Best Misal Pav Places I Visited and Top Misal Pav Spots in Mumbai

As a passionate food lover, I have explored some of the finest spots for misal pav, one of Maharashtra’s most iconic street foods. Misal pav, with its fiery curry made from sprouted moth beans, garnished with crunchy farsan (crispy fried snack), and served alongside soft pav (bread rolls), offers the perfect blend of bold flavours and textures. What makes this dish truly special is how each corner of Mumbai brings its unique twist, and I’ve had the opportunity to sample several variations across the city.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best misal pav places I’ve experienced, both in Mumbai and outside, and a few I highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy this dish in its most authentic form.

Top Misal Pav Places in Mumbai

Now, let’s turn our attention to Mumbai, the city that never sleeps and where street food thrives. Here are some of my top picks for misal pav in the city:

1. Mamledar Misal, Thane
   Mamledar Misal is legendary in Mumbai and mainly known for its insanely spicy misal. The joint offers different levels of spiciness, and even the medium level can make your eyes water. But the flavour is unbeatable, making it a must-visit for thrill-seeking foodies.
2. Aaswad, Dadar
   Aaswad is famous for serving the perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and crunch in their misal pav. Located in Dadar, this place has won awards for its misal, including the ‘World’s Tastiest Vegetarian Dish’ title. It’s one of my favourites when I’m craving something flavorful yet manageable in terms of spice.
3. Prakash Upahaar Kendra, Shivaji Park
   A simple, no-fuss restaurant, Prakash Upahaar Kendra serves a light misal pav perfect for those who prefer less spice but don’t want to compromise on taste. The misal here is mild, with a distinctive flavour that keeps people returning for more.
4. Anand Bhuvan, Girgaum
   Hidden in the lanes of Girgaum, Anand Bhuvan is a small but popular spot for misal pav. Their version is unique, focusing on balancing flavours without overwhelming the taste buds. If you’re in South Mumbai, it’s worth a visit.
5. Shree Krishna Batatawada – Dadar
   Famous for its snacks, Shree Krishna Batatawada in Dadar also serves an excellent version of misal pav. Known for its cleanliness and consistent taste, this spot offers a misal that’s moderately spiced, topped with crunchy farsan, and served with fresh pav. It’s a small, no-frills eatery, but its flavors have made it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
6. Shivaji Vadapav – Chembur
   Though primarily known for its vada pav, Shivaji Vadapav in Chembur also serves an amazing version of misal pav. The misal here is spicy, aromatic, and served with freshly toasted pav. The eatery is small and always crowded, but the misal is worth the wait, making it a favorite for residents in the area.
   

Best Misal Pav Places I’ve Visited

1. Bedekar Tea Stall – Pune
   Located in the heart of Pune, Bedekar Tea Stall is a place where simplicity meets flavor. Their misal is light, not overly spicy, but incredibly flavorful. Adding crispy farsan and tangy lemon squeeze adds just the right touch. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Pune.
2. Shree Datta Snacks – Pune-Mumbai Expressway
   If you’ve ever taken a road trip from Mumbai to Pune, Shree Datta Snacks is one of the pit stops every misal lover should know about. Their misal pav is known for its bold, spicy gravy that packs a punch. Pair it with some chilled buttermilk, and you’ve got a satisfying and energising meal.
3. Phadatare Misal – Kolhapur
   No misal pav journey is complete without a visit to Kolhapur, the city known for its spice. Phadatare Misal serves a fiery misal pav that will challenge even the most seasoned spice lovers. It’s intense but flavorful, with a gravy that’s rich and aromatic.

Conclusion

Whether you like your misal pav spicy or mild, each place offers something unique. Every misal pav experience is a new adventure, and the diversity in flavour across regions makes it one of the best street foods out there. If you’re a misal lover, I highly recommend trying these spots in Mumbai and beyond. Happy eating!