It's always hard to resist a plate of steaming momos. Whether stuffed with meat or diced vegetables, these perfectly plump dumplings that are either steamed or fried are a delight to eat. Originally from Tibet, these dumplings are popularly found in Nepal and most North Indian cities. Mumbai has always focused on more Chinese style dim sum found in restaurants but in the last couple of years, we've had a momo boom. Plenty of spots have become popular thanks to their momo menu and we've picked some of the very best momos in Mumbai.
FLYP@MTV - This isn't the first restaurant that comes to mind when you think of momos but the truth it while it serves all sorts of popular street food, it's their Tandoori Momos that are stealing hearts. This is a typical Indian twist to the street snack but these momos are either chicken or vegetable based, marinated in tandoori spice and cooked in a tandoor oven. They're served with a tomato and peanut salsa and are the perfect snack with a round of drinks.
Busago - For a casual but delicious Asian meal, any of the Busago outlets across the city are always a great option. While their Kaukswe is legendary, not many realise that their momos are actually part of their signature dishes. They serve a generous portion of 6 per plate and you can choose from your choice of meat-based momos or then the Tibetan vegetables or the crispy potato one. Eaten with Busago's special sauces this is the perfect appetizer and in some cases, a couple of different plates of momos make an excellent overall meal!
Dimsum and More - Despite the name saying dim sum and not momos, the reason this restaurant makes it to our list because some of the dim sums are exactly like momos and they're just too delicious to discriminate against. There's a Tibetan Dumpling Soup that might catch your attention as well as the chicken Kothe dumpling and if you want to try a sweet dumpling then opt for their Chocolate Dumpling dessert.
Mainland China - Many diners swear by this Chinese restaurant not just for its food quality and service but also because there are creative choices when it comes to Chinese dishes. This isn't exactly momo central but the dim sum menu caught our attention and the vegetarian choices, in particular, impressed our tastebuds. You can pick from a regular portion with 4 pieces or a large portion with 6 pieces depending on how hungry you are. The spicy tofu dim sum, prawn hargau and the corn and water chestnut dumpling are super picks.
Kepchaki Momos - This little kiosk in Bandra serves lots of cheap and cheerful Chinese dishes but as its name suggests, the star on the menu is his various types of momos. Chicken, pork, prawn - you name the filling you'd like and they whip it up in minutes and serve it with their own blend of spicy sauce. The momos are all steamed but for an additional Rs 30 charge, they pan fry them as well. Skip the paneer momos and opt for the mushroom and cheese instead. For meat eaters, the chicken and mint or the pork momos work best.
Dev's Momo Hut - It's entirely possible that this Nepali cook serving momos from his cart in Worli kicked off a momo revolution leading to several tiny joints, food carts as well as restaurants adding momos to their menus. The menu is limited but no one is complaining. It's either vegetable momos or chicken ones and he serves 8 pieces per plate which is more than any other joint and has the most intensely spicy sauce served with it that city folk just can't get enough of.
Better known as the Tiny Taster, Roxanne is an internationally respected blogger and expert on the Mumbai food scene. She has hosted many events, including the Upper Crust Food & Wine Show and travels the world, sharing her knowledge and gaining more experience.
