Here's your complete food and shopping guide through Mumbai's Red, Yellow and Blue metro lines

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Picture this: You've had a long day at work and you have a birthday to go to right after. You're starving, gift-less, and losing your mind trying to figure everything out. In these trying times, the Mumbai Metro is your knight in shining armour - stocked with a variety of stores (your solution to the gift crisis), eateries (to combat your hunger), and cafés (to help relax after the day's hustle).

Red & Yellow Lines: The Refreshment Route

Eat your heart out at Monginis and then sip on a tea from Girnar Tea

The Red and Yellow lines are relatively newer, with similar chains available at every station. Stop by Monginis for their famous Chicken Pattice, or their Choco Lava Cake, that will satisfy the sugar rush you've been craving. If you're a tea lover, you're spoiled for choice: there's Girnar Tea, Society Tea and Maha Chai. We personally recommend the Lemon Tea from Girnar Tea.

The scan and shop kiosk at DN Nagar Station is a truly unique experience

The next time you're tapping your card and rushing for the doors, take a second to check these places out. We're also excited for places to pop up on the Aqua Line - we intend on trying it all! And of course, we will let you know first.

Blue Line: A Shopper's paradise

The Blue Line does not just connect the eastern and western suburbs, it is 12 mini malls disguised as active stations. Since it is the first Metro line in Mumbai, it has had ample opportunity to evolve with time and offer a greater spectrum of amenities.

Toledo station (Naples): Known for being the most beautiful subway station in Europe and the world. Pic/Getty Images

If you're a bibliophile on a budget, Metro Books (on almost every station on this line) is a goldmine, with fiction and non-fiction titles starting at just Rs 100. Similarly, Metro Toys at Andheri is your local Toys-R-Us with its numerous games and toys. There is also a range of clothing stores, phone accessories and jewellery shops for those impulsive shopping urges.

The oceanic murals at T-Centralen station, Stockholm. PIC/WALTON CREATIVE

Want a quick bite? Check out Faredoons, a beloved bakery chain at Andheri Metro station. We recommend the Salli Chicken Bun (Pav Bhaji Bun for vegetarians) and the Cruffins, followed by a Raspberry Soda to wash it all down.

Don't miss (unique experiences)

>> The Scan and Shop @DN Nagar
>> X5 Market @Ghatkopar
>> Rustam Irani Bros(the chicken potato chops are a must try) @Gundavali
>> Ozkool Coffee Vending Machine @Versova station

Regulars @ Blue line

>>  McDonald's
>>  KFC
>>  Jumboking
>>  South Indian Tiffin House
>>  Tibb's Frankie
>>  7/11

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