Best Pav Bhaji in Mumbai

If there’s one dish that defines Mumbai street food, it’s the irresistible, buttery Pav Bhaji. From the bustling lanes of Juhu Beach to iconic eateries like Sardar Pav Bhaji and Cannon Pav Bhaji near CST, Mumbaikars have their own fierce loyalties. But what makes the best pav bhaji in Mumbai truly special? It’s the perfect blend of spices, slow-cooked vegetables, and that signature blob of Amul butter melting over piping hot bhaji

In this article, we explore some of Mumbai’s best pav bhaji joints and give you a step-by-step pav bhaji recipe that you can recreate at home. Let’s dive in!

🍛 What is Pav Bhaji?

Best Pav Bhaji in Mumbai is a classic Mumbai street food consisting of a spiced mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttery bread rolls (pav) toasted on a hot griddle. Originally a quick lunchtime fix for textile workers in the 1850s, it evolved into an iconic comfort food loved across India.

🏆 Best Pav Bhaji in Mumbai – Where to Eat

1. Sardar Pav Bhaji – Tardeo

Famous For: Extra-butter bhaji with rich spice flavor.

Insider Tip: Ask for “extra butter” and “cheese pav bhaji”.

Location: Near Mumbai Central Station.

🍽️ How to Make Pav Bhaji at Home (Mumbai Style)

Making pav bhaji at home is easy, hygienic, and incredibly satisfying. Follow this authentic step-by-step pav bhaji recipe for that true Mumbai street food flavor.

📝 Ingredients

For Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):

2 medium potatoes – boiled and mashed

1 cup cauliflower – boiled

1/2 cup green peas – boiled

1 carrot – finely chopped and boiled

1 green capsicum – finely chopped

2 medium onions – finely chopped

2 large tomatoes – finely chopped

2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 green chili – finely chopped (optional)

2 tbsp pav bhaji masala (Everest or homemade)

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

Salt to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 cup fresh coriander – chopped

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp butter (preferably Amul)

Extra butter for serving

For Pav:

8 pav (bread rolls)

Butter

for toasting

A pinch of pav bhaji masala

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Best Pav Bhaji in Mumbai

Step 1: Boil the Vegetables

Boil potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower until soft. Mash them coarsely and set aside. You can pressure cook for 2–3 whistles to save time.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat oil and butter in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and oil separates.

5. Add capsicum and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt.

2. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spices blend wel

Step 4: Add and Mash the Vegetables

1. Add the boiled, mashed vegetables to the masala.

2. Mix thoroughly and mash again using a potato masher or the back of a ladle.

3. Add a splash of water to adjust consistency.

4. Let the bhaji simmer for 10–12 minutes on low flame, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

1. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander.

2. Add a dollop of butter on top just before serving for the street-style effect.

🥖 Toast the Pav

1. Heat a flat tawa or pan.

2. Slit pav horizontally (don’t cut completely).

3. Apply butter and sprinkle a bit of pav bhaji masala.

4. Toast on both sides until golden and slight

ly crisp.

🍋 Serve Pav Bhaji the Right Way

Serve the bhaji in a deep plate or bowl, top with a cube of butter. Garnish with chopped onions, coriander, and a lemon wedge on the side. Place the toasted pav rolls alongside and enjoy piping hot!

💡 Tips for the Best Pav Bhaji at Home

Butter is King: Use good quality Amul butter for that authentic Mumbai street taste.

Mash Well: The smoother the bhaji, the better the texture.

Simmer Time: Let the bhaji simmer for longer on low flame for deeper flavor.

Use Fresh Pav: Stale pav ruins the experience. Buy from a local bakery or make your own.

🌶️ Variations You Can Try

Cheese Pav Bhaji: Top the bhaji with grated cheese before serving.

Paneer Pav Bhaji: Add crumbled paneer for extra protein.

Jain Pav Bhaji: Skip onions, garlic, and root vegetables like potatoes.

🛍️ Where to Buy Pav Bhaji Masala

For authentic taste, try:

Everest Pav Bhaji Masala

MDH Pav Bhaji Masala

Homemade Mix: Combine coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, dry mango powder, and dry red chilies.

🧾 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving the nostalgic taste of Mumbai street pav bhaji or want to recreate it in your kitchen, this guide has everything you need. Visit the iconic spots like Sardar or Canon Pav Bhaji, or make your own buttery version using this detailed pav bhaji recipe.

Have you tried pav bhaji in Mumbai or cooked it at home? Let us know your favorite version or place in the comments!