Where to Eat in Mumbai
These four places are old Mumbai names, not dining rooms. Two are in Dadar, one is in Tardeo near Haji Ali, and one is a street grill behind the Taj in Colaba.
2 places
Matunga East
1 place
Dadar
1 place
Dadar (Kirti College)
1 place
Sion
Not sure what to order? The Mumbai food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Sardar Refreshments, Tardeo
Sardar has been serving pav bhaji since 1966, and people come for the butter. The bhaji is cooked in large batches on a griddle and finished with a big block of butter on top. It is a short taxi ride from Haji Ali, so it fits well after an afternoon at the dargah. It stays open late, and the queue is longest after 9 pm.
Bademiya, Colaba
Bademiya is a late-night street grill in the lane behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, a few minutes' walk from the Gateway of India. It is known for seekh kebabs, tikka and rolls, cooked over charcoal. It opens in the evening and runs past midnight. The food is mostly non-vegetarian, so vegetarians have little choice.
Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar
A small stall near Kirti College in Dadar, often named as the best vada pav in the city. Ask for the chura, the crunchy fried bits of batter, on top. It is quick, very cheap and busy at lunchtime, so expect to eat standing.
Prakash Shakahar, Dadar
A long-running vegetarian snack house in Dadar that serves home-style Maharashtrian food: misal, sabudana vada, thalipeeth and piyush, a sweet, saffron-scented drink made with shrikhand. Go in the morning, when the misal is fresh and the room is full of regulars.
Planning a food trail
Dadar is on both the Western and Central lines, so you can combine Ashok Vada Pav and Prakash Shakahar in one morning, with a stop at Siddhivinayak in Prabhadevi nearby. Save Sardar or Bademiya for the evening. All four are walk-in places, so you will not need a booking. Carry cash and small change, although UPI is widely taken.
Questions
Mumbai — FAQ
Where should I eat in Mumbai?
5 places are listed here, across 4 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Mumbai?
Yes — 2 of the places listed are pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Mumbai?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Mumbai food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Which Mumbai food places stay open late?
Bademiya in Colaba and Sardar Refreshments in Tardeo both serve well past midnight on most nights. Hours can change, so check before you go.
Do I need to book a table at these places?
No. All four are walk-in counters or simple canteens. Expect a short wait or a shared table at busy times.
How do I get to the Dadar food places?
Take a local train to Dadar, which is on both the Western and Central lines, then walk or take a short taxi ride. Avoid the station at rush hour, when it is extremely crowded.