Pav Bhaji’s Origin Story

Did you know how your favourite pav bhaji was actually invented?

A version of the dish was popular amongst the Portuguese first in the 17th century who ate mashed vegtables along wth bread, called as “pao” in their language.

When Princess Catherine Bragenza was married to British Prince Charles II, the Portuguese is said to have given portions of Tangier & Bombay in dowry to the British, so that’s how the dish may have made its way here.

Then in 1861-1865, there was a Civil War between two groups of people in the United States on the topic of slavery amongst other issues.

This war meant that one of British’s key cotton suppliers was cut off, which led to shortage of cotton in the market & the British turned to India.

Factory mill workers had to work double shifts in cotton mills so they needed a quick snack that was also nutritious & healthy.

The local chefs, particularly the Kohlapuri community, which was an expert at making spicy curries, took inspiration from the Portuguese dish & put together pav bhaji by using all the leftover veggies from restaurants.

Pav bhaji was not only available around the clock but was also dirt cheap.

The name pav stuck amongst the Maharashtrians because they interpreted it was a big loaf of bread divided into a set of four and then you break off each mini loaf, which is a quarter. In Marathi, pav actually means quarter & bhaji means vegetables so it all worked out.

If you want to know my 5 best pav bhaji spots in Mumbai, read the caption!