Ask Locals & Meet People in Mumbai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Mumbai for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Mumbai
Stuck in Mumbai airport for a bit. Anyone got tips for killing time?
Hi, I’ve got an international flight arriving at 00:15 at Mumbai Airport Terminal 2. I’ve then got another international flight with another airline (self-transfer, not a connecting flight) at 04:30 a… more
Four hours at Mumbai airport? That's... generous, even for Mumbai. Grab a chai, find a quiet corner to people-watch, and maybe download a movie. You'll be fine. Just factor in potential delays; better to have extra time than to be sprinting.
Finding decent chai here?
I'm visiting family in Sion East, and while the streets are buzzing with activity and the food stalls are amazing, I've yet to find a chai that truly hits the spot. Every cup seems a bit...off. Is it… more
Nah, you're not alone. Finding the perfect chai in Mumbai is a quest, a pilgrimage even! Sion East is packed, yeah, but sometimes the chai gets lost in the chaos. Try heading a bit further east, maybe towards Chembur? There are some smaller, less touristy spots tucked away that sometimes have surprisingly amazing chai. It's all about finding that one stall, the one run by the old guy who's been making chai for 40 years. You know the type. Keep exploring; persistence is key! You'll find your nirvana eventually. Good luck!
That's actually really helpful, thanks! I hadn't considered Chembur. I usually stick to the more obvious spots, figured better chai would be easier to find in the busy areas, but I guess that's not always the case. The "old guy, 40 years" description... that's exactly the kind of place I'm looking for. Sounds like a proper adventure. I'll definitely check out Chembur this weekend. Appreciate the tips!
fmd_good Prakash Inn
Rooftop Views?
Stayed at Prakash Inn last week. Amazing building, felt like stepping back in time, but the rooftop had the best view of the city skyline I've ever seen. Seriously, breathtaking. Thing is, I couldn… more
Wow, that's incredible! Prakash Inn, huh? Never heard of it, but that rooftop sounds legendary. Mumbai's skyline is pretty amazing from a good vantage point. I’d guess the rooftop access is probably just something they don't advertise – maybe it's only for guests? Or maybe it's a newer addition they haven't gotten around to putting on their website yet. Either way, lucky you! Sounds like a seriously memorable stay.
Yeah, it was totally unexpected! I stumbled upon it accidentally – there was a tiny, almost hidden door near the stairs. I figured, what the heck, and pushed it open. And BAM! The whole city spread out before me. It wasn't advertised at all, I should of taken more pictures! Definitely a keeper for next time I'm in Mumbai. Seriously though, the view was better than any fancy hotel could offer.
fmd_good Crtiti Care Asia Hospital
Emergency Room Horror Stories?
So, I'm flying into @Mumbai next week for a conference, and I've got a mild phobia about hospitals. Seriously, even the *smell* of antiseptic freaks me out a little. My flight's delayed, and I'm alr… more
Oof, flying into @Mumbai, huh? That airport can be a nightmare on its own. Delayed flight adding to the anxiety? I feel ya. Crtiti Care Asia Hospital... I don't have a horror story from there specifically, but I've heard Mumbai ERs are...intense. Expect long waits, potentially crowded conditions, and a pretty different vibe than what you're used to. It's not necessarily bad care, just...a lot going on. Maybe look up their online reviews (if you're brave enough!) to get a better sense. Focus on getting to your conference, and try not to think about it too much. Easier said than done, I know. Pack some essential oils or something to help with the antiseptic smell – lavender's supposed to be calming. Good luck with your trip!
Airport Food Options?
I just landed at this massive airport after a 24-hour flight from @London. Seriously, my legs feel like lead. The arrival hall is a chaotic masterpiece of luggage carousels and confused tourists...a… more
Oof, 24 hours from @London? That's rough. Mumbai airport's a beast, I feel ya. For something quick but not fast food-y, head towards the domestic departures area – there's usually a few smaller cafes tucked away there with better food than the main arrival hall stuff. They're often less crowded too. Don't expect anything fancy, but you should find something decent to get you going. Grab a chai while you're at it, it'll help with the jet lag.
Yeah, 24 hours is brutal. Thanks for the tip about the domestic departures area – I wouldn't have thought of that. Less crowded is a huge plus! Chai sounds perfect, I'll definitely grab one. Appreciate the help!
fmd_good Indian Airlines Colony
Finding Peace in the Concrete Jungle?
I spent a week near Indian Airlines Colony, mostly dodging auto-rickshaws and the general Mumbai madness. The area itself felt surprisingly quiet though, tucked away from the main hustle. I was stru… more
It's all about finding your rhythm, I think. Mumbai throws a lot at you, but the locals are masters of adaptation. They've learned to tune out the chaos – a skill honed over years of navigating crowded trains, relentless traffic, and the sheer density of people. Those quiet side streets you found? That’s where the magic happens. It's in the small moments – a chai break at a quiet corner stall, a quick chat with a neighbor, finding a peaceful spot in a temple. It's not about escaping Mumbai's energy; it's about learning to live with it, finding pockets of calm within the storm. And yeah, daily life is definitely a challenge, but they've built incredible resilience.
Lost Luggage Nightmare?
So I just landed, completely jet-lagged after a 14-hour flight from @London. The chaos of immigration was bad enough, but then…my luggage vanished. Seriously, poof! Gone. I filed a report, of cour… more
Oh man, that sucks. Mumbai airport… yeah, that's a whole other level of hectic. Filing a report is step one, but honestly, following up aggressively is key. Call them daily, maybe even twice a day. Don't be afraid to be persistent; they're used to it. Also, check with your airline directly – sometimes the airport's lost luggage system is... less than optimal. Good luck, and seriously, pack a small emergency kit in your carry-on next time – toothbrush, meds, change of underwear... you know, the essentials. It'll save your sanity.
Yeah, you're totally right about the aggressive follow-up. I filed the report, but the automated response was… unhelpful. I'll start calling them twice a day, though. Ugh, the airport was a nightmare. I never even made it to my hotel. Good call on the emergency kit too; I’ll definitely be doing that from now on. Lesson learned the hard way, I guess. Thanks for the advice!
fmd_good Crtiti Care Asia Hospital
Is it always this busy?
I'm visiting my aunt in @Mumbai and she's been admitted to this hospital. The sheer scale of it is overwhelming – constant beeping, the hurried footsteps of doctors and nurses, a blur of anxious fac… more
It's intense, huh? Mumbai's like that – always a whirlwind. Hospitals there, especially larger ones, operate at a crazy pace. Years ago, I visited a relative at a hospital in a different part of the city and it was similar...non-stop. They're used to high volume; it's just the nature of a megacity like @Mumbai. The dedication of the staff is really something to see, though; you're right about that. They're incredibly resilient. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
Wow, that's... a lot. I can only imagine. I mean, I've been to busy cities before, but that sounds next-level. The resilience part really stood out – that's impressive. Makes you appreciate the healthcare workers even more, you know? Definitely puts things in perspective.
Lost Luggage Nightmare?
So, I finally landed at this massive airport after a 24-hour flight from @London. Jet lagged and already grumpy, I went to baggage claim...only to find my luggage wasn't there. Apparently, it someho… more
Oh man, that sucks. Mumbai airport baggage claim is a total crapshoot sometimes. I've had near misses myself – once my bag was almost sent to @Singapore. The three-hour wait sounds brutal. My best advice? Get the airline's contact info before you even leave baggage claim. Their own lost luggage department is usually way more responsive than the airport staff. And take tons of photos – of your luggage tags, your boarding pass, the report you filed... everything. It helps with the claim process later. Also, pack a small emergency bag with essentials (toothbrush, meds, change of clothes) in your carry-on next time. That way you don't completely freak out if your main bag goes AWOL.
Yeah, the three hours were rough. I totally get what you mean about the airport staff being less helpful than the airline itself – I spent a good hour just trying to figure out who to even talk to! I did take pictures, thankfully, but didn't think about getting the airline's lost luggage number beforehand – that's a great tip, thanks! The emergency bag idea is brilliant too; I'll definitely be doing that from now on. Lesson learned, I guess... Next time, I'm bringing only a backpack!
Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar Street Food Showdown?
I'm heading to Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar next week and I'm SO excited. Heard the street food is legendary. Seriously, the pictures online are insane. But I'm a bit of a picky eater – I'm all about fla… more
Pav bhaji's a solid choice in Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar – lots of places do a really good version. But for something unexpected, look for a vada pav stall. Find one with a busy queue – that usually means good flavour and fresh ingredients. The texture is perfect, a little crispy on the outside, soft inside. And the chutneys...oh man, the chutneys! They're what really makes it. Don't be shy with those. Also, keep an eye out for pani puri. It's a bit more adventurous texture-wise, little crunchy balls filled with flavored water, but if you find a reputable stall, it’s amazing. Just make sure it's busy and looks clean. Avoid anything that’s been sitting out for ages, obviously. Enjoy your trip!
Finding decent chai here?
I've been exploring Suman Nagar for a week now, trying to get a feel for the place before my family arrives. The street food's amazing, the colours are vibrant... it's a total sensory overload in t… more
Dude, Suman Nagar's a maze! Seriously, I spent a month there once and still haven't found the chai place. But, I did stumble on some decent ones. Try heading a little further east, towards the railway lines. There are tons of small, hole-in-the-wall places tucked away. You'll see them, small setups, usually with just a couple of guys brewing, tons of people surrounding them. That's where the good stuff is often hiding. Don't be afraid to wander, that's half the fun! And trust your gut – if a place looks busy, it's probably worth a try. Good luck on your chai quest!