Mumbai Food Tour: 15+ Tastings, Train Ride & Parsi Flavors

Summary

Evening Mumbai street eats train rides parsi flavors and stories

You’ll taste your way across three buzzing Mumbai districts on this evening food tour: ride the local train with your guide, sample 15+ dishes from dosas to rare Parsi specialties, wander lively markets and side streets most visitors miss. Expect laughter over messy chaat and real stories behind every bite—plus help getting home when you’re happily full.

What’s the experience like?

I started the Mumbai food tour thinking I’d just fill up on snacks, but it ended up being this wild mix of flavors and stories that I’m still replaying in my head. We met at Churchgate — that area where the city feels like it’s vibrating, you know? Our guide, Priya, waved us over with a grin and immediately handed out steaming chai. The air was thick with cardamom and car horns. She joked about how Mumbai never really sleeps, which felt true as we dodged people selling flowers and newspapers even after sunset.

The first bite was something called chaat — crispy, tangy, messy in the best way. I tried to eat it gracefully but gave up fast; everyone else just laughed and licked their fingers. Then came dosas so thin they cracked if you looked at them wrong, stuffed with spicy potatoes and dipped in coconut chutney. Priya told us about the dabbawallas delivering lunches by train (I still can’t figure out how they do it), right before we squeezed onto an actual commuter train ourselves. Ten minutes standing shoulder-to-shoulder with locals who barely glanced up from their phones or newspapers — honestly, it made me feel like I was part of the city for a second.

We hopped off near an old Parsi bakery where the smell of fresh bread hit me before we even walked in. There was this slow-cooked kheema with pillowy buns — rich but somehow light at the same time. Priya explained how only a handful of these bakeries are left now; she seemed genuinely proud to share it with us. Someone asked about Bollywood stars living nearby, but she just laughed and pointed out a mural of an old film hero instead.

By the time we wandered into Zaveri Bazaar’s khau galli alleyways (so many colors — gold bangles everywhere), I’d lost count of tastings. Masala papads grilled over charcoal had this smoky crunch that stuck with me long after. There was creamy moongdal halwa too; honestly, I could’ve stopped there but somehow kept going. At one point I tried to say “thank you” in Marathi to a vendor — he smiled politely but I’m sure I butchered it.

The whole Mumbai food tour lasted maybe four hours but felt like much more — partly because my stomach was full, partly because every corner had its own soundtrack and smells (sometimes good, sometimes…interesting). At the end Priya helped us flag down taxis back to our hotels. Walking away under flickering streetlights, I realized how much these little moments stick — not just the food, but all those tiny collisions with daily life here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mumbai food tour with tastings

• Start at Chaayos cafe Churchgate
• Ride 10-minute commuter train
• Explore Parsi community and eat kheema
• Stroll Zaveri bazaar for South Indian snacks
• Visit Mangaldas market for local street food
• End tour and arrange taxi back

Top questions

How many tastings are included on the Mumbai food tour?

The tour includes more than 15 different food tastings across three districts.

Does this Mumbai food tour include a train ride?

Yes, there is a short 10-minute commuter train ride included in the experience.

Where does the Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour start?

The meeting point is Chaayos cafe at Churchgate near the Fort area in Mumbai.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or pescatarians?

Yes, it’s suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians; contact ahead for other dietary needs.

Are drinks included during the Mumbai food tour?

Yes, local drinks and bottled water are included along with all tastings.

How many people are on each Bombay Express Food Tour?

The group size is capped at 8 guests for a small-group experience.

What should I wear or bring for this Mumbai street food tour?

Wear comfortable shoes as there is moderate walking; bring an umbrella if rain is likely.

Will my guide help me get back to my hotel after the tour?

Your guide will help you get a taxi back to your hotel at the end of the evening.

What’s included

Your evening includes all 15+ street food tastings—think dosas, chaat snacks, rare Parsi dishes—plus local drinks and bottled water along the way. A short commuter train ride is covered (ticket included), as well as expert guidance through busy markets and neighborhoods most travelers never see. At the end your guide will help arrange your taxi home if needed.