Mommy’s Taste of Mumbai
Pav Bhaji
“Pav Bhaji is an Indian fast food consisting of smashed spicy vegetables in butter and gravy served with Pav. In Hindi, “Bhaji” means vegetables and “Pav” means bread roll.
It got invented long years ago in state of Maharastra. Often, the mill workers had a short break for dinner during their night shifts and only had time to eat something fast, but also wanted the food to be healthy. It got popular as a street food in Mumbai.
Growing up in Mumbai, Pav Bhaji became my favorite food. Even today, I miss the Aroma of bhaji cooked in Amul butter on the street of Mumbai in the evenings. Late at night, when we were bored, or out with friends, or it was exam time, eating Pav Bhaji was the thing to do.
Whenever I eat Pav Bhaji in the U.S, it reminds of my childhood days and it takes me back to my memory lane. Bhaji soaked in butter with soft pav is definitely must eat dish when you are in India!!!”
Aastha’s Thoughts
Growing up eating lots of Indian food, I’ve been able to indulge in Pav Bhaji on multiple occasions in my life. However, I have yet to try the iconic Mumbai street Pav Bhaji that my mother knows and loves best. Pav Bhaji is a dish so simple, yet it is so flavorful and delicious. The softness of the pav with the buttery bhaji makes me feel right at home whenever I eat this. Additionally, whenever I visit my mom’s side of the family in New Jersey, my mom’s brother always makes his delicious version of Pav Bhaji for us all to enjoy. Stay tuned for his recipe and a review of it next time I head over to his place!