Eat. Sleep. Work. Repeat. This pretty much describes life in Mumbai. As we fast-forward each day and struggle to catch up on some sleep between work, food is often forgotten. Today, we remind you of places to go when you take time out for that long-postponed outing of yours. Be it lunch, dinner, chai or dessert, we have it all on our list.

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1.  Vada pav

The humble Mumbai burger can easily be declared the city’s mascot. You can eat it best at Anand’s and Shivaji’s outside Mithibai College. Anand’s offers a wide range of chutneys and butter, all in Rs. 15. Anjali Mehta, student of Mithibai, says, “It is the cheapest lunch I can have near college. I love that they offer it along with butter.”

2.  Chowpatty chaat

You cannot go back from Juhu without feasting on the chaat here. There are numerous stalls serving ‘ice-cold pani puri’ and other tasty chaat by the seashore. As Sanjana Khandekar, a resident of Vasai, puts it, “I keep coming back to Juhu because chaat doesn’t taste this good at any other beach.”

3.  Bombay sandwich

This sandwich overflows with veggies and satiates you with a delicious mix of chutneys that is particular to each place. The best Bombay Sandwich can be found at Sandwizza near Santacruz station. Amar Juice Centre opposite Juhu galli is another place worth visiting. Says Jayesh Banker (pictured on the right), an Andheri resident, "Sandwizza serves taste and ensures hygiene and quality."

4.  Cutting chai

The second unofficial symbol of our city, after the vada pav, is the cutting chai, or simply ‘cutting’ as it’s fondly called. It is truly an irreplaceable part of a Mumbaikar’s life. Sip the most delicious one at Chai Bar Café at Andheri Kurla Road or at Gopal Bhatt Tea Stall in Andheri (W).

5.   Falooda

Mumbai’s favourite cold drink, falooda, holds a place of its own with milk, kulfi and other ingredients that leave a lasting flavour. The falooda served outside Bandra station (W) and the ones at Juhu Beach are known to be the best in the suburbs. Shiprah Furtado (pictured on the right), a student of St. Andrew’s College, says, “I can’t go without having a falooda near the station, at least once a week. Every time I eat out, it must be followed by falooda for dessert.”6.  Pav bhaji

Pav bhaji is a huge favourite amongst people of all age groups in Mumbai. And westcoast is a proud home to the most unique ‘black pav bhaji’, available at Maruti Pav Bhaji stall in Vile Parle (E). Says Rucha Devarchetti, a resident of Andheri, “I love trying new, off-beat dishes and was amazed to find one so close to home. It deserves all the hype.” Maruti is open only in the evenings so make sure you rush to get your plate before the crowd builds up.

7.  Maramari

This juice with an unusual name has its own versions, depending on where it’s served. We recommend the pineapple-orange maramari at Shiv Sagar, Vile Parle (E) for its lasting taste. Another variant of the Maramari is the Ganga-Jamuna, which is a mix of orange and sweet lime (mosambi) juice.

8.  Bombil fry

The Bombay Duck or bombil is one of the most popular seafood in the island city. Though Gajalee at Versova is known to offer the best, restaurants at Koliwada, Versova, can provide the best value for your taste buds. Beryl Xavier, a resident of Thane, says, “I grew up in Koliwada and I keep coming back for the seafood. It is a seafood paradise.”

9. Kanda/batata bhajiya

Playing second fiddle to vada pav are the bhajiyas. Best enjoyed with a glass of cutting chai, these cheap and delicious nuggets are best found at the stalls outside Bhavan’s College in Andheri. Says Uma Chaturvedi, (pictured on the right) a resident of Santacruz, “I make it a point to relish the bhajiyas whenever I visit my friends at Bhavan’s.”

10. Frankie

Frankie and Tibb’s cannot be mentioned separately. Within a span of seven years, Tibb’s has established itself as the most sought-after frankie destination in Mumbai. Their branch at Andheri (E) sees huge crowds, especially in the evenings. Natasha Trivedi, a resident of Bandra, says, The Chicken Frankie at Tibb’s is the best. My friends and I visit there often.”