Taste of Vashi: Savouring the Flavors of Navi Mumbai's Culinary Scene

 

Vashi is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Navi Mumbai located across the Thane creek. Over the past few decades, Vashi has rapidly transformed from fishing villages and salt pans into a thriving commercial and residential hub. 

 This exponential growth also led to Vashi becoming a food lover's paradise with cuisine from across India and the world available across various budgets. From street food hawkers to cafes, fine-dining restaurants and dessert places, Vashi promises a flavorful experience.

 Street Food of Vashi 

Vashi StationThe bustling lanes around Vashi station offer quick bites for daily commuters from morning to night. Grab a steaming cup of cutting chai or try out the Vashi pav bhaji with a dollop of butter and sprinkle of lemon for a burst of flavors.

 Other popular snacks doing the rounds are misal pav, an assortment of spicy curried lentils on bread and sabudana vada, crisp fritters made from tapioca. Sector 17 In Sector 17, look out for stalls serving piping hot pani puri, the quintessential Mumbai street snack filled with spiced mashed potatoes and tangy tamarind water.Other favorites here include Chinese bhel, a variation of the puffed rice snack tossed with Indo-Chinese sauces and sandwiches grilled with chutneys.

 Iconic Eateries of Vashi

RamashrayaNo discussion of Vashi food is complete without this legendary eatery serving satvik (vegetarian) Maharashtrian thalis (platter) since 1992.RamashrayaRamashraya is renowned for its Maharashtrian vegetarian thalis

 With over 100 dishes on offer combining unique flavors and spices, a meal at Ramashraya transports you to the heart of Maharashtra. Favorites include missal, sabudana vada, kanda poha and the glorious puran poli, which are sweet flatbreads stuffed with chana dal and jaggery. 

 Punjab Grill

The award-winning Punjab Grill located near Inorbit Mall brings the flavors of tandoori cuisine and North Indian delicacies to Vashi's discerning foodies. Sink your teeth into flavourful kebabs, biryanis and curries with options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners.Effingut Brewerkz

For fans of craft beer and experimental drinks, Effingut Brewerkz offers artisanal brews and modern global fare. Choose from wheat beers, Indian pale ales and ciders along with quirky cocktails. European favorites like risotto, pastas and stone-baked pizzas pair beautifully with the drinks menu.Local Favorites

Seafood at Nerul

 Nerul is known for its fresh catch from the nearby fishing villages served at restaurants in the area. Indulge in spicy fried bombil (Bombay duck), crisp pomfret or rich curries like Kolambi (prawn) made in coconut gravy at these seafood havens.Juice Center at Kopar Khairane 

 In Kopar Khairane, the modest Juice Center is a hit with Vashi residents for its flavorful fruit juices, creamy milkshakes and thick lassis. The small joint whips up eclectic drinks like chickoo shake, litchi cream and rose lassi using seasonal fruits and pure ingredients.

 Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Food explorers must also check out the eateries dotting the approach road to Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Vashi. The alfresco restaurants here allow visitors to sip tea and munch on snacks against the scenic backdrop of the forested hills.

 The restaurants, cafes and unassuming food stalls across Vashi capture the incredible diversity of Navi Mumbai's food culture. So come indulge your tastebuds and partake in Vashi's flavorful experiences.