Most people think that food blogs are only for visitors; it’s a guide to let them know where to go and what to do in a city. But, even those who have been born and brought up in Mumbai are unaware of the cities most delicious corners. Well! Mumbai is one such city that hosts the largest population of India and yet gives each one space of their own.
Now, as I turn ten into this mysterious yet amazingly loving city, I decided to share with you my experience with the most ordinary-looking food joints in Mumbai, which in terms of its taste can give any 5-star hotel a run for its money.
Frankly, I am not a foodie, but these three joints have made me fall in love with food, like never.
No.1 – Pancham Puriwala
The Story: In the year 1840, a man named Pancham came to Bombay, now known as Mumbai, and started a small Puri-Bhaji stall outside CST station. Over the years, the booth grew to a shop and now to a two-story eatery joint.
Where: Get down at CST and ask anyone about Pancham Puriwala, and they will tell you that it’s a place that symbolizes taste. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the station, and you are sure to find a queue of people at any time.
What: As the name suggests, they serve you hot and delicious puri. You will find three variations of puri’s – Sada, Masala, and Palak. With puri, they help you potato curry, spicy chickpeas, mix-veg, and a lot more. Especially, you must make their pickles. And after the delicious meal, do not forget to have the mango lassi.
Price: This is the most fantastic part. For a meal that is 100% on taste, quantity, and quality, the cost is only 100-150 per person.
No.2 – Sardar Pav Bhaji
The Story: 53 years back, a person named Sardar Ahmed, started a pav-bhaji stall in Tardeo, outside the South Bombay mills. It was started to serve all the mill workers a wholesome meal at an affordable cost. Although there were many such joints around the mills, yet people would only prefer eating at Sardar’s stall. Today after five decades, people still queue outside the stall turned restaurant to taste the World’s best pav bhaji. BTW, it’s one joint that’s open till 2 am 🙂
Where: If you are at Mumbai central, then walk for 10 minutes towards Tardeo road to reach Sardar Pav Bhaji.
What: Here, you will find five varieties of pav bhaji. There’s good news for all Jain food lovers, here you will find delicious Jain pav bhaji, with lots of butter.
Price: One wholesome plate of delicious pav bhaji will cost you around Rs. 140 to Rs. 200.
No.3 – Ashok Vaidya’s Vada Pav
The Story: A spicy, crunchy potato cutlet placed between two pieces of round bread is today the signature dish for all Mumbaikars, but do you know that this popular street food was created by a man in 1966, called Ashok Vaidya. He started selling it as a snack, outside Dadar railway station.
Where: Get down at Dadar west, you will find the iconic Vada pav stall outside Kirti College Lane.
What: Well! Here you will find the famous Mumbai Vada Pav.
Price: One plate of vada pav will cost you around Rs.25. But trust me, it’s worth it.
