Make it at home
How to make Dabeli at home.
Dabeli takes 40 minutes and serves 4 (8 buns). This guide gives the ingredients in cups and spoons, the steps in order and the mistakes that most often go wrong.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 3 min read
Time
40 minutes
Serves
4 (8 buns)
Skill
Easy
Method
Cook and assemble
What you need
Quantities serve 4 (8 buns). Dabeli masala is the key ingredient. You can buy it ready-made.
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp dabeli masala
- 1 tbsp tamarind chutney and 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup fine sev
- 8 soft pav buns, butter for toasting
- 2 tbsp coriander and salt
- For the red chutney: 1 tbsp dry garlic chutney or chilli-garlic paste mixed with a little water
Step by step
The filling is cooked to a thick paste before the buns are assembled.
Cook the filling
Heat the oil, add the dabeli masala and cook for 30 seconds. Add the mashed potato, tamarind chutney, sugar and salt and cook for 5 minutes, until thick. Stir in the coriander and cool slightly.
Prepare the toppings
Lightly crush the peanuts and have the pomegranate seeds and sev ready in bowls.
Spread the chutneys
Split the buns without cutting all the way through. Spread tamarind chutney on one side and red chutney on the other.
Fill the buns
Spoon a generous portion of the filling into each bun and press it closed. Scatter peanuts and pomegranate over the filling before closing.
Toast and coat
Toast the filled buns on a buttered pan until crisp and golden. Roll the edges in sev and serve warm.
01
Tips for a better result
Texture and sweetness are the goals.
- Cook the filling until thick. A loose filling soaks the bun.
- Add the pomegranate at the last moment to keep it fresh.
- Do not skip the sev. It is half the point.
02
Mistakes to avoid
Common problems:
- A wet filling that makes the bun soggy.
- Too much sugar, which hides the spice.
- Toasting the bun on too high a heat, so it burns before it warms.
03
Shopping for it in Canada
Most of this is available, with one speciality item.
- Dabeli masala: from Indian grocers, usually in a small packet.
- Pav: soft dinner rolls or slider buns.
- Pomegranate: often sold in cups of seeds, saving time.
- Peanuts: roasted, unsalted if you can find them.
04
Or let us make it
Dabeli needs a special spice blend and several small preparations, which makes it a lot of effort for a snack. Loaded Dabeli is $5.49 CAD on our menu, at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
How long does Dabeli take to make?
About 40 minutes from start to finish for 4 (8 buns).
Can I make Dabeli ahead of time?
The filling can be cooked a day ahead. Assemble and toast the buns just before serving.
What if I cannot find dabeli masala?
Mix garam masala, a little cinnamon, cloves, chilli powder, a pinch of sugar and ground coriander as a stand-in. It will not be exact, but it will be close.
What do I serve with Dabeli?
Strong chai, a plate of pav bhaji, or a cold drink.
Where can I order Dabeli in Ottawa?
Tapri Chai in Barrhaven serves it. Loaded Dabeli is $5.49 CAD on our menu. Tapri Chai is also listed on DoorDash and SkipTheDishes for delivery in Barrhaven and nearby parts of south Ottawa, so check which app serves your address.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.