Gujarati and Maharashtrian$$chowpattyDaily 11:30-22:30
Soam is opposite babulnath temple, away from chowpatty's tourist bhel carts; pinki dixit cooks the home-style gujarati menu locals send friends to find.
Why locals love it: Opposite Babulnath Temple, away from Chowpatty's tourist bhel carts; Pinki Dixit cooks the home-style Gujarati menu locals send friends to find.
Tip: Saat dana khichdi is the dish to order. Cash and card both accepted.
Irani cafe$marine-linesDaily 07:00-19:30
Kyani and Co in Mumbai: irani cafe room. Mumbai's oldest Irani cafe (1904) hides behind a faded yellow facade on Marine Lines; the regulars.
Why locals love it: Mumbai's oldest Irani cafe (1904) hides behind a faded yellow facade on Marine Lines; the regulars at the counter have outlasted most of the city's restaurants.
Tip: Bun maska and Irani chai, share a mawa cake; cash easiest. Cash and card both accepted.
Indian vegetarian$fortDaily 10:00-22:30
Pancham Puriwala is open since 1848 near csmt, no signage, no marketing; the pancham thali has been the same for four generations of mumbaikars.
Why locals love it: Open since 1848 near CSMT, no signage, no marketing; the Pancham thali has been the same for four generations of Mumbaikars.
Tip: Pancham Thali with extra puris. Cash and card both accepted.
Seafood$colabaDaily 04:00-10:00 (peak 05:00-08:00)
Sassoon Dock Fish Market in Mumbai: market room. Mumbai's oldest wet dock (1875) hides at the southern tip of Colaba; the koli morning sees only.
Why locals love it: Mumbai's oldest wet dock (1875) hides at the southern tip of Colaba; the koli morning sees only locals and a handful of curious eaters at 05:00.
Tip: Arrive between 05:00 and 07:00; cash and a cooler bag for the catch.
Irani bakery$fortMon-Sat 06:30-19:30; closed Sun
Yazdani Bakery in Mumbai: Tucked in a tiny Fort alley off Akbar Ally, no signage, easy to miss; the wood-fired oven has stayed lit for six decades.
Why locals love it: Tucked in a tiny Fort alley off Akbar Ally, no signage, easy to miss; the wood-fired oven has stayed lit for six decades.
Tip: Brun maska with Irani chai is the order; closed Sundays. Cash and card both accepted.
Indian$$mohammed-ali-roadEvenings 18:30-01:30
Bohri Mohalla Kebab Lane is a bohri street food room in Mohammed Ali Road. Smoked mutton with kheema pav is the order; Ramadan iftar is busiest.
Why locals love it: Bohri Mohalla sits off the main Mohammed Ali Road; the kebab lane only fires up at sundown and stays for the Dawoodi Bohra community first.
Tip: Smoked mutton with kheema pav is the order; Ramadan iftar is busiest.