Pancham Puriwala: What Mumbai’s oldest restaurant has been serving for 175 years

Pancham Puriwala: What Mumbai’s oldest restaurant has been serving for 175 years

New Delhi: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, there’s a place where you can watch flour dough balls being rolled, flattened, and deep-fried until they’re crispy and golden! Pancham Puriwala, a legendary restaurant, is located just outside Victoria Terminus, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the main train station in Mumbai.

The story goes that Pancham Sharma arrived in Mumbai on foot from Uttar Pradesh in the 1840s, before trains began operating in India. He started a small puri-bhaji stall outside the station, and what began as a modest venture has now transformed into a two-storey, bustling eatery with simple stainless steel benches.

Mumbai’s historic restaurant serves hot puris and bhajis

Pancham Puriwala’s hot selling puris | Pinterest

A standard plate of puri-bhaji features five puris, a tradition started by Pancham Sharma, as his name means “five.” Today, Anupam Sharma, the sixth-generation owner, proudly continues this custom. While the menu offers a range of North Indian dishes, indulging in their puri-bhaji is a must! They serve three types of puris: sada (plain), masala (stuffed), and palak (spinach), accompanied by options like bhaji (potato curry), chole (spicy chickpeas), and various vegetarian dishes.

For those on the go, they also offer puris with sukha-aloo-bhaji. Each table has a bowl of green chili pickle that goes well with the puri-bhaji meal. The eatery is always buzzing with office workers, students, tourists, and puri-bhaji lovers. If you arrive by 6pm, you might snag a table, but after 6:30pm, it gets packed with commuters seeking a hearty meal after a long day.

Lunchtime sees the highest crowds, with people often opting for wholesome thalis that include rotis and desserts. Their lassi and chaas are crowd favourites. In summer, puris served with aamras are especially popular. To keep up with demand, they now offer home delivery in the Fort area.

If you’re looking for an affordable dining experience in Mumbai, Pancham Puriwala is a must-visit. Meal prices range from Rs. 60 to Rs. 150, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal for two for around Rs. 250-300. The menu is easy to choose from, and the food is delicious!

From being a common puri-bhaji stall, the 175-year-old Pancham Puriwala has become a landmark in the city, earning a spot on the bucket lists of countless tourists.

 Pancham Puriwala, the oldest restaurant in Mumbai, is the city’s favourite puri bhaji spot. This legendary eatery has a long history and is famous for its delicious food that attracts long crowds. From being a common puri-bhaji stall, the 175-year-old eatery has become a landmark restaurant on the bucket list of nearly every tourist. Here’s what makes it so popular after all these years.  Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips