Indian street food
What is pav bhaji?
Pav bhaji is a rich, buttery mash of spiced vegetables served with soft, griddle-toasted buns. It is Mumbai’s most comforting street meal.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Bhaji
Spiced vegetable mash
Pav
Buttered, toasted bun
Origin
Mumbai
Garnish
Onion, lemon, butter
01
What is in it
The bhaji is made from boiled and mashed vegetables, typically potato, cauliflower, peas and tomato, cooked down on a wide griddle with butter, ginger, garlic and a special spice blend called pav bhaji masala. Beetroot is sometimes added for colour.
The pav buns are split, buttered and toasted on the same griddle until soft and crisp at the edges.
02
Where it comes from
Pav bhaji is said to have started as a quick, filling meal for workers in Mumbai, put together from whatever vegetables were at hand and served with bread. Today it is one of the best-known dishes in India and is on the menu everywhere from street carts to wedding spreads.
03
How to eat it
Tear a piece of pav, scoop the bhaji with it, and eat. A squeeze of lemon and a few raw onions on top cut through the butter. Most people finish with a spoonful of the bhaji straight from the plate.
04
What it tastes like
Smooth, savoury and warmly spiced, with a gentle tang from tomatoes and lemon. It is comfort food at its best: rich without being heavy, and mild enough to share.
05
Pav bhaji at Tapri Chai
Our Pav Bhaji is a creamy mix of mashed vegetables and spices served with buttered buns. It is $13.99 on the All Day Breakfast menu, so you can have it at any time we are open, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm at 200 Kennevale Dr in Barrhaven.
Questions, answered.
What is pav bhaji made of?
Mashed potato, cauliflower, peas and tomato, cooked with butter, ginger, garlic and pav bhaji masala, served with buttered buns.
Is pav bhaji vegetarian?
Yes. It is made from vegetables and bread, and the kitchen at Tapri Chai is 100% vegetarian.
Is pav bhaji spicy?
It is moderately spiced, with warm flavour rather than strong heat.
Can I have pav bhaji for breakfast?
Yes. At Tapri Chai it is part of the All Day Breakfast menu.
How much is pav bhaji at Tapri Chai?
Pav Bhaji is $13.99 CAD.
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.