On the Mumbai local: This new menu is an ode to the city's rich culinary history

(Clockwise from left) Hirva masala zinga, prawns koliwada, crispy chana garlic, pohe bhujing, kombdi vade kala mutton tacos. Pics/Kirti Surve Parade

Flavourful and storied, Mumbai's streets are home to dishes that carry within them the history of the city, its commerce and its communities. Glyston Gracias, city chef, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, knows this better than most. Gracias latest menu, Mumbai Local Heroes for SOCIAL, seeks to capture this experience.

Beet (root) that toastie

"The Mumbai Local Heroes food inspiration came straight from the streets and homes of Mumbai; from the bustling khau gullies, to its coastal family kitchens, from vegetarian staples of the suburbs, to spicy street food from central Mumbai. Growing up here, I've always felt that food isn't just about taste; it's a memory, a piece of home," Gracias shares.

Glyston Gracias

In this new menu, the dishes, from Kandivali fried chicken to pohe bhujing, also carry with them the stories of neighbourhoods that formed the crux of Gracias' research. "We dug deep into the city's food culture, spoke to locals and paid tribute to iconic flavours, whether it's the pohe bhujing that reimagines a humble breakfast or the hirva masala zinga that captures the city's coastal soul. What stood out most was how strongly people feel about food that's been passed down through families and communities. It reminded me of my own journey, cooked in my East Indian kitchen, where recipes aren't written down but lived through memory," he recalls.

Kothimbir vadi

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The Guide's top picks

Having sampled the fare, here are the dishes that left us with some warm memories:

Samosa bhakarwadi with thecha

Samosa bhakarwadi with thecha: The bestseller of the lot, this snackable combo of two crowd favourites - samosa and bakarwadi - flew off the plates as soon as they were laid out. The creative use of samosa-styled filling in light, flaky pastry was a nice touch.
Cost: Rs 310

Kothimbir vadi: You cannot go wrong with this delectable Mumbai local snack. This variant comes with bold flavours and a deep-infused coriander kick that leaves a mark.
Cost: Rs 310

Beet (root) that toastie: If you were looking for something more filling, and perhaps healthier, we'd suggest the Beet (root) that toastie. The simple Bombay sandwich gets an upgrade with the fresh beetroot complementing the comfort of cheese.
Cost: Rs 310

Kandivali fried chicken

Crispy chana garlic: Chef Gracias emphasised on the snack-able nature of this menu, and the crispy chana garlic underlines it. Bite-sized, crispy Kabuli chana tempered with curry leaves make this a very desi snack for our late afternoon cravings in the office.
Cost: Rs 310

Kandivali fried chicken: This creatively named fried chicken piqued our taste buds for its crispy skin. The presence of bones in the chicken drumsticks gives it a rustic mouthfeel, although it might not be for every chicken-eating fan.
Cost: Rs 390

Pohe bhujing: A Virar special, this one comes straight from the breakfast menus in the distant suburb. The bhujing is a biryani made from poha, instead of rice. While we loved the idea, the flavours felt a little mellow.
Cost: Rs 390

Kombadi vade kala
mutton taco: This one is for the hardcore meat lovers. Spicy gravy covers the Saoji-style kala mutton that is paired with kombadi vade, this is a delicious pairing of two very regional creations.
Cost: Rs 450

Hirva masala zinga: Another spicy addition to the menu, the green thecha gives the prawns a spicy profile, while the potatoes add a wholesome flavour. It might be a snack, but it is heavy and rich to be a meal by itself.
Cost: Rs 450

Prawns koliwada: Given the core idea of this menu, this signature Mumbai dish had to find a place on it. The prawns were well coated with the Koliwada-style batter, crispy and had the right amount of crunch to them.
Cost: Rs 450