Meet the street hogs

These chefs maybe busy dishing out the finest fare at plush restaurants but they often turn to street foods in the nondescript bylanes of Mumbai for comfort.

The city’s celebrated chefs have wandered across the length and breadth of Mumbai in search of the perfect street food. And luckily for us, it is information they are happily willing to part with. Surpassing the familiar kathi kabab rolls from Ayub’s and paani puri from Elco, we got chefs to reveal more about their regular street haunts. The findings are interesting. And whether you are in Vile Parle or Virar — there’s something for everyone.

Chef Rakhee Vaswani What: Aloo toast sandwich Where: Jay Sandwich, Bandra I have grown up eating aloo toast sandwich from Jay Sandwich near MMK College. There have been days when I have had my breakfast, lunch and dinner from Jay Sandwich simply because I couldn’t get enough of the sandwiches. The veggies are fresh and although it is street food, these guys have never compromised on hygiene. I have been having their sandwiches for almost 25 years now. I am such a huge fan of his homemade chutney and I have also introduced this in my cooking workshops. Chef Rakhee Vaswani is the owner of Palate Culinary Studio

Chef Mitesh Rangras What: Agashi Bhujing Where: Virar There are too many street food favourites since I have grown up in the city but if there was one that I had to choose, it has to be Bhujing in Virar. It is made of poha with chicken and dry spices with a dash of lime, and cooked in an open fire. I had this way back in 2001 when we were at a friend’s farmhouse. I was blown away by its simplicity. To this day, if we ever go to the farmhouse or if I am on my way to Gujarat, I make it a point to pick it up. I have tried making Bhujing but it has never tasted as good. One would say goodbye to bhelpuri after giving this snack a try. Chef Mitesh is the director and chef at SID Hospitality

Ranveer Brar What: Pani puri Where: Opposite J.W. Marriott in Juhu My favourite street food when in Bombay has to be this chaat vendor who stands opposite J.W. Marriott in Juhu. He comes on bicycles, sets up his portable stall and is off by 6 pm on most evenings. I have often seen him chopping his onions and tomatoes on the spot as opposed to carrying it along with him — I find it pretty impressive since he obviously focuses on serving fresh food. Another go-to joint for me, though not a thela, has to be Vinay Health Home in Charni Road. Their missal pav is to die for. Ranveer Brar is a chef and a TV show host

Chef Kunal Kapur What: Vada Pav Where: Vile Parle Though you can easily find vada pav at every nook and corner of the city, there are some places, which offer delightful variations of it. Samrat Vada Pav, located in the western suburb of Vile Parle is one such outlet, which offers vada pavs with a mouth-watering twist. The coconut flavour in the vada pav is an innovative addition and that’s what makes this vada pav the best. I happened to discover when I was specifically exploring street food in the city. Kunal Kapur is a chef and TV show host