In search of the perfect pav bhaji

On her first trip to Mumbai, we take author and food historian Colleen Taylor Sen on a pav bhaji jaunt to some of the city’s most iconic eateries

On her first trip to Mumbai, we take author and food historian Colleen Taylor Sen on a pav bhaji jaunt to some of the city’s most iconic eateries

(Shutterstock)

(Aalok Soni)

That buttery feeling: Sukh Sagar, Chowpatty

(Aalok Soni)

Bhaji without kanda: Manohar Pav Bhaji, Girgaum

(Aalok Soni)

Cheese please: Swati Snacks, Tardeo

(Aalok Soni)

In the taxi back to her hotel, Colleen says that’s she’s surprised at how a simple dish can have so many variations. “This has been one of the most interesting culinary adventures I’ve had. I’m going to try pav bhaji everywhere I go now,” she says, laughing. She has another point to make. “I think the quality is inverse to how fancy the place is.” We hear you, Colleen!