Some of the most soul-satisfying meals can be found between breads. Take, for example, a hamburger: a big juicy grilled meat-filled patty slathered in mayo or mustard with generous amounts of cheese and sliced pickle and onions along with some crunchy lettuce sandwiched in a moist bun. Most people love bread-based dishes and burgers (whatever the filling of their choice), and sandwiches of any and every type are favourite meals.
However, bread-based dishes extend to more than just a sandwich or burger, and these are some of our favourite snacks that we think are worth indulging in.
Vada pav at Ashok – Let’s be honest: our desi snack of a fried spiced potato patty served inside a soft pav with plenty of green chutney, red garlic chutney and a deep-fried green chili will always be the ultimate snack for most of us. Mumbai popular vada pav will never stop being trendy or popular, and will always leave you happy. There are plenty of great vada pavs across the city, but the one at Ashok’s outside Kirti College in Dadar is quite special.
Pack-a-Pav – If you went to any of the many flea markets and food festivals in the city, you would find a quirky little stall selling the most deliciously stuffed pavs. Make no mistake, this is no vada pav and despite the pav (bread) being the same, the fillings are some very interesting combinations, not to mention the amazing garlic dip and fiery chutney that goes inside. The pavs are stuffed with mutton shammi kababs, chicken seekh kababs or then a paneer patty, and served with colourful old-school fryums. It is innovative and has become so popular that Pack-a-Pav now proudly has their own little outlet in Bandra and is dishing out pavs right up till 11 pm everyday!
The Fatty Bao – The latest craze with many restaurants is a Chinese-style bao, which is basically a steamed soft bun stuffed with various fillings. Plenty of restaurants serve these little treats, but the king of them is none other than The Fatty Bao. The baos here are a delight. The special bao on the menu is their char sui bao with pork belly, green apple kimchi, hoisin sauce, sesame oil and scallions.
Desi Deli – This small but cheerful café in Bandra is a great place for burgers, but what they are really known for is their incredible hot dogs. The city has not quite taken to hot dogs the way they have to burgers, but it is getting there. These dogs are not just delicious, but have a slight desi-style twist to them. The best part is that there is more than enough to choose from.
Pita Burg – When we talk about breads, we are not just restricting ourselves to local pavs. An interesting venture called Pita Burg serves some very filling snacks in the form of stuffed pita breads. The pita pocket, if you will, is loaded with a filling of your choice from meat-based kababs, paneer and vegetarian kababs, soya bean, minced meat and cheese and even omelettes! It sounds unusual and an odd combination with pita bread, but it is tasty and works well. There is no store to visit but you can order in or find them at local flea markets.
Written By
Better known as the Tiny Taster, Roxanne is an internationally respected blogger and expert on the Mumbai food scene. She has hosted many events, including the Upper Crust Food & Wine Show and travels the world, sharing her knowledge and gaining more experience.
