Top 10 best delicious street food in Hay Bunder, Mumbai [Updated-2026]

Travelo Info

March 10, 2026

Top 10 best delicious street food in Hay Bunder, Mumbai [Updated-2026]

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Top 10 Best Delicious Street Food in Hay Bunder, Mumbai: A Coastal Seafood Paradise by the Creek

Discover the top 10 must-eat street foods at Mumbai’s hidden coastal gem, Hay Bunder. From explosive bangda fry to creamy crab masala, explore the ultimate seafood lover’s guide to this creekside paradise.

Tucked away in the eastern waterfront of Mumbai, near the bustling Reay Road station, lies a secret that most city foodies guard with their lives: Hay Bunder. While the name might confuse visitors (it has nothing to do with hay), this quiet coastal hamlet is actually a corruption of “High Bunder,” referring to the high tide dock that serves as its lifeline .

Hay Bunder is not about glitzy restaurants or trendy cafes. It is a raw, authentic, and breathtakingly fresh seafood experience that unfolds on the pavement, under open skies, right next to where the fishing boats dock. The moment you step into this narrow lane, the smell of the creek mingles with the aroma of frying masala, and you know you are in for something special. Here, the fish is so fresh it was probably swimming just hours ago. Here are the top 10 delicious street foods you absolutely must try at Hay Bunder.

1. The Explosive Bangda (Indian Mackerel) Fry

If there is one dish that defines Hay Bunder, it is the Bangda Fry. The Indian mackerel, locally known as bangda, is a humble fish, but in the hands of the street vendors here, it transforms into something legendary . The fish is split open, slathered in a bright red, lip-numbing masala paste made of red chilies, tamarind, and a secret blend of spices, and then deep-fried in sizzling oil until the skin is crisp and the flesh is moist and flaky . The explosion of sour, spicy, and savory flavors is an experience you will not forget. Served with a wedge of lemon and raw onions, it is the perfect starter.

2. The King of the Creek: Rawas (Indian Salmon) Thali

For a complete meal that showcases the best of Hay Bunder, you must order a Rawas Fry Thali. The Rawas, or Indian Salmon, is arguably the most prized fish in Mumbai, and here, it is presented in its full glory . The thali typically includes a large piece of rawas fried to perfection, a serving of spicy fish curry, steamed rice, sol kadi (a kokum and coconut milk digestive), and some dry vegetable preparation. The rawas has a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy, coconut-based curry. It is a meal fit for a king, at a price that will surprise you.

3. The Creamy Crab Masala (The Star Attraction)

While fish fries are abundant, the Crab Masala at Hay Bunder is the dish that draws crowds from across the city. This is not for the impatient or the finicky—it is a hands-on, messy, deeply satisfying affair . The crabs are cooked in a thick, aromatic gravy made with freshly grated coconut, poppy seeds, and a host of whole spices. The gravy is so good that people often order extra pav or rice just to mop it all up. Cracking open the shells to get to the sweet, succulent meat, all while your fingers are coated in that heavenly masala, is a ritual every food lover must experience .

4. The Underrated Gem: Pomfret Fry

If you want something a bit more refined (but equally delicious), go for the Pomfret Fry. The pomfret is a delicacy in Mumbai, known for its soft, white, almost buttery flesh that has very few bones . In Hay Bunder, it is typically marinated in a milder, more nuanced version of the masala—often using green chilies and coriander instead of the fiery red powder—and then pan-fried gently. The result is a fish that is crisp on the outside and impossibly tender on the inside. It is a dish that lets the quality of the fish speak for itself.

5. The Fiery Prawn Masala

For prawn lovers, Hay Bunder offers a version of Prawn Masala that will reset your standards. The prawns here are medium-sized, incredibly fresh, and cooked with the shells on (which adds immense flavor to the gravy) . The masala is thick, dark, and intensely spicy, made with a base of fried onions and coconut. You have to use your hands to peel the prawns, dip the succulent meat back into the gravy, and then pop it into your mouth. It is messy, it is spicy, and it is absolutely unforgettable.

6. The Bombil (Bombay Duck) Fry: A Texture Like No Other

The Bombil Fry is a true test of a seafood lover’s mettle. The Bombay Duck is a strange-looking, gelatinous fish that, when fresh, seems almost impossible to cook. But the street vendors of Hay Bunder have mastered it . They coat the boneless fillets in a spiced rice flour batter and deep-fry them until they are bone-dry and impossibly crisp. The result is a snack that shatters in your mouth, with a subtle, sweet flavor of the fish peeking through the crunchy exterior. It is often called the “Mumbai Lollipop” and pairs perfectly with a cold drink.

7. The Soulful Kombdi Vade (Chicken and Bread)

While Hay Bunder is primarily a seafood destination, the Malvani community that runs these stalls also serves a mean Kombdi Vade. This is the quintessential chicken preparation of the Konkan coast. The chicken is cooked in a rich, dark, coconut-based Malvani masala that is aromatic and spicy without being overwhelmingly hot . It is served with fluffy, deep-fried vade (bread made from rice flour). Tearing off a piece of the soft vade and using it to scoop up the thick chicken gravy is a deeply satisfying, grounding experience.

8. The Refreshing Sol Kadi

After a heavy meal of fried fish and spicy curries, your palate needs a reset, and the locals have the perfect answer: Sol Kadi. This is a traditional Konkani drink made from kokum (a sour, deep purple fruit) and coconut milk . It is pink, creamy, tangy, and subtly spiced with garlic and green chilies. Served ice-cold, it acts as a digestive and a coolant, cutting through the richness of the food and preparing you for the next round. Never skip the sol kadi at Hay Bunder; it is an essential part of the meal.

9. The Crispy Squid Fry (Kalava)

For those who like their seafood with a bit of chew, the Squid Fry, or Kalava, is a must-try. The squid is cleaned, cut into rings, and marinated in a spicy masala before being deep-fried to golden perfection . Unlike the rubbery squid you might have had elsewhere, the squid here is incredibly tender, thanks to its absolute freshness. The crispy, spiced batter gives way to a sweet, delicate piece of seafood. It is highly addictive and often disappears from the plate within minutes.

10. The Sweet Ending: Caramel Custard

After the fiery, robust flavors of the Malvani coast, you might crave something mild and sweet to end the meal. Many of the stalls at Hay Bunder have now started serving a simple yet perfect Caramel Custard. It is creamy, wobbly, and topped with a layer of slightly bitter liquid caramel that balances the sweetness beautifully . It is a legacy of the Portuguese influence on Goan and Konkan cuisine and provides a cool, soothing finish to a spectacular meal.

Conclusion

Hay Bunder is not a place for fine dining; it is a place for genuine, heartfelt eating. It is a culinary gem where the food is cooked with generations of knowledge, served with warmth, and enjoyed with the salty breeze of the creek in your hair . The legacy of this tiny lane, powered by the fresh catch of the day and the skill of the local Malvani community, has put it on the map for every serious foodie in Mumbai. So, head to Hay Bunder, grab a plastic stool, point at your fish, and get ready for a seafood experience that will haunt your dreams (in the best way possible).

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