Mumbai, the cosmopolitan city of India, is famous for its lively streets, magnificent beaches, and iconic landmarks. But beyond that, Mumbai is also a culinary paradise, especially for those who love spicy and flavorful food. With a diverse population of over 20 million people, Mumbai offers an eclectic mix of regional Indian cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best restaurants in Mumbai, where you can savor some of the most delicious and authentic Indian dishes.
Traditional Indian Cuisine in Mumbai
Before we dive into the best restaurants in Mumbai, let’s explore the different types of Indian cuisine that you can expect to find in the city.
North Indian Cuisine
North Indian cuisine is famous for its rich and flavorful dishes that use a lot of spices and herbs. Some of the most popular North Indian dishes include butter chicken, biryani, and naan. These dishes are typically made with ghee, which is clarified butter, and served with various types of chutneys and sauces.
South Indian Cuisine
South Indian cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its vegetarian dishes and spicy flavors. Some of the most popular South Indian dishes include dosa, idli, and vada. These dishes are typically made with rice and lentils and served with various types of chutneys and sambar, a spicy lentil soup.
Maharashtrian Cuisine
Maharashtrian cuisine is the traditional cuisine of the state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located. The cuisine is known for its spicy and flavorful dishes that use a lot of coconut, peanuts, and tamarind. Some of the most popular Maharashtrian dishes include vada pav, misal pav, and thalipeeth.
Best Restaurants in Mumbai
Now that you have an idea of the different types of Indian cuisine, let’s explore the best restaurants in Mumbai where you can sample some of the most delicious and authentic Indian dishes.
1. Gajalee
Gajalee is a seafood restaurant that specializes in Maharashtrian cuisine. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Mumbai and has several branches throughout the city. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, especially the pomfret fry, which is a must-try.
2. Swati Snacks
Swati Snacks is a vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its dhokla, khandvi, and dabeli, which are some of the most popular dishes in these regions.
3. The Bombay Canteen
The Bombay Canteen is a modern Indian restaurant that serves innovative dishes inspired by regional Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its creative cocktails and desserts, as well as its popular dishes such as the vada pav sliders and the butter chicken wings.
4. Trishna
Trishna is a seafood restaurant that specializes in coastal Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its crab dishes, especially the butter garlic crab, which is a must-try.
5. Britannia & Co.
Britannia & Co. is a Parsi restaurant that serves traditional Parsi cuisine. The restaurant is known for its berry pulao, dhansak, and caramel custard, which are some of the most popular dishes in the Parsi community.
Street Food in Mumbai
No trip to Mumbai is complete without sampling the city’s famous street food. Mumbai is known for its chaat, vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri, which are some of the most popular street food dishes in India. Some of the best places to try these dishes include Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty, and Mohammad Ali Road.
Conclusion
Mumbai is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of regional Indian cuisines and street food that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for traditional Indian dishes or innovative and modern cuisine, Mumbai has something to offer. So, the next time you’re in Mumbai, be sure to explore the city’s culinary scene and indulge in the delicious and authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.
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FAQs
What is the most popular type of cuisine in Mumbai?
Mumbai is known for its diverse range of regional Indian cuisines, but the most popular cuisine in the city is Maharashtrian cuisine, which is the traditional cuisine of the state of Maharashtra.
Where can I find the best seafood in Mumbai?
Gajalee and Trishna are two of the best seafood restaurants in Mumbai that serve fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
What is the best time to visit Juhu Beach for street food?
The best time to visit Juhu Beach for street food is in the evening, when the stalls are set up and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant.
Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Mumbai?
Yes, there are many vegetarian restaurants in Mumbai that serve traditional vegetarian dishes from different regions of India, such as Swati Snacks and Shree Thaker Bhojanalay.
What is the must-try street food in Mumbai?
Mumbai is known for its chaat, vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri, which are some of the most popular street food dishes in the city that you must try.
