Looking for the Best Food and Restaurants in Mumbai, India with reliable, safety‑first advice and Singapore‑relevant tips? This Homejourney guide combines on‑the‑ground experience in Mumbai with a Singapore lens, so you can eat confidently, plan your trip, and even think ahead about regional property and lifestyle decisions.
This article is a focused travel and dining cluster that complements our main Mumbai pillar guide: Complete Guide to Things to Do in Mumbai India | Homejourney Travel & Property Insights Complete Guide to Things to Do in Mumbai India | Homejourney Travel & Property I... .
Why Food‑Lovers from Singapore Should Visit Mumbai, India
Mumbai is India’s financial capital and one of Asia’s most exciting food cities, from iconic street snacks like vada pav and pav bhaji to world‑class fine dining and cocktail bars.[1][3] For Singapore travellers used to hawker culture, Mumbai feels familiar in its energy, but the flavours, spice profiles and late‑night food scene are distinctly different.
Best time to visit for food:
- November to February – cooler weather (around 20–30°C), pleasant for street food walks and outdoor dining.
- Avoid heavy monsoon months (June–August) if you plan to eat a lot of street food, as flooding and hygiene can be issues.
Getting there from Singapore (typical, always check current schedules):
- Direct flights: SIN → BOM usually 5.5–6 hours.
- Several full‑service and budget airlines operate this route; prices often range from S$250–S$700 return depending on season.
Currency basics:
- Local currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
- As a rough mental conversion, many Singapore travellers use INR 60 ≈ S$1 (actual rate fluctuates; always confirm live rates).
- Most mid‑range and upscale restaurants in Mumbai accept cards and mobile payments, but small street vendors are still cash‑first.
Homejourney supports multi‑currency planning, including INR, when you later evaluate Singapore property budgets and mortgage scenarios, so your Mumbai spending can be benchmarked accurately against potential Singapore living costs.Bank Rates
Essential Mumbai Foods Singapore Travellers Should Try
If you love Singapore hawker food, focus on these classic Mumbai items first. They’re affordable, filling, and give a true sense of the city’s flavour.
- Vada Pav – Deep‑fried potato patty in a bun with chutneys; often called Mumbai’s “burger”.
- Pav Bhaji – Spiced mashed vegetable curry with buttered buns; one of the city’s most beloved dishes.[1]
- Bhel Puri & Sev Puri – Tangy, crunchy chaat (snacks) mixing puffed rice, chutneys, onions and sev.
- South Indian Dosa & Idli – Familiar to many in Singapore, but often spicier and more rustic in Mumbai’s Udupi‑style eateries.[1]
- Thali – A metal platter with many small dishes, rice, bread and dessert; great for tasting multiple regional flavours at once.[1]
- Parsi / Irani Bakery Food – Bun maska (buttered bun), kheema pav and chai in century‑old cafés.[1]
Insider tip from a Singapore perspective: Street food portions in Mumbai can be smaller and more snack‑like than a Singapore hawker “full meal”. Plan to graze across 3–4 stalls rather than expecting one dish to fill you up.
Best Food and Restaurants in Mumbai, India (By Budget & Area)
Mumbai is large, and traffic can be intense. For Singapore travellers, it’s easiest to cluster meals by neighbourhood, like how you might plan Bugis, Orchard, or Tiong Bahru days.
1. Budget & Street Food Gems (S$2–S$10 per person)
These places are great if you are comfortable with hawker‑style dining and want the most authentic Mumbai experience.[1]
- Edward Dosa and Pav Bhaji (South Mumbai)
Famous for indulgent pav bhaji – buttered buns with thick, spicy vegetable curry – and crispy dosas.[1] Expect to spend roughly INR 150–250 (about S$3–S$5) per person. - Rama Krishna Restaurant (near Churchgate / South Mumbai)
A go‑to for dosa, idli and South Indian favourites; you can choose non‑AC ground floor or pay slightly more to sit in AC upstairs.[1] Popular with office workers; go slightly before or after peak lunch to avoid queues. - Ramashraya – Currey Road Outlet
Known among locals for South Indian dishes and especially its pineapple sheera dessert.[1] Very wallet‑friendly; great breakfast or early dinner spot. - Kyani & Co. (Marine Lines area)
A legendary Irani café, over 100 years old, beloved for its bun maska and chai.[1] Think of it as Mumbai’s answer to an old‑school kopitiam with strong character.
Safety & hygiene tip: As in Singapore, busy stalls with high turnover usually mean fresher food. Avoid items that have been sitting uncovered, and start with cooked‑to‑order dishes if you have a sensitive stomach.
2. Mid‑Range Local Favourites (Around S$10–S$30 per person)
These spots work well for family dinners, work trips, or when you want air‑conditioning and a more relaxed pace without fine‑dining prices.
- Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Kalbadevi)
Often cited as one of the best vegetarian thali experiences in Mumbai, serving an unlimited Gujarati thali with around 30 dishes for roughly US$8 (about S$10–S$12).[1] Book ahead for weekend dinners. - Tamak (Bandra region)
A cosy spot known for novel North Indian cuisine; the exterior looks understated but the food is refined and creative.[1] Good choice if you like modern Indian in a casual setting. - Chaitanya (Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojangruh)
A go‑to for Malvani and coastal seafood with bold flavours.[1] Portions are generous; ideal for sharing plates.
3. High‑End & Special‑Occasion Dining (S$40–S$150+ per person)
Mumbai’s fine‑dining scene has grown rapidly, with several restaurants featured in international awards and lists.[2][3][4] For Singaporeans used to Michelin‑calibre experiences, Mumbai offers comparable creativity at generally lower prices.
- Indian Accent (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, BKC)
A highly acclaimed restaurant known for inventive Indian cuisine using global ingredients, now open in Mumbai after success in Delhi and New York.[2] It offers vegetarian and non‑vegetarian tasting menus, plus vegan, gluten‑free and Jain menus, making it suitable for varied dietary needs.[2] Located in the BKC business district, it pairs well with a cultural visit to the NMACC. - Masque (Mahalaxmi)
Frequently listed among India’s top restaurants and a nominee in regional awards.[4] Known for its hyper‑seasonal tasting menus and modern Indian approach; reservations are essential. - The Bombay Canteen (Lower Parel)
Celebrated for creative small plates, kebabs and cocktails in a lively setting.[1] Perfect for groups of friends or colleagues on business trips. - Bastian, Ekaa, Khyber and others
Various Mumbai institutions regularly appear in global discovery lists for their food, design and bar programmes.[3] These are good options if you enjoy exploring the “World’s 50 Best” style venues.EdgeProp Property News
Insider booking tip: For the most sought‑after restaurants, try early weekday dinners (around 6.30pm) or late‑night slots. Many higher‑end spots in Mumbai take WhatsApp or online reservations; confirm your booking again on the day, especially if you are on a tight itinerary.
Practical Travel & Safety Tips for Eating in Mumbai
Visa, Transport & Getting Around
Visa: Singapore citizens and many international travellers can usually apply for an Indian e‑Visa online before departure; requirements can change, so always check the official Government of India visa portal or the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for the latest rules.
