15 things you dearly miss about Aamchi Mumbai after moving to Bangalore

Every Indian has a word or two to say about both Mumbai and Bangalore. Mumbai’s food, people and undying spirit are always praised, while Bangalore’s weather, popular culture and high-tech industry are lauded time and again. Both cities give you a one-of-a-kind experience.

But when you move from Mumbai to Bangalore, what becomes painful is not only moving out of your comfort zone, but also leaving behind many of the things you’ve cherished for ages.

Here’s a list of the things every Mumbaikar misses on moving to Bangalore.

1. The cooperative autowaalas

While fighting with auto-waalas in Bangalore, you’ll most definitely miss the ever accommodative rickshaw guys in Mumbai. It’s totally awesome how the ever-smiling Mumbai auto-waalas take you through some of the most crowded areas without asking for a single extra penny. And never any of those annoying ‘meter ke upar Rs. 20 extra’ chants!

2. Your daily ‘Cutting Chai’ and Vada Pav 

You might enjoy those steaming hot momos or crisp dosas in Bangalore, but the lethal combination of piping hot cutting chai and spicy vada pav with garlicky chutney will always haunt you. And no, the bun sold as ‘Mumbai pav’ in Bangalore is nowhere close to the original!

Also read: 9 Marathi foods that all Indians love

3. Gorging on those yummilicious chaats

Be it outside your home, office, college or street corner, you cannot shy away from those mouth-watering chaats galore . From the chilled pani puri at Bandra’s Elco Market to the spicy sev puri at VT’s Khao Galli, you’ll crave for all of it while hunting desperately for some decent chaat in Bangalore.

4. The beautiful sunset at Marine Drive

The calmness and peace of Marine Drive amidst all the chaos is something you’ll definitely miss in Bangalore. And if you find any Bangalorean comparing Ulsoor Lake with Marine Drive, you know what you have to do!

5. That Ek Chalis Ki Last Local

Be it 4 in the morning or 12 at night, you’ll always find a way to get back home thanks to the Mumbai local trains. Would you ever be able to do that in Bangalore, with a tiny metro service and no buses after 10 at night ? Of course not!

Also read: 16 ‘dhasu’ characters you’ll meet in a Mumbai local train

6. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Sure, Bangalore has its own buzz during festivals. But nothing can match the awesomeness of the 10-day long Ganpati festival in Mumbai. Those never-ending queues to worship the Lalbaug Cha Raja and the amazing sight of the immersion ceremonies at Juhu Chowpatty: you’ll miss all of that and so much more.

7. Hot-hot bhutta in cool-cool rains

Though Bangalore has one of the best climates in India, a true Mumbaikar will most definitely miss the city’s monsoon. The struggle of walking through those flooded alleys while munching on a freshly roasted bhutta and the fight to catch a cab in South Mumbai during a heavy downpour has its own thrill.

8. The chance of bumping into a Bollywood hottie

Where else in the world would you get a chance to bump into your favourite Bollywood superstar and post a selfie on Facebook? In Bangalore, that’s almost next to impossible.

9. Juhu Chowpatty is more than just a beach

Beautiful ocean waves, a delicious variety of fast food, the sound of the pav bhaaji pan rattling, chilled kala khatta golas and much more – you’re bound to miss all these quintessentially Juhu Chowpatty fun things once you move to Bangalore. And let’s not forget those horse rides!

10. The celebration of art and culture at the Kala Ghoda festival

Though Bangalore has its own unique culture, nothing can beat the inspiring display of art and tradition in Mumbai, especially at the famous Kala Ghoda festival. Those stunning artistic performances, mouth-watering delicacies and never-before art creations make this 9-day long street fair a treat for every Mumbaikar.

11. Bhurji Pav at 3 am

You at 3 am: I’m famished!
Your friend: Come. Let’s go eat.
This happens only in Mumbai. In Bangalore, you can only dream of street food at 3 am.

12. Street shopping at Linking Road and Colaba Causeway

Yes, there’s Commercial Street and there’s Brigade Road, but neither of those is even close to Mumbai’s Linking Road or Colaba Causeway. The clatter of bargaining customers, the never-ending choices and those fun-filled conversations with your shopping buddy, you’re bound to miss all of this in Bangalore.

13. Cafe Mondegar, Cafe Leopold, Bademiya, Sardar’s Pav Bhaaji, Candies, Jimmy Boy…

Delicious food is synonymous with Mumbai. Even though Bangalore has a great food and drink culture, it’s just the sheer variety offered by the  iconic Mumbai eating joints that makes the city incomparable.

14. Those quick getaways to Lonavala and Khandala

When you just cannot take the hustle and bustle of the city anymore, a weekend in Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, or Alibaug  brings you to life again. But that’s not just what you really, really miss, as much as the sheer thrill of going to all these places with your besties.

15. Last but not least, the spirit of Bambai nagariya

You can take a person out of Mumbai, but never Mumbai out of that person. The spirit of this city stays with you and in you no matter where you go!

We leave you with this famous Amitabh Bachchan song that sums up what Mumbai is all about.