Mumbai: Now Officially One of the World’s Best Food Cities

For all the Indoreans wondering why their beloved city hasn’t made it to the list of the world’s best food destinations and it is Mumbai—I hear you. One can already sense the collective eyebrow raise. But sometimes, even the most devoted food capitals have to step aside, because Mumbai has just claimed its delicious moment on the global stage.

Recently, TasteAtlas, one of the world’s most trusted authorities on food culture ranked Mumbai as the 5th best food city in the world, right behind Mexico City, Tokyo, Paris, and Bangkok. Yes, the city that never sleeps (and rarely skips a meal) has something new to boast about.

A huge part of the credit, unsurprisingly, goes to the humble yet heroic Vada Pav. This bun-and-potato marvel, once dismissed as food for the masses, has steadily climbed global food charts. Whether it’s the fiery green chutney, the crispy besan coating, or the simplicity that feeds millions without fail, Vada Pav has rightfully earned its global spotlight.

Alongside it stands Misal Pav, that spicy, soulful bowl that has burned many tongues but warmed just as many hearts. And of course, no one must miss Pav Bhaji. When foods like these feature among the world’s best, it’s only natural that the city behind them finds a place too.

And while Indore folks (frankly other cities in India) may have a well-curated list of counterarguments (and fair ones, given the city’s legendary street food culture), this moment belongs to Mumbai. Perhaps this recognition will finally elevate Vada Pav from “poor man’s food” to a gourmet icon.

Will its price go up? Will upscale restaurants start presenting it with microgreens, edible flowers, some variation as they already have done so with savoury Bhelpuri and Chaat? Will we soon see a “deconstructed Vada Pav” somewhere in Bandra?

Possibly. Mumbai loves to experiment—and charge for it.

But here’s what truly makes Mumbai worthy of its top-five global ranking: its diversity on a plate. This is a city where every community, every migrant wave, every tradition has left behind an edible footprint.

You’ll find: A century-old Parsi ice-cream shop near the Gateway of India, serving hand-churned nostalgia. Japanese ramen bars in Bandra and Lower Parel, as good as anything outside Tokyo because why not? Kheema pav at dawn near Mohammed Ali Road, fuelling early commuters and night-shift survivors. Koli seafood thalis that taste like the coastline itself. Gujarati farsan, Kerala stews, Goan curries, Sindhi kadhi, Bohri feasts, and dishes from every corner of India and beyond, all comfortably coexisting.

Mumbai’s food scene is chaotic, cosmopolitan, experimental, and deeply traditional all at once much like the city itself.

So yes, Mumbai may be the financial capital, a cinematic powerhouse, and a melting pot of cultures. But now, the world officially recognises what Mumbaikars have always known: this city is a food capital too. Whether you're hunting for luxury dining or ₹20 street-side magic, Mumbai serves it all—no reservation required. And as for Indore? Don’t worry. Your street food supremacy is undisputed. But now, along with Mumbai, Amritsar (ranked 43th), New Delhi (ranked 45th), Hyderabad (ranked 50th), Kolkata (ranked 71) and Chennai (ranked 75th) are revelling in their well-deserved bite of global glory.