Mumbai Food Trail: 10 Most Popular Restaurants In Mumbai and Their Signature Preparations
Your culinary Holy Grail featuring the absolute ‘Must Have’ dishes in Mumbai
27 Jan, 2021 by Gargi Bisht
The cultural diversity of Mumbai is the sole reason why this metropolitan city is blessed with a diverse and wholesome culinary landscape. As for the cultural diversity in the city, that is a culmination of the wave of immigrants from all over the country that come here with a yearning to make it big. The result? A smorgasbord of cooking styles and local flavors that reflect in Mumbai’s foodscape. Here's a sampling of such must-try foods that define Mumbai's food culture, dominated by strong Gujarati, Konkan, Goan, Parsi, and of course, Maharashtrian influences. From local standalone eateries to prominent upscale restaurants, this curation is going to be your culinary Holy Grail featuring the absolute ‘Must Have’ dishes you need to try in Mumbai at least once.
Banana Leaf Wrapped Roasted Fish at The Bombay Canteen
Celebrating the flavors of Kerala and the age-old Parsi (also, South Indian) technique of cooking in a banana leaf, Banana Leaf Wrapped Roasted Fish, which is quite similar to the quintessential Parsi dish- 'Patrani Machhi'(also quite popular in Mumbai's foodscape) and is an epic example of Bombay Canteen's penchant for masterfully revolutionizing local Indian flavors. In this particular innovative preparation, they use local fish such as Pakat or Sting Ray, or a Snapper, that comes doused in buttery-smooth 'tamatar masala curry', which is a prominent base seen in a lot of Keralan dishes.
Other popular must-haves: Arbi Tuk, Kejriwal Toast, Pav Bhaji Porterhouse Roll, Canteen Haleem, Cheesling Jhal Muri, Kerala Fried Chicken, and Nargisi Scotch Egg.
Berry Pulao at SodaBottleOpenerWala
One cannot possibly be called a true blue Mumbaikar without ever sampling this signature Parsi preparation- Berry Pulao, the invention of which took place in the busy Iranian cafes of old Bombay. This fragrant pilaf dish featuring Basmati Rice cooked with veggies and topped with fried onions and berries from Iran, is the piece de resistance on SodaBottleOpenerWala’s menu besides other popular Parsi dishes, which are now intricately woven in Mumbai’s culinary tapestry.
Other popular must-haves: Bun Maska, Sali Boti, Berry pulao, Patrani Macchi, Dhansak, Eggs Akuri, and Lagan nu custard
You might also like: Top 5 Restaurants Where You Can Sample The Best Of Mumbai's Street Food
Varan Bhaat at Diva Maharashtracha
If you wanted to name one truly soul-satisfying food of Mumbai city, then Varan Bhat would be it. This simple and humble dish is made by lightly tempering cooked-till-soft Toor dal (yellow lentil) with ghee (clarified butter), turmeric, and cumin powder. Served over steaming hot rice, this is undoubtedly wholesome comfort food at its best. To sample the best version of this Maharashtrian staple visit Diva Maharashtracha, an authentic Maharashtrian restaurant located in Matunga West, Central Mumbai.
Other popular must-haves: Sabudana Vada, Potato Patal Bhaji, Konkan Style Masala Lobster, Nagpuri Saoji Mutton, and Puran Poli.
Gujarati Thali at Manuhaar, Sahara Star, Mumbai
You’ll find the most decadent thali (an unlimited set meal) in Mumbai at Manuhaar, a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves ghee-laden, vegetarian cooking from Gujarat and Rajasthan. If you ever find yourself craving a grand Gujarati meal then you don’t need to look further than Manuhaar. With welcome drinks of Chaas and Panna, you’ll be swept away by the hospitality at the restaurant. Every item in their thali is cooked to perfection and tastes divine.
Other popular must-haves: Khandvi, Lauki Chana Dal, Kaju Karela, Meethi Dal, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Jowar Rotla, Khichdi, Basundi, and Dry Fruit Halwa.
Butter Garlic Crab at Mahesh Lunch Home
A delicious seafood preparation wherein a big crab is drowned in tons of butter garlic sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny and coats every morsel of the flesh. Crack open the crab and take a bite. You'll know immediately that sweet crabmeat and butter with a twist of garlic is a combination made by gods. The best butter garlic crab can be found at or of Mumbai's most famous seafood restaurant- Mahesh Lunch Home, a true blue paradise for seafood lovers.
Other popular must-haves: Surmai Tawa Fry, Crab Gassi, Squid Koliwada, Garlic Pepper Prawns, Neer Dosa, and Appams.
Bheja Fry at Roshan Bakery & Restaurant
Bheja, or goat brain, sauteed with tomatoes, onions, turmeric, green chilies, spices and garnished with fresh coriander, is a staple for the die-hard carnivores of the city. Eaten with a roti (Indian bread) or pao, this melt in the mouth dish has a rich Muslim heritage. Roshan Bakery in Mumbai does a pretty great job with its chef's special preparation of this luscious dish.
Other popular must-haves: Bun Maska, Tamota Par Eddu, Egg bhurji, Mutton Dhansak, Chicken Tikka, and Mava Cake.
Vindaloo and Fried Bombay Duck at Goa Portuguesa
This Goan specialty is a must-try when in Mumbai and to sample the perfect version of this, the authentic Goan food serving restaurant- Goa Portuguesa is one of the best dining destinations in Bombay. The Vindaloo is a traditional Goan dish made with chunks of meat (chicken, mutton, or pork) cooked in spices, red chilies, and lots of vinegar. Ideally, they are eaten the next day, after having spent the night soaking in all the juices and flavors.
Other popular must-haves: Caldo Verde, Stuffed Bombil, Pomfret Recheado, Mutton Xacuti, and Bebinca Dessert.
Goan Sausage Pulao(Margao Chorizo Pulao) at O Pedro
Mumbaikars are always popping in and out of Goa every chance they get so they have developed a deep love for its cuisine as well. The delicate balance of sweet, sour, and spicy found in Goan food is the reason why it's so popular. And with a unique, highly-researched menu of Goan cuisine, peppered with Portuguese influences, Mumbai’s O Pedro is a definite must-visit for those who love to taste the treasures of indigenous culinary legacies. Inspired by Goa's traditional family meal, their Margao Bacon & Chorizo Pulao (fondly known as Goan Sausage Pulao) is made with a whole lotta bacon and comes with a delicious sunny side egg on top.
Other popular must-haves: Sourdough Poee with Bal Chow Butter, Chicken Baffad Curry, Raw Papaya Kiss-Mur, Kal-Chi Kodi Devilled Eggs, Saraswat Tondak Curry, and Warm Egg Custard Tarts.
Bhelpuri at Sea Lounge, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The most commonly sold street food in Mumbai, Bhelpuri features a blend of puffed rice, papdi (small crisp deep-fried flour puris), sev, onions, potatoes, raw mango, and sweet and sour chutney. These ingredients remain the same, it is the proportions in which they are thrown together on the street side makes all the difference. This street snack is available at every nook of the city, but if you wish to relish this famed street dish with ambiance, try it at Sea Lounge, Taj Mahal.
Other popular must-haves: Scones, Chili Cheese Toast, Turkey & Provolone Sandwich, Cappuccino, Club Sandwich, Masala Tea, and Viennoise Frozen Coffee Ice Cream.
Ragda Pattice at Kailash Parbat, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
This gastronomic delight is a combination of 'Ragda', soft, spicy chickpeas, and 'Pattice', mashed potatoes shaped into fat patties and fried. The ideal way to eat it is to crush the Ragda with the Pattice and top it up with finely chopped onions, tangy tamarind sauce and fiery green chutney. Mash it all up and dig in for the true flavor of Mumbai. A favorite street food, this local dish is commonly found all over. A good place to try it is the iconic eatery, Kailash Parbat, a true paradise for all street food lovers in Mumbai.
Other popular must-haves: Misal Pao, Vada Pao, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, and Keema Pao.
FAQs
Q. What cuisines are served at SodaBottleOpenerWala?
Ans. The main cuisine served at SodaBottleOpenerWala is Parsi.
Q. What is the current Prime deal available at SodaBottleOpenerWala?
Ans. The current Prime dining exclusive deal at SodaBottleOpenerWala on EazyDiner offers 25% off food & soft beverage. Download the EazyDiner app to get more such deals.
Q. What cuisines are served at The Bombay Canteen?
Ans. The main cuisine served at The Bombay Canteen is Casual Eclectic.
Q. What cuisines are served at Diva Maharashtracha?
Ans. Diva Maharashtracha is known for serving authentic Maharashtrian Food.
Q. Is Kailash Parbat restaurant pure veg?
Ans. Yes, Kailash Parbat is a pure veg restaurant.
Written By
Gargi Bisht is an event copywriter/conceptualizer turned writer currently working with EazyDiner Pvt. Ltd. Compulsive eater, book hoarder, dog lover and pop culture enthusiast with an innate love for storytelling. Usually the quietest person in the room, Gargi is an introvert who loves her own company. When not eating, can be found in front of her laptop watching movies. Knows a thing or two about art and literature.
