Born and brought up in Delhi, I’m quite familiar with the craze for street food in the capital. From golgappas to chaat papdi and aloo tikki, there are options galore once you step out into the crowded lanes of any market in the city. Overtime, the desi street food has expanded to encompass the Tibetan delicacy, momos, as our very own. The variety of momos available in the city are proof of the immense love it enjoys here. While steamed and fried are the classic versions, people have gone to the extent of devising tandoori, afghani and kurkure varieties too. Too much about Delhi, eh?
One thing that I missed out was the love for kathi rolls and shawarmas. Given the Mughal history and influence, rumali rotis stuffed with tender chicken and mutton pieces are served with a tangy mint chutney and onion rings in the capital as kathi rolls. Shawarmas are also one such variety of shredded chicken rolls. Wondering why I’m rolling so much? Well, another well-known metropolitan city in India has not been far behind in the quest of rolls.
Just like kathis have become a popular snack in Delhi, you would find street stalls brimming with frankies in Mumbai. This snack, which takes inspiration from a Lebanese pita roll, was invented in Mumbai in 1969. While the name is an ode to an iconic West Indian cricketer Frank Worell, the way the Frankie is prepared is a hundred percent desi. More of a wrap than a roll, the Frankie can be made with anything, from a tortilla to a roti. The stuffing of mashed potatoes, chickpeas and cauliflower along with some sauces makes this one of the most loved street foods of Mumbai.
If you’re looking for a Frankie spot in Mumbai, then these are the places you should be at.
1. J. Hearsch & Co.
Located in SoBo (South Bombay), this Bandra West eatery could become your next frankie spot. From chicken to mutton and vegetable varieties, they’ve got it all. Just in case you’ve satiated your appetite for frankies, you can head to their puffs and sandwich sections for some interesting tid-bits.
Source: For Love Of History And Food/Instagram
Where: 90/A, Next To Holy Family Hospital, Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Cost For Two: INR 300
2. I Love Food 2.0
A small eating joint situated near the Khalsa College, I Love Food won’t take much time to translate into I love frankie. While their paneer tikka frankie is quite a rage, your eyes might pop out once you have look at the long list of frankies they have to offer. Affordable and convenient, this pocket-friendly place is frankie-good.
Source: I Love Food 2.0/Instagram
Where: Shop 4, Mehta Building, Opposite Khalsa College, Matunga East, Mumbai
Cost For Two: INR 350
3. Tibb’s Frankie
If you’re looking for the OG frankie place, your search is over. Tibb’s Frankie is the hub of frankies, right from chicken, mutton to eggs, you name it and their menu will have it. While it has a widespread network across Mumbai, it is gradually opening up outlets across Delhi too. Apart from frankies and rolls, you can satifisy your tummy with their meal boxes too.
Source: Jhakaas Foodie/Instagram
Where: Bandra, Lower Parel, Dadar and multiple outlets
Cost For Two: INR 400
4. Bomberry
Frankie lovers, here is the vegetarian haven for you guys. From bell peppers to mushrooms and baby corn, you can have all the veggie frankies under one roof. A glass of smoothie on the side and you are good to go.
Source: Bomberry India/Instagram
Where: Shop 5, Ground Floor, Hormazd Mansion, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo, Mumbai
Cost For Two: INR 500