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Pav Bhaji – Mumbai’s Famous Street Food

Pav Bhaji is a world-famous Mumbai street food consisting of a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft buttered buns (pav). Originally created as a quick meal for textile mill workers, it has become a beloved dish across India and beyond.

🥗 Health Benefits

  • ✅ Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from mixed vegetables.
  • ✅ Homemade version can be made with less butter for a lighter meal.
  • ✅ Balanced dish with carbs, protein, and veggies.

Pav Bhaji – Mumbai’s Famous Street Food

Pav Bhaji is a world-famous Mumbai street food consisting of a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft buttered buns (pav). Originally created as a quick meal for textile mill workers, it has become a beloved dish across India and beyond.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtrian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins)
  • 2 medium potatoes boiled & mashed
  • 1 cup cauliflower chopped
  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup carrots chopped
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 1 green capsicum chopped
  • 1½ tbsp pav bhaji masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp oil
8 pav (buns)
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon wedges & coriander for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook veggies: Boil potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and carrots until soft. Mash lightly.
  2. Prepare bhaji: Heat butter and oil, sauté onions, capsicum, and tomatoes until soft. Add turmeric, chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt.
  3. Add mashed veggies, mix well, and cook for 10–15 mins while mashing with a ladle.
  4. Toast pav: Heat butter on a tawa, slice pav, and toast until golden.

Notes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
  • Serve hot bhaji with buttered pav, lemon wedges, and chopped onions.
  • Garnish with extra butter and coriander.
 
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pav bhaji masala?
A: Yes, MDH or Everest are common choices, or make your own blend.
Q: Can I use wheat pav instead of white?
A: Yes, whole wheat pav makes it healthier.
Q: Why does my bhaji taste bland?
A: The right balance of pav bhaji masala and butter is key.