The first thing such a person would associate Mumbai with would be the walking streets, famous buildings and monuments, and the lively cultural life inherent in the city. But beyond the fast-paced lifestyle and the glitz and glamour, Mumbai is also home to one of India’s most beloved street foods: Pav bhaji. This delicious dish, which started in the central region of the city, has been appealing to the taste buds of millions of people and is still immensely popular among residents and tourists. Well, if you are one of those users who google “pav bhaji near me”, then we are going to tell you the best places in Mumbai to treat yourself with pav bhaji!
What Makes Pav Bhaji So Special?
The key to having a perfect Pav Bhaji is the combination of spices and the various ingredients used. The vegetable mash is called ‘Bhaji’ and is usually prepared with boiled potato, peas, tomatoes, onions and a generous amount of the paste of blend spices i.e. cumin, coriander and turmeric. What you are left with is this gravely consistency that is very rich and packed full of the meaty flavor. The pav, is soft and fluffy and well buttered as it is intended to hold the scrumptious Bhaji.
But it is how the Pav Bhaji is prepared which makes it stand out from the rest. In fact, Pav Bhaji is prepared differently, and thus has different taste at every vendor since everyone has their own special spices and way of preparing it. And whether its the smell of burnt vegetables and the ashy aftertaste or the smooth buttery feeling, every bite of Pav Bhaji is unique, so the search for the “pav bhaji near me” is a flavor expedition.
Finding the Best Pav Bhaji Near Me
If you are searching for the ‘pav bhaji near me’ then check out these places that you absolutely must try:
1. Sardar Pav Bhaji
Sardar Pav Bhaji, is one of the biggest pav bhaji centres in Mumbai. Known for its huge portions of delicious Pav Bhaji, drenched in butter. . The Bhaji here is a must-try for as it is thick gravy, filled with lots of spices. The perfect blend of vegetables gives the pav bhaji here the title of the best pav bhaji near me.
2. Cannon Pav Bhaji
If you are around CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) then Cannon Pav Bhaji is the perfect place to take a pause. This stall has been in business for years and is well known for the speed of its service, and the delicious Bhaji. The Bhaji here is slightly on the spicier side, the pav is always toasted to perfection. If you are craving for pav bhaji then you are sure to get it in a plate from Cannon.
3. Amar Juice Center
Another restaurant for Pav Bhaji is Amar Juice Center which is situated in Vile Parle. While it began as a juice center it is today famous for Pav Bhaji. This Bhaji here is smooth one, very rich and the spices are just well balanced.
4. Achija
Achija located in Ghatkopar is the perfect place for people who want Pav Bhaji but with slightly less spice but full of flavor. This one differs from the standard Bhaji and is so popular. The pav is always sufficiently buttered and the entire experience of eating pav bhaji here is delightful.
5. Girgaon Chowpatty
To really taste Mumbai, visit Girgaon Chowpatty and enjoy Pav Bhaji from one of the many stalls located along the coast. When you are eating Pav Bhaji beside the beach, the smell of fresh food that is being made further enhances the eating experience. The Pav Bhaji offered here are prepared on large tavas or griddles and it is considerably tasty. Consider giving this joint a shot.
What to Look for in the Perfect Pav Bhaji
When searching for the best “pav bhaji near me,” there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best experience:
- Freshness of Ingredients:
Freshest of vegetables should be used while preparing Pav Bhaji and it is quite evident in the taste. The Bhaji should look appealing, in terms of color and should not have one type of vegetable dominating the other.
- Balance of Spices:
Actually, Pav Bhaji is a combination of spices However you need to have it in the right proportion. The Bhaji should be spicy but not over powering in its spiciness so as to allow you to savor its deliciousness.
- Buttery Pav:
The pav is as important as the Bhaji. It should be light and upturned with adorable softness and must be buttered well and should be slightly crisp from outside.
- Consistency of Bhaji:
Ideally, the Bhaji should be thick, slightly smooth so that it can be easily scooped up with pav. The gravy should not too thin and neither should it be too thick, just the right consistency is required.
- Presentation:
Though Pav Bhaji is not a complicated dish, looks do matter here, as they do everywhere else in the World. Serve the Bhaji with a pat of butter on top of it, chopped onions that can be scattered all over the dish to give it a spicy taste as well as a slice of lemon which you can squeeze on the Bhaji.
Satisfy Your Pav Bhaji Cravings Anytime Through Swiggy
Searching for the best pav bhaji near me is a journey worth taking if you want to eat something warm and delicious. Luckily for any Pav Bhaji lover, Mumbai houses a number of restaurants that all offer a slightly different locally developed version of the dish. And in case you want pav bhaji online and do not want to step out, you can always order online. Swiggy is here to provide you with your favorite pav bhaji at your doorstep. Thus, no matter whether you want spicy Pav Bhaji or just the light one, you have the option to fill up your tummy by making a few clicks. Enjoy the tempting pav bhaji at these places and savour every bite.
