Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and its street food culture is no different. The city is renowned for its diverse and rich street food culture, attracting foodies from all over the world. The street food scene in Mumbai is diverse and offers a wide range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Yet there is something familiar and homely that you can’t get enough of, a crunchy Pani Puri.
Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa, is a popular street food in India and especially in Mumbai. It is a small, round, crisp and hollow shell filled with spicy water, sweet chutney, and a mixture of lentils and spices.With its unique street food culture Mumbai houses one of the best Pani Puri shops in India. Here are the seven best places to have Pani Puri in Mumbai.
Elco Pani Puri Centre – This place is located in the heart of Mumbai and is a must-visit for Pani Puri lovers. It is known for its hygienic preparation and the use of fresh ingredients. The Pani Puri here is crunchy and the filling is a perfect combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
Location: Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Juhu Beach Pani Puri – Juhu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai and is also famous for its street food. The Pani Puri vendors here are famous for their large and juicy puffed balls that are filled with a spicy and tangy filling. The Pani Puri here is a must-try for those who love spicy food.
Location: Juhu Beach, Mumbai
Trupti Pani Puri – Trupti is a popular Pani Puri stall located in the busy Dadar area of Mumbai. It is known for its authentic taste and the use of natural ingredients. The Pani Puri here is served with a spicy and tangy filling and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Location: Dadar West, Mumbai
Panshikar Snacks – This is one of the oldest and most famous Pani Puri stalls in Mumbai. The Pani Puri here is known for its unique taste and the use of fresh ingredients. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists and is a must-visit for those who love street food.
Location: Fort, Mumbai
Girgaum Chowpatty Pani Puri – Girgaum Chowpatty is a popular beach in Mumbai and is also famous for its street food. The Pani Puri vendors here are known for their large and juicy puffed balls that are filled with a spicy and tangy filling. The Pani Puri here is a must-try for those who love spicy food.
Location: Girgaum Chowpatty, Mumbai
Food Bazaar – This is a popular street food joint located in the busy Andheri area of Mumbai. The Pani Puri here is known for its unique taste and the use of fresh ingredients. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists and is a must-visit for those who love street food.
Location: Andheri West, Mumbai
Kailash Parbat – Kailash Parbat is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in Pani Puri. The Pani Puri here is known for its authentic taste and the use of fresh ingredients. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists and is a must-visit for those who love street food.
Location: Multiple locations across Mumbai
So, the next time you’re in Mumbai, be sure to check out these places and enjoy a delicious plate of Pani Puri.
Other Mumbai street food you must try alongside the amazing Pani Puri.
Vada Pav:
One of the most popular street food items in Mumbai is the vada pav. It is a simple yet delicious snack that consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling placed between two slices of bread and garnished with spices and chutneys. This dish is a staple for Mumbaikars, who enjoy it as a quick and filling snack on-the-go.
Pav Maska:
Another popular street food item in Mumbai is the pav bhaji. This dish consists of a mixture of vegetables, spices, and tangy tomato-based sauce, served with a soft bread roll. It is a popular evening snack and is best enjoyed with a side of lemon and onion.
Crunchy bhel:
If you are looking for a filling meal, the bhel puri is a must-try. It is a chaat dish that consists of puffed rice, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind chutney. It is a light and refreshing snack that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Sea lovers:
For seafood lovers, the city has a lot to offer. Mumbai’s street food scene is famous for its seafood delicacies, such as the prawn and fish dishes. The most popular seafood street food item is the pani puri, which is a fried crispy ball filled with a mixture of spices, chutneys, and seafood.
Sweet heaven:
For those with a sweet tooth, Mumbai’s street food scene has a lot to offer. From Kulfi to Jalebis, there is something for everyone. The Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that is made from milk and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. Jalebis, on the other hand, are deep-fried spirals of batter that are soaked in syrup and garnished with nuts.
The street food scene in Mumbai is not only famous for its variety but also for its affordability. Most street food items can be purchased for as little as INR 20, making it accessible to everyone.
Mumbai’s street food culture is a true reflection of the city’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. The street food scene offers a wide range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences, making it a must-visit destination for foodies from all over the world. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the street food scene in Mumbai is a true reflection of the city’s soul and spirit, and should not be missed.