of Mumbai's Parsi community at Sassanian, a cozy eatery known for its hearty Parsi fare and warm hospitality. Indulge in signature dishes like Dhansak, Patra ni Machhi, and Lagan nu Custard, lovingly prepared using time-honored recipes passed down through generations.

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Café Mondegar: Metro House, Colaba

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Immerse yourself in retro vibes at Café Mondegar, a beloved hangout spot in Colaba known for its quirky décor and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy classic comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and beer while admiring the iconic murals adorning the walls, creating a unique dining experience.

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