Top 16 Most Irresistible Indian Street Foods

Originating in 1840, initially serving busy traders needing quick late-night meals, the remarkable taste quickly made Pav Bhaji one of Mumbai's most beloved street foods. Pav Bhaji consists of Pav (Indian bread) slathered in butter, accompanied by a flavorful sauce made from Bhaji (a curry-like mix), mashed potatoes, diced tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.

To taste this dish, you can visit Sardar Refreshments, opposite the Tardeo bus depot, Zunka Bhakar Kendras in the Nariman Point district, or Cannon Pav Bhaji opposite the CST subway station.

The name “chaat” originates from the Hindi word “chaatna,” meaning “to lick,” and it's the most famous street food of Mumbai. With simple ingredients like crispy fried noodles, potatoes, onions, cilantro, chili, and the flavorful Chaat Masala spice mix, every nook and cranny of Mumbai boasts eateries serving this spicy, crunchy, and aromatic dish.

For spice lovers to indulge in this fiery delight, head to the bustling food street of Khau Galli, around Churchgate station, Ghatkopar station, or Carter Road.

Being one of the most versatile Mumbai street foods across the culinary landscape of India, Bhel Puri comes in many regional variations. But regardless of the adaptations, Bhel Puri is essentially akin to a crispy rice salad made with puffed rice, tossed with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, accompanied by condiments such as tamarind chutney, red chili powder, and chaat masala. A dish that's both simple and nutritious, Bhel Puri is not only beloved by children but also favored by many as an appetizer for their meals.

Resembling simplified versions of 'hamburgers', Vada pav entices diners with its perfect blend of crispy outer layer made from potatoes and a soft, fragrant filling inside. It's the garlic-infused flavor and the characteristic chili sauce within the filling that give these Vada pav their distinctive taste. As a convenient Indian dish, often replacing main meals when time is short, Vada pav is highly favored by Mumbai locals and abundantly sold in bustling street stalls.

This golden-shelled delight captivates eaters with its smooth and unique filling. The shells are pre-fried at home and then taken out for sale. When served to customers, the vendor punctures a small hole in the shell with their fingers. The filling inside is made from boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with lentils, diced onions, and a touch of special Indian spices.

After a long day indulging in a plethora of savory dishes, it would be wonderful to have a glass of Falooda filled with dried fruits mixed with various nuts, topped with syrup and a hint of sweet basil for decoration, wouldn't it? These sweet and rich Falooda glasses, brimming to the top, will help you conclude your journey of savoring Mumbai street food with unforgettable nostalgia!

Aloo Tikki, also known as potato burger, is a popular vegetarian dish enjoyed across India. Mashed potatoes are mixed with onions, coriander, and spices. They are then shaped into flat round patties and fried. The most enticing part is when eaten, the potato cakes are dipped in a special sauce. This sauce, with its tangy and creamy flavor, is made from a mixture of yogurt and tamarind.

Another spicy delight in Mumbai is Chana Jor Garam, primarily made from fried potatoes, onions, chili sauce, and spicy seasonings. Despite its prominent spicy taste, vendors constantly innovate this dish with various twists, especially when served wrapped in a spiral newspaper cone for on-the-go enjoyment. To find this snack, you can visit Marine Drive or Gateway.

Commonly referred to as sweet syrupy balls, these treats feature a evenly coated layer of sugar syrup. What makes this dish unique is the use of khoya, a solid residue left after evaporating milk, which is then fried until golden brown. These golden balls are then soaked in sugar syrup for a period of time to absorb the flavor. The spices used include saffron, cardamom, and rose water, imparting not only the characteristic rich and crispy taste but also a tantalizing aroma and a hint of sweetness.

A triangular pastry with a hearty filling found throughout the streets of India. The thin crust skillfully wraps around the enticing filling. You'll savor the rich taste of lentils, potatoes, finely minced meat, all mixed with spices. Some places even generously add peas to enhance the sweetness. Whether fried to crisp perfection or baked, it offers a deliciously aromatic and flavorful experience.

Comparable in taste to the famous burritos, the unique Indian dish known as Kati Roll is a delightful treat. Its casing is made from paratha, thin and smooth bread slices. The filling inside is diverse, offering a variety of flavors to choose from. It could be the creamy paneer cheese to the flavorful kebab meat, or simply eggs and vegetables. What truly enhances the taste of the roll are the traditional dipping sauces accompanied by a variety of spices. This dish is just as beloved by Indians as sandwiches are in Vietnam.