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Mumbai: India’s culinary heritage has earned global recognition once again, with TasteAtlas unveiling its 2025–26 list of the world’s 100 Best Food Cities.
Leading the country’s representation is Mumbai, which has secured the 5th position for the second consecutive year. It remains the only Indian city in the global top ten, reaffirming its status as the nation’s undisputed street-food capital.
Mumbai’s Street Food Legacy Shines on the Global Stage
TasteAtlas praised Mumbai for its vibrant, everyday food culture that thrives on roadside stalls, beaches, and bustling neighbourhoods. From the tangy crunch of bhelpuri along Chowpatty to the buttery indulgence of pav bhaji at midnight food joints, the city’s flavours reflect its multicultural pulse.Staples such as vada pav, ragda pattice, and sweet, steamed modaks continue to serve as culinary icons that define Mumbai’s gastronomic identity.
Several heritage eateries also received special mention, including:
- Ram Ashraya
- Shree Thaker Bhojanalay
- Cafe Madras
- Nawab Saheb
- Baba Falooda
These establishments, TasteAtlas noted, are essential stops for anyone hoping to experience authentic Mumbai cuisine.
A Food Culture Woven Into Daily Life
Whether it is office-goers grabbing a quick roadside snack or tourists exploring beachfront food stalls, Mumbai’s rich food culture is interlaced with its daily rhythm.The TasteAtlas ranking, experts say, celebrates not just individual dishes but the city’s wider culinary spirit — lively, diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. This recognition further consolidates Mumbai’s standing as one of the world’s most dynamic food destinations.
Five Other Indian Cities Join the Global Ranking
Alongside Mumbai, five Indian cities have earned spots in the world’s top 100, each celebrated for its unique regional flavours:
Amritsar – Rank 48
Known for hearty Punjabi cuisine — Amritsari kulcha, dal makhani, palak paneer and sarson ka saag.
Iconic eateries: Kesar da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba.
New Delhi – Rank 53
Admired for classics such as butter chicken, chole bhature, pakoras and gulab jamun.
Recommended restaurants: Dum Pukht, Bukhara, Saravana Bhavan, The Potbelly Rooftop Café.
Hyderabad – Rank 54
Home to Nizami delicacies including Hyderabadi biryani, haleem and chicken 65.
Celebrated spots: Shah Ghouse Café, Karachi Bakery, Jewel of Nizam, Dakshin.
Kolkata – Rank 73
Cherished for its sweet-and-savoury mix — rasgulla, roshmalai, mishti doi and kathi rolls.
Famous eateries: Peter Cat, Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar.
Chennai – Rank 93
Globally recognised for dosa, idli, sambar, alongside favourites like chicken 65 and rumali roti.
Landmark establishments: Annalakshmi, Shree Mithai, Bombay Lassi.
Italian Cities Dominate the Global Top Four
TasteAtlas noted that Italy continues to command the global culinary spotlight. The top four positions went to:- Naples
- Milan
- Bologna
- Florence
