Being a Delhite, I am too picky about chaats and chole bhature. I have been to many famous chaat centers in Maharashtra, but none have been able to satisfy my urge for chaats. There is a say among my friends and family that you are not gonna find tastier pani-puri, aloo tikki, and samosa anywhere else except Delhi-Agra belt. And my dear Mumbaikars, you gotta taste chaat at Delhi-Agra side to get to know the true essence of chaat.
This is a story of a place in FC Road, Pune. I stumbled upon O Bhaiya, meaning “Oh! Brother”, and that’s the word that came out of my mouth when I tasted there panipuris. The urge of having some comfy chaats was satisfied at the O Bhaiya. They have a wide range of street food served in Delhi-UP belt that gets very close to the flavor profile I eat at my home.
I went to the place with my three friends after shopping at FC Road, and we decided to have a round of the mouthwatering gol-gappas or pani-puri with a spicy note. The gol-gappas should look crunchy but dissolve in your mouth. The filling should have a mellow flavor that with a sour-spice mix and surprise chilies that you bite. The most important part of the gol-gappas is water. It should be fresh and has a power-punch of coriander and mint with a little heat and smokey-earthy flavor of roasted cumin seeds. Asafoetida or ‘Heeng‘ for the zing flavor with the tartness from tamarind is a must in good water. The gol-gappas clearly had all the elements to make it a great combination. The transition from the crunchy exterior that dissolved, then the mellow potato filling with a smooth texture and sometimes delivered a spicy punch, ended by the fresh and flavorful water, made me say “O Bhaiya!“. These gol-gappas are a must-have if you are at FC Road in Pune.
After the lip-smacking gol-gappas, we dived into the chole bhature, pav bhaji, and aloo samosa. The bhatures were light, fluffy, golden, crunchy yet not oily! All the things you need to make a tasty bathura to accompany a rich spice blended chickpeas or chole. It was as good as the classic chole-bhature you get in Delhi. The Pav-Bhaji was simple and not too spice-rich and helped as to mellow down the spice-rich chole. Let’s not forget about my favorite Samosas. The potatoes filling with peas were well seasoned and cooked in spices, or should I say in Hindi “Aloo ache se bhune the masalo ke saath. “
Address: Shanti Plaza, shop no.2 & 3 opposite kamdhenu stationery, Fergusson College Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
My overall experience at O Bhaiya was pleasant. The staff was kind, and the food was tasty with good portions. The place is pocket-friendly landing a bill of ₹ 500. It is an excellent experience if you are around FC Road. The chaat section is amazing and will satisfy your craving. If you never had the chaat in the Delhi-Agra region, then you have to try this place.
Phone: 062620 26464
Timing: 11:00 am – 11:30 pm, everyday
Food and food experience are always meant to be shared…
~Swastik Chandra
GupShup Foodie 