What is inside
What is inside Bombay Masala Sandwich?
Bombay Masala Sandwich is a grilled sandwich with spicy mashed potato, vegetable slices and chutney. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Spiced potato
Heat
Medium
Served
Hot, toasted
The 5 layers of Bombay Masala Sandwich
Bombay Masala Sandwich is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The buttered bread
Two slices of soft white or brown bread, buttered on the outside so they toast golden and crisp on the grill.
Green chutney
A spread of coriander, mint and green chilli on the inside of the bread, giving a sharp, herby heat.
The spicy potato
Boiled mashed potato seasoned with chilli, cumin and chaat masala, spread in an even layer.
The vegetable slices
Thin slices of tomato, cucumber and onion, sometimes beetroot, that add freshness and crunch.
The sandwich masala
A dusting of chaat masala or a special sandwich masala that gives it a tangy, savoury finish.
01
What it is made of
A Bombay sandwich is a grilled vegetable sandwich with a base of potato and chutney. It has more layers than it looks, and each adds a different texture.
- Bread
- Butter
- Green chutney
- Boiled potato
- Tomato, cucumber and onion
- Chaat masala
- Chilli
02
How the layers work together
Crisp, buttery toast, a soft and spicy potato layer, cool fresh vegetables and a sharp green chutney. The chaat masala gives a tangy, savoury edge that sets it apart from a plain grilled sandwich.
03
Where it comes from
The Bombay sandwich is a Mumbai street food, associated with sandwich carts that grill them to order. It is often called a veg grilled sandwich, and the layered vegetables and green chutney are its signature.
04
Variations and other names
Many versions exist:
- Cheese grilled sandwich: with a layer of cheese.
- Masala toast: a simpler open version.
- Chutney sandwich: just green chutney and butter.
- Schezwan sandwich: with a spicy schezwan filling.
05
How to eat it
Eat it hot, cut into triangles, with ketchup or extra green chutney. A cup of chai is the usual partner.
06
Bombay Masala Sandwich at Tapri Chai
Bombay Masala is $12.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Bombay Masala Sandwich made of?
Bombay Masala Sandwich is made of bread, butter, green chutney, boiled potato, tomato, cucumber and onion, chaat masala and chilli.
How many layers does Bombay Masala Sandwich have?
Traditionally 5: the buttered bread, green chutney, the spicy potato, the vegetable slices and the sandwich masala.
Is Bombay Masala Sandwich vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Bombay Masala Sandwich spicy?
It is medium, with heat from green chilli and chutney.
Where can I try Bombay Masala Sandwich in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Bombay Masala is $12.99 CAD on our menu.
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.