Nestled amidst the chaotic charm of Mumbai, the "city of dreams," the frankie stands as a testament to the city's culinary prowess and diverse gastronomic heritage. A quintessential street food born on the bustling streets of Mumbai, the frankie is a portable delight that encapsulates a medley of flavours, textures, and cultures.
From the classic chicken frankie, where succulent spiced chicken meets a soft roll, to the fiery schezwan variant that ignites the taste buds, each rendition tells a tale of Mumbai's vibrant street food culture. This iconic wrap has evolved over the years, accommodating various fillings such as paneer, eggs, keema, and even seafood, reflecting the city's dynamic culinary landscape. Join us on a delectable journey through the bylanes of Mumbai as we explore nine irresistible kinds of Frankies, each offering a unique symphony of spices and aromas, showcasing why Mumbai's street food is an integral part of its identity.
1. Classic Chicken Frankie:
The original and timeless variant, the classic chicken frankie, is a delectable combination of tender, spiced chicken chunks wrapped in a thin, soft roll. The filling often includes a mix of onions, bell peppers, and a secret blend of spices. Topped with a generous squeeze of lime and a dollop of tangy chutney, this frankie is a true representation of Mumbai's diverse flavours.
2. Veggie Delight Frankie:
For vegetarian food lovers, the veggie delight frankie is a must-try. Packed with a colourful assortment of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and potatoes, this frankie is a burst of flavours and textures. The mix of spices and sauces ensures a satisfying experience for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder taste.
3. Paneer Tikka Frankie:
Indulge in the rich and smoky flavours of paneer tikka with this frankie variant. Succulent pieces of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a spiced yoghurt mixture are grilled to perfection and then wrapped in a soft roll. The result is a frankie that delights the taste buds with the combination of charred paneer and the freshness of the accompanying veggies.
4. Schezwan Frankie:
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the schezwan frankie is a fiery delight. The filling, whether chicken or vegetarian, is tossed in a bold Schezwan sauce that adds a zingy and intense flavour. The spiciness of the schezwan sauce is balanced with the cooling effect of fresh veggies and a drizzle of mint chutney, making it a favourite among spice enthusiasts.
5. Egg Frankie:
Egg lovers, rejoice! The egg frankie is a perfect blend of fluffy scrambled eggs mixed with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. The softness of the eggs contrasts with the crunch of the veggies, creating a delightful texture. The addition of various spices and a dash of lime elevates the egg frankie to a street food classic.
6. Keema Frankie:
A meat lover's paradise, the keema frankie is made with minced meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked with aromatic spices. The juicy and flavourful keema is wrapped in a soft roll along with onions, tomatoes, and chilies. The richness of the minced meat combined with the freshness of the veggies makes this frankie a hearty and satisfying option.
7. Double Cheese Frankie:
Indulge your cheesy cravings with the double cheese frankie. This variant takes the basic frankie up a notch by adding layers of gooey cheese to the filling. The cheese melts and blends with the other ingredients, creating a luscious and decadent experience that is sure to please any cheese lover's palate.
8. Chatpata Aloo Frankie:
Aloo, or potatoes, are a staple in Indian cuisine, and the chatpata aloo frankie showcases them in all their glory. The boiled and spiced potatoes are mixed with a medley of chaat masalas, creating a tangy and chatpata (spicy and tangy) filling. This frankie is a vegetarian delight that captures the essence of Indian street food.
9. Fish Tikka Frankie:
Mumbai's coastal location allows for a delightful incorporation of seafood into its street food offerings. The fish tikka frankie features succulent pieces of fish marinated and grilled to perfection. The smoky and charred flavour of the fish, combined with the freshness of the veggies and the soft roll, makes for a unique and mouthwatering frankie experience.
Exploring the diverse world of Frankie's in Mumbai is a culinary adventure that showcases the city's rich street food culture. Each variant has its own distinct flavours, textures, and charm, making frankie's an integral part of the vibrant food scene in Mumbai. So, the next time you find yourself in the bustling streets of Mumbai, be sure to embark on a frankie journey and savour the myriad tastes this iconic street food has to offer.