As I sit here, writing about food, my mouth waters with the thought of all those delightful pictures and odours that come to mind at the very mention of the word. Food - the word has a full, healthy sound to it. From the very beginning of time, man has lived for food, lived because of food, and died for want of it. Additionally, the kind of dish that a civilisation prepares has come to define a whole new aspect of its culture. The culinary delights of a nation or city, are as important to the culture of a place as music, art, traditional costumes, etc. Food has also served a very basic purpose- that of keeping human beings alive.

The art of food preparation has, over the years, been developed into a very fine skill which brings delight to the connoisseur (not to mention a satisfied belly to the glutton). India, in general, and Mumbai, in particular, are known for their appealing gastronomic concoctions. Food is seen everywhere in Mumbai. You have your vada-pav vendor on the street, and your Udipi restaurant around the corner. Fast-food delicacies like pav bhaji, bhajiyas, pani puri and bhel puri are consumed with glee by Mumbaikars and visitors alike. Pradeep Samant, an office goer, enjoys the tasty vada pav at Nariman Point. He says, "I get everything at a reasonable price at my Khau gully (food lane) in Nariman Point".

Walk for 10 minutes in Mumbai, and more likely than not, you will come across an Irani restaurant that serves its trademark cakes, pudding and tea. "I love the charm of the place and the homely interiors", says Priya Kishore, a regular customer at Bastani Irani restaurant at Metro. Priya is also fond of the humble bun maska, caramel custard and traditional bread pudding you can get at Bastani.

Beyond the common man's food sources are the higher priced restaurants where you can wine and dine with your beloved. The 5-star hotels of Mumbai have world famous master chefs who whip up their specialities for international, national and local guests. Pastry shops, pizza and fast food joints dot the streets of Mumbai. If you are working and do not feel like carrying a packed lunch, then you could order lunch at your office from a dabbawala. Or, if you return home tired from work, you could order food from a local restaurant that delivers the yummy stuff home.

From Chinese to Continental, from Punjabi to South Indian, you name it, Mumbai cooks and devours it. From seafood to vegetarian, from spicy to 'just right' , it is all here in Mumbai. A fun food place, Mumbai also enjoys its juices, with plenty of juice centres replenishing the throats of thirsty Mumbaikars. For those who would play safe, there are good quality mineral water brands available at most stalls in the city.

So next time you think of Mumbai, think food!

By: Patrick Coelho