24-Hour Munchies

24-Hour Munchies

Looking for a bit of hungama (action) or something to eat at a crazy hour? Unlike most other Indian cities, that start snoozing as early as 8 PM, Mumbai buzzes around the clock. Food carts appear every few yards serving chaats (Indian street snacks). Even simple food is transformed into something impressive. The choices are enormous—hot, spicy vegetable sandwiches, slices of green mango peppered with masala, sizzling kebabs, Chinese noodles with vegetables, fresh strawberry milk shakes, carrot juice, kulfi (cream-based Indian ice cream), fresh slices of mangoes and cream, spicy boiled chickpeas, fried fish, potato turnovers, masala peanuts, coconut water, green chilli omelets in buns, and exotic snacks associated with Mumbai, such as bhel puri (puffed rice snack) and wada paav(savory potato snack stuffed in a bun and lathered with chutney).

Much of this snack food is created right at the side of the road on open grills and stoves and then assembled in front of you. As you would imagine, the hygiene may be a little suspect. But don't let that deter you, or you may miss out on some carnival-like happenings and some excellent local food. If you sample any of these street-side treats, follow some rules. Try food served hot on the spot. If the plates don't look clean, ask that food be either served or packed in a disposable container (a fresh plastic bag, a cup created from leaves, a paper plate, or newspaper) or bring your own little container. Carry your own spoon and paper or plastic cup, if possible. And don't worry—the vendors usually understand enough English to see the process through. Finally, those vendors who attract the biggest crowds and fame are likely to be safer than those who are ignored.