A Flavorful Battle: Mumbai vs. Delhi Street Foods
The eternal debate between the two greatest cities of India—Mumbai and Delhi—about which street food is the ultimate winner rages on. Both cities are home to some of the most delicious and beloved delicacies, each offering a unique taste that caters to the undying spirit of food lovers around the world.
Indulgence in Mumbai and Delhi's Culinary Delicacies
Both Mumbai and Delhi boast lip-smacking delicacies that are more than just food; they are a way of life. Let's dive into the rich and diverse street food cultures of these cities.
1. Vada Pav vs. Samosa
Each city has a delectable street food that is a symbol of its cultural heritage. For Mumbaikars, Vada Pav is an ever-present companion on every meal, while Delhiites are known for their love of Samosa. Not a single roadside eatery in Mumbai is without this fried potato dumpling inside pav, while the crispy golden aloo samosa with a piping hot chai is a beloved snack in Delhi.
2. Bombil Fry vs. Chicken Tikka
Seafood lovers in Mumbai should not miss Bombil Fry/Bombay Duck, while Delhiites can’t possibly be complete without the irresistible Chicken Tikka. Bombay duck, fried in rawa until brown, tastes best with a sweet-sour gorkeri pickle, and the small pieces of boneless chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, skewered and tandoored, can make anyone drool for seconds.
3. Bheja Fry vs. Nihari
Mumbai’s Bheja Fry can hold its own against Old Delhi’s Nihari. Bheja fry, pan-fried skin and brains cooked with Indian spices, is a staple street food in Mumbai. In contrast, the slow-cooked mutton Nihari from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is a must-have breakfast, simmered for up to four hours with a myriad of spices.
4. Akuri on Toast vs. Delhi’s Bread-Omelette
In Mumbai, Akuri on toast is a hot and spicy delicacy, while Delhi's bread-omelette is a simple yet universally loved morning meal or evening snack. A scrambled egg packed with a mixture of garlic, ginger, onion, coriander, black pepper, and green chillies, and seasoned with garam masala, Akuri is a perfect match with pav. Delhiites typically enjoy a plain bread-omelette for breakfast or as evening snacks.
5. Frankie vs. Breads with Fillings
Wraps are a convenient and delicious option, but when it comes to Mumbai's Frankie, one simply cannot resist. Frankies are filled with omelette, potato, cottage cheese, or vegetables, often served with a variety of sauces. In contrast, Delhi's wraps generally consist of plain rotis (flatbreads) or parathas (stuffed rotis) with a pre-cooked mixture of shredded meat, paneer (cottage cheese), or vegetables.
6. Misal Pav vs. Pav Bhaji
Misal pav is a common sight on every street in Mumbai, and the same is true for Pav Bhaji in Delhi. Misal pav consists of matki lentils and chilly powder gravy poured over cooked lentils and served with pav. On the other hand, pav bhaji is a semi-curry of mixed vegetables cooked in a special blend of spices with oodles of butter, served with pav.
7. Desserts: Gola vs. Kulfi Falooda
A dessert is the perfect way to complete a meal! Mumbai is known for its ice balls made from grated ice dipped in flavoured juices, cream, and various toppings, while Delhi is famous for its rich and creamy Kulfi Falooda.
Both cities offer a wide variety of street food options that cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of food lovers. It's always an exciting and flavorful journey to explore these street food cultures and find out which one reigns supreme!
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