A 7-Day Tour of Mumbai’s Street Food and Bollywood Scene

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and cinematic dreams. This bustling metropolis offers a sensory overload that can overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, a 7-day tour focusing on Mumbai's street food and Bollywood scene is a perfect way to dive deep. This itinerary will guide you through some of the city's most delectable offerings while also taking you behind the scenes of its glamorous film industry.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Your journey begins as you arrive in Mumbai. After checking into your hotel, freshen up and get ready for your first evening! Head to Chowpatty Beach, an iconic spot known for its street food stalls. Try the famous ‘Pav Bhaji’ and enjoy the bustling atmosphere as you watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Following your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, soaking in the vibrant local life. Don’t forget to try ‘Aloo Tikki Chaat’ from one of the nearby stalls, a perfect start to your street food adventure.

Day 2: South Mumbai Delights

Begin your day in South Mumbai, where colonial architecture meets modern life. Visit the historic CST station and then explore the Fort area. For breakfast, visit 'Cafe Madras' in Matunga for a taste of authentic South Indian dosas and filter coffee. Later, walk to the famous ‘Bademiya’ for lunch, where you can savor the best seekh kebabs in the city. In the evening, head to Marine Drive and enjoy some ‘Pani Puri’ and ‘Sev Puri’ from one of the road-side vendors. As night falls, take a guided Bollywood tour to learn about the history and influence of the film industry in Mumbai. You might even catch a glimpse of filming in action!

Day 3: Bollywood Behind the Scenes

Dedicate your third day to exploring the world of Bollywood. Start with an early breakfast of ‘Vada Pav’ at Anand Stall in Vile Parle, then visit Film City in Goregaon for a fun-filled Bollywood studio tour. Here, you can witness live shoots and may even spot a celebrity or two. Afterward, savor a hearty lunch at ‘Aaram Vada Pav’ near CST, serving some of the best vegetarian fast food. In the evening, attend a local film screening or cruse through DVD shops that sell a myriad of Bollywood films. Cap the day off with a visit to ‘Juhu Beach’ for some ‘Bhel Puri’ as you enjoy the sea breeze.

Day 4: Iconic Markets and Flavors

Your fourth day will take you to Mumbai's bustling markets, a true feast for the senses. Start in Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, where a food walking tour presents the chance to taste ‘Chai’, ‘Samosas’, and several other local snacks. Moving on, visit ‘Zaveri Bazaar’ for some jewelry shopping, then head to ‘Bhuleshwar Market’ for a kaleidoscope of colors and a glimpse of local life. For lunch, stop by ‘Sarvi Restaurant’ renowned for its biryanis. Spend your afternoon exploring ‘Crawford Market’, famous for fresh produce and street food. Indulge in a ‘Kebabs’ taste test at ‘Kebabs & Curries Company’, and don’t miss the evening and nighttime snacks like ‘Dahi Puri’ and ‘Dhabeli’ outside the market.

Day 5: East Mumbai and Hidden Gems

On day five, travel towards the East to discover hidden gems. Start your day at ‘Matunga Market’ for a traditional breakfast of ‘Idli’ and ‘Chutney’. Next, visit ‘Banganga Tank’, an ancient water tank with a serene atmosphere. For lunch, explore ‘K Rustom's’ Ice Cream Sandwich - a legendary dessert spot, especially popular in the summer months. In the afternoon, drop by ‘Worli Koliwada’ to learn about the indigenous fishing community and try some local seafood snacks. Your evening will be spent exploring quirky cafes and street food stalls in the Kala Ghoda area before enjoying a cultural night show showcasing traditional Indian dance.

Day 6: The Upscale Side of Street Food

Spend your sixth day experiencing upscale street food. Begin at ‘Le 15 Cafe’ for gourmet pastries and artisanal coffee. Then, visit the ‘Prabhadevi’ area to discover gourmet food trucks offering international street food with an Indian twist. For lunch, try ‘Khao Gali’, known for Michelin-starred Indian street food. In the evening, indulge in a lavish dining experience at ‘The Bombay Canteen’, where traditional flavors meet contemporary cuisine. Don’t forget to try their innovative cocktails that use local ingredients. Post dinner, enjoy a late-night stroll at Worli Sea Link, one of Mumbai's iconic landmarks.

Day 7: Farewell Mumbai

On your final day, experience the calmness of ‘Chor Bazaar’, the famous flea market. Here you can shop for antiques, handicrafts, and local artwork. Enjoy an early breakfast at a local establishment featuring traditional Mumbai ‘Omlette Pav’. For lunch, visit ‘K Rustom’ for the famous ice cream sandwich, a delicious sweet treat to end your culinary adventure. As your trip wraps up, head back to some favorite spots for any final snacks and photographs. Before you depart, ensure to stop at the ‘Gateway of India’ and take a boat ride to see the beautiful skyline of Mumbai. This week-long journey through the city’s street food bliss and Bollywood glam leaves you with a treasure trove of memories and a full belly!