Mumbai: Street Food Tour with Irani Chai & Vada Pav Tasting

Summary

Old cafes, temple snacks, vada pav by CST—Mumbai’s food lanes

You’ll taste Mumbai’s real street flavors: Irani chai with brun maska near Babulnath Temple, vada pav outside CST station, South Indian snacks and Gujarati sweets—all guided by someone who feels like an old friend. Expect laughter over mispronounced names and stories behind every bite; come hungry for both food and city life.

What’s the experience like?

The clang of cups and a whiff of something sweet pulled us into this old Irani cafe near Babulnath Temple—honestly, I’d never had brun maska before. Our guide, Priya, just grinned and said “wait till you dunk it.” The bread was crusty but soft inside, and the chai had that cardamom thing going on. There was a man reading the paper in the corner who looked like he’d been coming here for decades. I tried to copy how he dipped his bread but made a mess—Priya laughed and said I’d get better with practice.

We walked through these narrow khau gullies where everyone seemed to know Priya—she waved at a samosa vendor and then pointed out a spot where her dad used to sneak her after school. The smell of frying onions just hung in the air. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (everyone still calls it VT), we stopped for vada pav right outside—the kind that burns your fingers if you’re not careful. It’s loud there, horns and train whistles, but somehow eating on the curb felt right. I didn’t expect to enjoy standing in traffic eating potato fritters but… Mumbai does that to you.

Around Babulnath again we tried these South Indian snacks—idli so soft it almost fell apart, coconut chutney cold from the fridge—and then something sweet from Gujarat that Priya called “handvo” (I probably pronounced it wrong). She teased me about my accent but showed me how to eat it with my hands anyway. The whole thing felt like being let in on some secret family routine. By the time we got our North Indian thali (so many little bowls I lost count), I was full but somehow kept going.

I still think about that first cup of chai—maybe because it tasted like someone else’s memory. There’s something about seeing Mumbai through its food that makes everything stick longer than you expect. Anyway, if you’re even half curious about what people here eat when nobody’s watching… this street food tour is worth skipping breakfast for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mumbai street food and landmarks

• Drink Irani chai with brun maska
• Eat North Indian dish at century-old restaurant
• See Victoria Terminus and eat vada pav
• Taste South Indian and Gujarati snacks near Babulnath
• Enjoy North Indian Thali

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Mumbai street food tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What foods will I try on this Mumbai street food tour?

You’ll try Irani chai with brun maska, vada pav at CST station, South Indian snacks near Babulnath Temple, Gujarati dishes, and a North Indian thali.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children under 9 can join free of cost.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, there are public transport options close to the route.

How long is the walking distance during the tour?

The tour involves moderate walking between stops; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is this Mumbai street food tour safe for sensitive stomachs?

All places visited are tested for safety standards but inform organizers of any allergies in advance.

Can I book this as a private tour?

Yes, this is a private street food tour with your own guide.

Will we visit famous landmarks during the food tour?

Yes, stops include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) and Babulnath Temple area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with a private guide leading you through Mumbai’s best khau gullies; all tastings—from Irani chai to North Indian thali—are covered along with bottled water and refreshments so you can focus on eating (and maybe learning how to say ‘handvo’ without getting laughed at).