Bombay Street Food Express 3

Bombay Street Food Express 3 Indian restaurant

Overview

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of India right in the heart of Washington, DC, Bombay Street Food Express 3 is a must-visit spot. Located at 1915 18th St NW, Washington, DC, this restaurant brings the vibrant and flavorful street food of Bombay (now Mumbai) to the capital, offering a unique dining experience that’s both casual and packed with flavor.

Walking into Bombay Street Food Express 3, you’re immediately greeted by a warm, bustling atmosphere that mirrors the street food scene in India. The space is cozy but welcoming, with a touch of the colorful, lively vibe you’d expect from a street-side eatery in Mumbai. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, it’s clear that the restaurant’s main focus is offering traditional street food with a modern twist, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The menu at Bombay Street Food Express 3 features a range of dishes that truly capture the essence of Indian street food. If you’re craving something savory, you can’t go wrong with the classic pani puri or bhel puri. The pani puri is a crispy, hollow shell filled with spicy tamarind water, chickpeas, potatoes, and a burst of refreshing flavors. It’s the perfect snack to start your meal and will transport you straight to the streets of Mumbai. The bhel puri, on the other hand, is a delightful mix of puffed rice, crunchy sev, tangy chutneys, and fresh vegetables-each bite offering a satisfying crunch.

One of the standout dishes on the menu is the vada pav, a popular Bombay burger. It’s made with a spiced potato fritter placed between two soft buns, along with a tangy chutney that elevates the flavor profile. It’s comfort food at its best and one of the most iconic street foods in India. Another dish worth mentioning is the dosa, a crispy, thin crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with coconut chutney and sambar, a spiced lentil soup. It’s a satisfying and savory meal, perfect for those looking to enjoy something different.

The restaurant doesn’t just stop at savory street foods. For those with a sweet tooth, Bombay Street Food Express 3 offers traditional Indian desserts like gulab jamun and kulfi. The gulab jamun is a deep-fried dough ball soaked in sugary syrup, delivering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Meanwhile, the kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream, comes in various flavors like mango, pistachio, and rose, offering a refreshing end to your meal.

Beyond the menu, the service at Bombay Street Food Express 3 stands out. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or help you navigate the menu. The quick and efficient service makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go. They also pay attention to detail, ensuring your food is served fresh and hot, just as it should be.

Reviews from regulars and newcomers alike highlight the consistency and quality of the food. Many customers rave about the authenticity of the dishes, noting that the flavors at Bombay Street Food Express 3 truly capture the essence of Indian street food. People also appreciate the reasonable pricing, making it an accessible option for a quick bite without breaking the bank. Additionally, the restaurant is praised for maintaining a clean and inviting environment, which makes it a great choice for both casual meals and group dining.

What really sets Bombay Street Food Express 3 apart is its dedication to offering a true Bombay street food experience while staying true to the roots of the cuisine. From the tangy pani puri to the rich vada pav and comforting dosa, the restaurant succeeds in bringing the taste of India’s streets to Washington, DC. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant provides an experience that’s both authentic and flavorful.

The location in the vibrant neighborhood of Washington, DC, also means you're never too far from other attractions, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the area. Whether you're on your lunch break, grabbing dinner with friends, or looking for a quick snack, Bombay Street Food Express 3 is the place to be.

With its delicious food, friendly service, and lively atmosphere, Bombay Street Food Express 3 has become a staple for those in the know about great street food in the city. It’s a spot you’ll want to return to time and time again.

Good to know

Service options

No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine

Dining options

Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual

Crowd

Family friendly Groups Tourists Transgender safe space

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu

Parking

Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking

Pets

Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 644 reviews
Amazing 501
Great 39
Okay 28
Not Great 22
Terrible 109
Bali Adawal

Good service. A large menu and lots of variety. Reasonable prices considering their location. Dishes were also good. We tried their Palak chat which was quite tasty

miguel ocanto

Bombay Street Food 3 is truly one of the best Indian restaurants in the area! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and the aroma of freshly prepared Indian spices. The staff are friendly, polite, and always ready to help with great menu recommendations. Every dish I’ve tried has been bursting with authentic flavors — especially the butter chicken, biryani, and garlic naan. The food is always fresh, well-seasoned, and served hot. The portion sizes are generous, and everything tastes homemade with real attention to detail. The restaurant is clean, nicely decorated, and has a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere — perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. I highly recommend Bombay Street Food 3 to anyone looking for genuine Indian food and excellent service. I’ll definitely be coming back again soon!

Black Rose

I recently visited Bombay Street Food Express 3 and it truly exceeded my expectations. The ambiance was warm and welcoming, with a clean and cozy interior. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly — from the moment we walked in until we left, we felt well taken care of. The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the Butter chicken, chicken Tikka masallah, Bombay palak chat, madrasfish curry, lam Rogan Josh, sag paneer, Dall Makhani, Butter Naan, Garlic Naan and Mango lassi and it was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The presentation was beautiful, staff is very friendly and every bite tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The portion sizes were generous, and the prices were fair for the quality. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a quiet dinner or celebrate a special occasion, Bombay Street Food Express 3 is an excellent choice. Highly recommended — I’ll definitely be coming back!

Veronica Stokes

The food is amazing we love the Mango Lassi drink and Kadhi Chicken, Indian curry. I highly recommend this place we arrived at 2:00 it was empty but there take out food kept them extremely busy, it’s clean and the chef come out to bring our food very nice gentleman, it make my visit more special because I always appreciate to see the chef and the wonderful hands that prepared our meal, the kitchen also looks clean. We will definitely come back again and again. (note: they closed at 3:00 pm and reopen at 5:00).

Nathanael Peterson

My cousin and I love Indian food and have tried several places in our home town and when traveling. I can’t speak for the rest of their food but we ordered delivery for their butter chicken and it was amazing. Literally craving it now 2 months later!

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