Centuries ago, he came to Mumbai on a bullock cart. His stall-turned restaurant later became popular among Bollywood stars Rajesh Khanna, Nargis Dutt

Pancham Puriwala is a revered name among foodies of Mumbai. Known for it’s fingerlicking good pani-puri thalis, the restaurant, which is more than 178-years old, has had enjoyed loyal clients across generations and socio-economic spectrum. Some of it’s eminent patrons include Mahatma Gandhi, Nargis Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, Raj Babbar etc.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Sandeep Sharma revealed how his ancestor, Pancham came from Tundla to Bombay on a bullock cart and started a small stall that offered a plate with five puris.

In order to support himself financially, he chose to prepare and sell a traditional meal that was deeply associated with weddings, festive gatherings, and religious functions across North India. The menu featured freshly made puris served alongside spicy aloo bhaji and kaddu ki sabzi, a pumpkin-based dish that was a familiar and beloved part of celebratory feasts and ceremonial occasions in the region.


Patrons were welcome to request additional portions of vegetables without paying any extra cost, a customer-friendly tradition that has been preserved and continues to be offered to this day.

“Initially the stall was facing Gibbet’s Pond, also called Phansi Talao, which was used for public executions,” revealed his son Shivang in an interview with The Indian Express.

During the late 1880s or early 1890s, the restaurant relocated to its present premises on Perin Nariman Street, situated directly across from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. At the time, it operated from a modest gala-style establishment. The railway station, known as Victoria Terminus during the colonial era, had been completed in 1887 and soon became one of Mumbai's most prominent landmarks, contributing to the area's growing commercial activity and importance.

Opening its doors as early as 8:30 in the morning and serving customers until 11 at night, the restaurant remains a favourite dining destination for office-goers and local workers in the area. It has also earned a reputation among visitors, who often include it on their list of must-visit food spots while exploring the city. The establishment experiences its heaviest rush during lunchtime, when tables fill quickly with patrons eager to enjoy its popular offerings.

Sandeep told The Hindu: “The idea is to serve good food in a clean ambience. We do not wish to be fancy. My father once advised me never to change anything if it is doing well and I follow that. People come here for this experience and enjoy the affordability too."

“Our aim is to feed as many people as we can. Be it a street-side vendor or a high-flying corporate executive, everyone should be able to eat here. That is what Pancham Sharma dreamt of and we want to keep that dream alive," Sandeep told The Hindu.

Puri Bhaji is the most ordered item here along with Chole Puri (Rs 80) and Pancham Thali (Rs 210). The last item combined five puris along with delicacies such as paneer sabji, aloo bhaji, kadhi, a dry seasonal vegetable, masala bhindi, pulav, raita and kheer.

In an interview with The Humans Of Bombay, Sandeep revealed that the eatery now offers five varieties of puri - paneer puri, palak puri, beetroot puri, urad daal puri etc.

The secret recipe of Pancham Puri’s success? Sandeep and his son Shivang revealed it was just consistency. “We oversee everything,” Sandeep said.