Mumbai’s a city that pulsates with life, energy, and a whole lot of flavour. Forget Michelin-starred restaurants; the true magic unfolds in the labyrinthine alleys known as ‘Khau Gallis,’ translating to ‘food lanes’ – a foodie’s paradise overflowing with aroma, vibrancy, and delicious chaos. Brace yourself for an explosion of taste sensations – melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, fiery samosas that’ll tantalize your taste buds, and creamy faloodas that will cool you down in the Mumbai heat. Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure through Mumbai’s hidden lanes? We’ve curated a list of 10 must-visit Khau Gallis, ready to take your taste buds on a joyride and fill you with unforgettable foodie memories.
Ghatkopar Khau Galli
Calling all dosa aficionados! Ghatkopar Khau Galli is your mecca, boasting a staggering 45 varieties of this beloved South Indian staple. From the classic masala dosa to the more adventurous jini dosa (stuffed with cheese and chutney), Manchurian dosa (a delightful Indo-Chinese fusion), and even an ice-cream dosa (perfect for the summer!), this Khau Galli offers an endless exploration for dosa enthusiasts. But wait, there’s more! Multi-flavoured pani puri, the tangy delight that bursts with flavour in your mouth, awaits alongside dabeli, a spicy potato patty encased in a soft bun. Craving something sweet? Jalebis, those deep-fried orange coils dipped in syrup, and delectable fafda, a crispy gram flour flatbread, will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Popular Eateries:
- Sai Swad Dosa
- Vikrant Circle
- Hot Spot
- Jai Durga Chaat Centre
- WTC Pasta Counter
Carter Road Khau Galli
Mumbai’s stunning coastline provides the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure at Carter Road Khau Galli. Take a stroll along the scenic promenade and indulge in a plethora of options – the aroma of sizzling rolls will waft towards you, while juicy momos and flavourful shawarmas beckon. Falafel for the health-conscious and delectable kebabs for the meat lovers cater to diverse palates. Don’t miss the Indo-Chinese delicacies, a unique fusion of Indian spices and Chinese cooking techniques, for a truly delightful experience. And to end your seaside feast on a sweet note, grab some gulab jamuns, those syrupy, melt-in-your-mouth milk dumplings, or indulge in a cup of frozen yoghurt or some fluffy waffles.
Popular Eateries:
- Lassi Te Parrontthe
- Kepchaki Momos
- Carter’s Blue
Mahim Khau Galli
Mahim Khau Galli throbs with a youthful energy, attracting college students, office goers, and curious tourists alike. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of street food that caters to a variety of appetites. Khichda, a comforting lentil and rice dish, and the creamy sweet concoction known as khiri are perfect for those seeking wholesome comfort food. Baida roti, a unique flatbread made with eggs, offers a delicious twist, while chicken tandoori tantalizes with its smoky flavour. Momos, steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, are a popular choice, and ragda chaat, a tangy chickpea patty chaat, is a must-try for chaat enthusiasts. Don’t forget to indulge in a dry fruit kulfi falooda or a scoop of ice cream falooda for a refreshing and decadent end to your Khau Galli exploration.
Popular Eateries:
- Makhdoom Masahab
- Baba Falooda
- Garib Nawaz
- Hussain Khichdawala
Zaveri Bazaar Khau Galli: A Gujarati Treat
Delve into the heart of Mumbai’s vibrant jewellery market and stumble upon Zaveri Bazaar Khau Galli, a treasure trove of Gujarati delights. Crispy kachoris, deep-fried lentil dumplings, are a popular snack, while moong dal bhajiyas, savoury fritters made with mung dal, offer a delightful vegetarian option. Don’t miss the pudla, a savoury Gujarati pancake, perfect for mopping up curries at the street-style tawa pulao stalls. Dabeli bhel, a deconstructed version of the popular dabeli, offers an explosion of textures and flavours. Grab a vada pav, Mumbai’s iconic potato patty in a bun, or a piping hot samosa for a quick and satisfying bite.
Popular Eateries:
- Mohanbhai Pudlawala
- Bhagat Tarachand
- Jagannath Chaturbhuj
Chembur Khau Galli
Chembur Khau Galli offers a symphony of regional specialities alongside classic Mumbai street food. The simple food stalls and eateries here dish up a delectable array of pav bhaji, vada pav, and flavourful chaats. But delve deeper, and you’ll discover hidden gems like dal pakwaan, a hearty lentil dish served with crispy fried flatbread. Indulge in the fluffy kulcha, a leavened flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes, or explore the world of koki, a deep-fried Maharashtrian snack. And for those with a sweet tooth, the sheer variety of desserts here is enough to make your head spin.
Popular Eateries:
- Sainath Dhaba
- Bhat Vishranti Gruha
- Vig Refreshments
Mulund Khau Galli
Mulund Khau Galli caters to a modern palate while retaining the charm of a traditional Khau Galli. Here, you’ll find all your favourites – pav bhaji, tawa pulao, bhel puri, and the comforting khichdi. But alongside these classics, trendy options like Oreo blossom milkshakes and the ever-so-curious Lays dosa (yes, you read that right!) find their place. Don’t miss the jini dosa, a larger-than-life version of the classic, offering an explosion of flavours in every bite.
Popular Eateries:
- Kalidas Mandya Masala Vada Pav
- Blossom – The Fusion Spot
- Bliss Veg Restro
- Lakhan Dosa Centre
- Manju Dosa Centre
- Jalsa Frankie Corner
Princess Street Khau Galli
Princess Street Khau Galli is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Here, amidst the throngs of people, you’ll find an irresistible array of treats – think piping hot samosa chaat, ice-cream chaat that’s a textural explosion, and badam halwa so rich and creamy it’ll send you straight to dessert heaven. Don’t miss the decadent jalebi rabdi, a symphony of warm, sugary jalebis swimming in a pool of chilled, creamy rabdi. If you’re looking for something savoury, aloo papdi, a tangy potato snack, will hit the spot perfectly.
Popular Eateries:
- Kitchen Garden
- Parsi Dairy Farm
- Chandu Halwai
SNDT to Cross Maidan Khau Galli
This Khau Galli, stretching from SNDT University to Cross Maidan, is a delightful mishmash of culinary influences. Here, you can devour the comforting classic pav bhaji, a thick vegetable curry served with fluffy buttered buns. Aloo chaat, tangy and spicy potato fritters, will tantalize your taste buds. Feeling adventurous? Dive into Chinese Manchurian, a fiery Indo-Chinese creation. Don’t forget to grab a steaming corn cob, a refreshing juice, or a milkshake to wash it all down. For a taste of Mumbai’s street food ingenuity, try the Bombay sandwich, a vegetarian delight with layers of chutneys and vegetables, or a vegetable frankie, a flavour-packed wrap.
Popular Eateries:
- Hans Ras Mandir
- Lenin Pav Bhaji Centre
- Lalit Bhel Centre
- Raju’s Chinese
Mohammad Ali Road Khau Galli
Foodies seeking a taste of cinematic glamour should head straight to Mohammad Ali Road. This Khau Galli, frequented by Bollywood stars, is a haven for meat lovers. Sink your teeth into succulent shawarmas, or indulge in a variety of spicy tikkas and kebabs. Pair them with soft, pillowy naans, perfect for mopping up every last bit of flavour. End your meal on a sweet note with a creamy phirni or a syrupy malpua. Don’t be surprised if you spot a familiar face from the silver screen – after all, good food transcends social barriers!
Popular Eateries:
- Suleman Usman Bakery
- Bademiyan
- Noor Mohammadi Hotel
- Suleman Usman Mithaiwala
Kharghar Khau Galli
Kharghar Khau Galli is a haven for momo aficionados. Here, you’ll find an incredible variety of these delightful steamed dumplings, from the classic fried momos to fiery Schezwan momos, succulent chicken momos, and even a unique momo chaat. But this Khau Galli isn’t just about momos. You can also find delectable fried rice, flavourful noodles, Manchurian delights, and the ever-popular goli vada pav. Don’t miss the dosas, litti chokha, or shawarma for a more diverse culinary experience. Wash it all down with your favourite hot or cold beverage, and you’ve got a complete and satisfying meal.
Popular Eateries:
- Kharghar Fry Corner
- Darjeeling Sikkim Momos
- Little China Fast Food
- Dosa Express
- Apple Mint
