Misal pav is an excellent street food sold across Mumbai. It is known for its different flavors, like spicy, savory, and pungent, which reflect the city's heart. It's an instant meal that you'll find virtually everywhere, and it consists of a Misal or a spicy red curry made with sprouted beans, topped with farsan, or sev, onions, coriander, and a pinch of lemon for that sharp taste. It’s served with pav, which depicts the colonial past of the city. A comforting, budget-friendly meal that is easy on the tummy and wallet is waiting for you to explore when you’re out and about in Mumbai.
Piping hot Misal Pav at Aswad, Dadar
If you’re a foodie searching for authentic Maharashtrian snacks like Misal Pav and Dahi Misal, then come to Aswad in Dadar. The misal pav here is tasty and satisfies every spice requirement. The spicy stew is made using freshly ground spice paste, sprouting beans, and potatoes. Misal is cooked fresh and served piping hot with soft and freshly baked Pav. Aswad is loved by many who visit here for the misal pav as well as other dishes like Mango Lassi, Mango Ice Cream, Mango Milkshake, and Shrikhand.
Address: Sanskruti Building, Gadkari Chauk, 4, Lady Jamshedji Rd, opp. Shiv Sena Bhavan, Dadar West
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mouthwatering Puneri Misal at Vinay Health Home, Charni Road
This well-known eatery has been dishing out exemplary Maharashtrian cuisine for many years and its long-term patrons are huge fans of their misal pav. You too will become a fan for life of their misal pav which is served a bit on the sweet side, and the spiciness can be tailored to your liking. Guests can pick from dahi misal, puneri misal, special misal and sweet dahi misal.
Address: Jawahar Mansion, 71/83, Thakurdwar, Dr Babasaheb Jaykar Marg, Fanas Wadi naka
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nutritious Dahi Misal Pav at Mamledar Misal, Thane
Mamledar Misal has branches all over Mumbai and Thane, and is famous for its spicy Misal. You may try its signature Dahi Misal if you don't want something too hot, but be sure to communicate your heat tolerance before ordering. They serve non-greasy meals that capture the true flavor of the dish. You may select from seven varieties of Misal, including the Mamledar Misal Pav, Dahi Misal Pav, Jain Misal Pav, Usal Pav, Vada Usal Pav, and Usal. During fasting days, they also present Farali Misal, in addition to Butter Milk, Kokam Sarbat, and Solkadh. You can also add Pav, Tari, Rassa, and curd to your Misal dish.
Address: Opposite Zilla Parishad, Talav Pali, Naupada, Thane West, Thane
Price for two: INR 200
Timing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Spicy Misal Pav at The House of Misal, Dadar W
If you’re in the vicinity of Plaza Cinema in Dadar West, then head to The House of Misal which offers an extensive array of more than 40 different kinds of Misal. The menu also has a variety of fusion meals. The most suggested option is the Tandoor Misal, which is delivered with farsan in a small matka that includes a bowl of charcoal for a smoky flavor. Misal pav is slightly on the spicy side but that’s what you should expect in this authentic Maharashtrian dish.
Address: Shop No. 329A, N. C. Kelkar Rd., Near Plaza Cinema, Kasaravadi, Dadar
Price for two: INR 200
Timing: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Farali Misal at Panshikar Mithai Kendra, Girgaon
Panshikar is well-known for serving authentic Maharashtrian delicacies, and the misal at this joint has just the right balance of spices and flavors. On fasting days, you can try the Farali Misal. It's an iconic joint for its shrikhand, kaju katli, gulab jamun, modak, and laddoo sweets. When you take the first bite of misal, it may seem normal, but as you finish eating, the flavors unfold and the spices hit you. You'll definitely end up asking for more!
Address: Keshav Jewellers, Jagannath Shankar Seth Road, near Ramchandra, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon
Price for two: INR 200
Timing: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jain Misal Pav at Ladu Samrat, Parel
Here you can find the best of Maharashtrian cuisine, including Misal Pav, which is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Due to its popularity, there is often a line to get a table, and sometimes you may need to share a table with another customer, but it's all well worth the wait. Aside from misal pav, there is also some excellent Thalipith and Piyush. Their vada pav is also very popular and is available in both Jain and non-Jain varieties.
Address: 1 Habib Terrace, Lalbaug, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Ganesh Gully, Parel
Price for two: INR 200
Timing: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Authentic Misal Pav at Aaram, Fort Area, Churchgate
There is no better spot in Mumbai to get a warm dinner of vade, pohe, or bhajji than Aaram at Churchgate. It is a well-known restaurant located right next to CSMT Station, and it is among the finest places to eat misal pâté in Mumbai. Their misal pav is the same as it has been for over eight decades, and it has soft pav to soak up the flavors. Their vada pav, poha, and dahi misal are all must-tries.
Address: Capital Cinema Building, 126, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Rd., Azad Maidan, Fort
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fiery Hot Misal Pav at Mama Kane, Dadar, Mumbai
All devotees of Maharashtrian cuisine, especially misal pav, should visit Mama's Misal in Dadar, Mumbai. The Vada Pav they offer is similarly adored and comes with a pungent flavor that is much lauded. This eatery, located close to the Dadar railway station, is the perfect spot for a quick snack, be it Vada Pav with tea or a plate of Misal. The Misal is fiery and one of the best we've had in the vicinity!
Address: 222, Smruti Kunj, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar West
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Extra-spicy Misal Pav at Anand Bhuwan Hindu Hotel, Lower Parel
There is something for every misal lover here, whether you like spicy or non-spicy misals! People usually come here for their nashtas; the ambiance is average, but the food quality and quantity are worth it. The restaurant always adds extra spices, but if you don’t like fiery-hot misal pâté, then ask them to tone it down.
Address: Ganapatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel West, Lower Parel
Price for two: INR 120
Timing: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Spicy Misal at Bhatt Vishranti Gruh, Sion Trombay Road
Bhatt Vishranti Gruh serves fresh and inexpensive food at Chembur Naka on Sion–Trombay Road. If you like misal pav, this restaurant is for you. The restaurant doesn’t offer self-service, so you will have to serve yourself. Kanda Bhaji, spicy misal, vada pav, lassi, and chai are some of the other popular items being sold here.
Address: Chembur Naka, Sion-Trombay Rd, Chembur, Opposite MTNL Telephone Exchange
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.