Maharashtra, a culinary magical state located on the western coast of India, is famous for its rich heritage and diverse cuisine. The state's culinary offerings range from the spicy Kolhapuri misal to the sweet and sour puran poli. There are many snacks, but bhakarwadi is a popular choice because it is crisp and flavourful. Made with a combination of gram flour and all-purpose flour dough, spiral-shaped sweets are packed with a spicy blend of coconut, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and aromatic spices. These bite-sized rolls are deep-fried until golden brown, giving each bite a flavourful and crunchy texture. There is a time-honoured art in the way one needs to roll the dough tightly and fry it at the right temperature, achieving the perfect texture. You can customise this snack as per your wishes, which means that by experimenting with ingredients here and there, you’ll learn that bhakwadi is a very creative snack to make at home.
Puneri Bhakarwadi
The snack's success in Pune is intimately linked to a local sweet and snack store, particularly Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale which opened in 1939 and is largely credited with refining and popularising the recipe into what is today known as "Puneri" bhakarwadi. Over the years, it became a staple of Maharashtrian families and teatime culture, ultimately spreading to other areas of India and the Indian diaspora. The filling is where the real character comes from having made from roasted gram flour, grated dry coconut, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coriander seeds and a generous mix of spices, red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, asafoetida and often tamarind or amchur for tang. Sometimes balanced with a little jaggery or sugar, this filling is spread over the dough, rolled into a tight log, sliced into spirals and deep-fried in oil until golden and crisp.
Surati Bhakarwadi
Unlike Puneri bhakarwadi, which is recognised for its powerful spicy-tangy flavour, Surati bhakarwadi is notably sweeter, reflecting Gujarat's culinary tastes. The filling frequently includes a larger amount of sugar, coconut and fragrant spices, resulting in a balanced sweet-spicy character. It has a somewhat lighter texture, making it a favourite teatime snack in Surat and other parts of Gujarat.
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Mini Bhakarwadi
Mini bhakarwadi has become a popular pick-me-up due to its size and the intensity with which it comes to you. It's bite-sized, crunchy and packed with spice, providing an immediate blast of heat and crunch, making it fulfilling as a snack that does not need to commit to a whole meal. Its mobility makes it excellent for workstations, road trips or tea breaks and the powerful masala flavour wakes you up in the afternoon. It's simple to consume but immensely fulfilling, bridging the gap between a fast pleasure and true comfort food!
Cheese Bhakarwadi
Well, cheese in traditional recipes may not mix all the time, but for this one, cheese might just seal the deal? Experimenting with cooking bhakarwadi, while being an art in itself can also become a good way to do some trial and error and cook up some cheese-infused bhakarwadis. Cheese bhakarwadi is a contemporary spin on the popular snack, blending its trademark crunchy layers and spicy filling with the richness of cheese. It is popular among younger customers and fusion-food fans because it provides a creamy alternative to the customary sweet, spicy and acidic tastes that distinguish original bhakarwadi.
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Garlic Bhakarwadi
Garlic bhakarwadi is what occurs when a popular tea-time snack meets one of India's most prized taste enhancers which is garlic. Thin sheets of dough are coated with a flavourful blend of garlic, spices, sesame and coconut before being rolled, cut and fried into crispy spirals. The outcome is a crispy nibble with a lasting garlicky bite, unlike sweeter variations. This one is more savoury, making it a great evening tea snack across various kitchens in India. Garlic bhakarwadi, whether presented to guests or consumed during a work break, adds a powerful explosion of taste to each bite.