Mumbai Guide: Pani Puri, Samosa Pav, Dabeli—7 Beloved Street Foods Of City That Originate From All Over India

Dahi Puri (Pune/Nashik) Originating from regions like Pune and Nashik, Dahi Puri is a softer, tangier cousin of Pani Puri. Hollow puris are filled with potatoes and topped with creamy curd, sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and sev. It offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, commonly found across Mumbai chaat stalls.
Chole Tikki Chaat (Punjab/Delhi) Combining spicy chickpeas and crispy aloo tikki, this chaat is rich and flavorful. A favorite in Delhi and Punjab, it’s topped with curd, chutneys, and onions. Its popularity spread to Mumbai due to its bold flavors and filling nature, often served at North Indian chaat counters in the city.
Samosa Pav (North India + Mumbai Twist) Samosa Pav is Mumbai’s fusion of North India’s samosa with the city’s beloved pav (bun). A hot samosa is placed between pav with chutneys and sometimes fried chilies. Though samosa isn’t native to Mumbai, this street creation has become a quick, affordable snack, blending two cultural icons.
Mirchi Bajji / Mirchi Vada (Andhra/Rajasthan) These are large green chilies stuffed with masala, coated in gram flour, and deep-fried. A spicy snack from Andhra and Rajasthan, it’s sometimes served as a chaat with chutneys. In Mumbai, it’s a monsoon favorite, loved by spice lovers who crave a hot, crunchy treat with tea.
Kachori (Khasta/Raj Kachori – Rajasthan/UP) Kachoris are deep-fried pastries filled with spicy lentils or peas, popular in UP and Rajasthan. Served alone or as chaat with curd and chutneys, they’ve found a home in Mumbai’s sweet shops and chaat stalls. The flaky crust and spicy filling make it a beloved tea-time or street food snack.
Pani Puri (Uttar Pradesh/Bihar) Pani Puri, known as Golgappa or Puchka elsewhere, is a burst of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. Hollow puris are filled with spicy mashed potatoes or ragda and dipped in flavored water made with mint, tamarind, and spices. Though a Mumbai favorite, its roots trace back to North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Dabeli (Kutch, Gujarat) Originating in Kutch, Gujarat, Dabeli is a spicy-sweet mashed potato mixture stuffed in a pav, garnished with pomegranate, peanuts, and sev. It’s pan-toasted and served hot. Though a Gujarati creation, its affordable and flavorful nature helped it gain immense popularity on Mumbai streets, especially near train stations and college areas.

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