You never know when hunger will strike and there’s nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of the road without a way to comfort your growling stomach. We could always head over and grab a vada pav or stop off at the nearest pani puri stall, but sometimes, the tastebuds call for something a little more refined and thankfully a new breed of eateries has been taking over Mumbai’s streets…and we couldn’t be happier about it. From Caribbean-styled chicken skewers to a particularly comforting mac n’ cheese, these dishes aren’t always high up on the innovation scale but they have a way of really hitting the spot. Not to mention the novelty of eating ‘street food’ that isn’t really street food at all. This concept is changing up the game for restaurant goers all over the city so head down to the one nearest you and get in on the fun before the food rolls on to a new spot.
Spotted in Vasai
The owners Kunal Patel and Nived Rawool have been friends since their college days but while working on cruise ship in the US they decided they wanted to bring this trendy new concept back to Mumbai. Their menu is mainly hearty American-style fare with elements of Mexican and even some Caribbean influence, they also update their menu each month so a meal there will never be quite the same every time. Their dream is to bring the best food to people at the best prices, and they also hope that in the future the whole concept of quality street food will become the norm. ‘Food trucks are very common in other countries so why not here in India? Giving people something new and delicious to crave for is what we always take care of.’
What you’re getting: Taste the Caribbean in the Jamaican Chicken Skewers for Rs.
Spotted in Bandra
In August 2015, this truck parked itself on Hill Road and instantly became a local favorite. They began with only 2 main items--their very own famous New York style hot dogs and Chicken Tikka burgers but since then they, have not stopped, curating and creating a much larger menu. They now serve everything from spare ribs to veg tarts and every item is guaranteed to be hearty, filling and delicious.
What you’re getting: The classic chilli dog will hit the spot every time.
III. Bombay Food Truck
Spotted in Bandra West
Bombay’s biggest food truck rolled into Mumbai city September last year and with it they brought the city’s tastiest street side gourmet eats. Bombay Food Truck offers Gourmet sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and will be constantly innovating with the menu. “The first time I saw a food truck was when I was studying in Europe. When I moved to the US I would eat out of food trucks and always wondered why can’t we have them back home. Starting a food truck was something I had always dreamt of. The fact that Bombay doesn’t have a food truck was a huge inspiration and, yes, the movie Chef was inspiring too.” says founder Ashish Sajnani. They have served over 30 big ticket events in the city and curated their own Food Truck Festival – The Food Truck Square in Mumbai which served over 10,000 people in 3 days.
What you’re getting: The Mac ‘n’ Cheese hotdog at Rs. 200
IV. FoGo
Spotted in Dahisar West
This meat haven on wheels offers Mumbaikars a chance to sample a wide variety for a very small price. FoGo believes that quality food should be available to all, regardless of where they live. With their true belief in the merit of affordable meals for all, they source ingredients from local markets, and charge just enough to cover their costs. Fogo is a blessing on wheels as you can devour a range of delectable dishes without it burning a hole in your pocket either.
What you’re getting: The Chicken and Cheese slider in all it’s messy goodness comes at Rs. 70
V. Paninaro
Spotted at locations across Mumbai
Paninaro is the unique brainchild of Aditya Parikh who first developed his obsession with food trucks during his stint in New York. When he returned to India in 2006, he started planning his own business and then in 2009, he had Paninaro up and running serving a range of salads, sandwiches and paninis all at an affordable rate. To compete in the competitive business of Mumbai restaurants he ensured that all his food is fresh, healthy and completely free of artificial preservatives and colouring. Their commitment to health hasn’t impaired their variety and the menu is packed full of delicious options in both veg and non-veg. They’re also a conscious set-up and the unsold food is distributed among the homeless and needy at the end of the day. Moreover, it supports a cause as the carry bags are from the National Association of Blind. What’s not to love.
What you’re getting: The Fruit and Nut Salad at Rs. 140 will satisfy all your cravings without any guilt
VI. Tasty Trails
Spotted at Kandivali West
‘Tasty Trails strives to bring excellent food in ways customers would love and would never have thought possible.’ So reads the motto of this hearty food truck. The truck specialises in Italian & Mexican cuisine tempered to the Indian palate. The first truck was launched in Kandivali in 2015 and since then they have amassed a loyal following of satisfied customers. Owner, Suraj Shetty, wanted to create a food truck serving food that nourishes the soul. After working in a corporate job for a couple of months, a moment of epiphany led Suraj to quit everything and follow his dreams. He started looking for the right people to build his team and soon, he connected with friends, Juhi & Himay, who are both equally passionate about exquisite food and gourmet cuisines. What started as a casual chat, turned out to be the start of a journey for launching a food truck.
What you’re getting: The consummate, creamy comfort food Mac and Cheese at Rs. 120
VII. The Burrrp Machine
Spotted in Andheri West
The Burrrp Machine considers their aim to be ‘the gastro enlightened mobile service with an aim to satisfy as many food lovers out there and make them a socially involved member of our family.’ The owner, always a foodie tells of how The Burrrp Machine came to be ‘My love for food is non negotiable. When I returned from UK post completion of my Masters degree in Tourism and Hospitality I realised Mumbai - a haven for food lovers needs a mobile feel good gastronomically satisfying food truck which would serve the best of burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs and shakes. So like all entrepreneurs I started my small journey of serving people a hearty meal from a food truck. Everything from conceptualising the idea to making a visually appealing truck to getting permits from various departments was a roller coaster ride. However determination and focussed goals helped me through all odds.’ Today Burrrp should be the go-to place for all your American-style street food.
What you’re getting: The simple but delicious chicken burger at Rs. 90
VIII. Yumm Hai Hum
Spotted at Ghatkopar East
Even the least adventurous foodie is sure to have had a brush with one of the favourite staples of Italian food – pasta – and while there are countless places you can go to find it one of the most unique places is sure to be Yumm Hai Hum food truck in Ghatkopar. Owner Pranav Shah says ‘The idea of a truck or something on wheels was blooming I’m my mind since a long long time’ he finally made his dream a reality and is now more popular than ever. Serving everything from pizza to risotto, this little truck is making a really making a name for itself as an Italian joint with a twist.
What you’re getting: The pink pasta is the way to go at Rs 180