Mumbai’s street food fare is brimming with various delicacies, some native to Maharashtra, some inspired by neighbours. Dabeli is a unique, sweet, crunchy and salty snack that is relished equally across Gujarat and Maharashtra. Dabeli, can be called India’s answer to the sandwich. Also known as Kutchi Dabeli or Double Roti, it is said to have originated in the Kachchh region of Gujarat. Boiled potatoes are mixed with special Dabeli Masala, and then this yummy mixture is pressed inside ladi pav (burger bun) and served with a selection of chutneys made out of tamarind, date, garlic, red chilies. It is further garnished with pomegranate seeds, sev and roasted peanuts. Dabeli, which literally means ‘pressed’ in the Gujarati language, comprises many contrasting elements together, but have you ever tried ‘Chocolate Dabeli’. We certainly had not heard of any such thing, until we stumbled upon this video shot near Ghatkopar station by food blogger and Instagrammer @myfoodcrushh.
In the video we see the vendor toasting the bun in butter, then he roasts some potatoes in the same pan. Once the bun is toasted, he applies the sweet and spicy chutney on the bun, lands the potato mixture in the centre of the bun, tops it with crushed peanuts, sev and more chutney and then suddenly out of nowhere he grabs a bottle of chocolate sauce and pours a generous amount right in the centre of the Dabeli. Then he adds more peanuts on top and serves it.
Needless to say, this unique and unheard of ‘chocolate dabeli’ has divided the internet. The comment section is flooding with surprised reactions and hilarious digs.
“Why”, wrote a user
“Gen Z Dabeli”, wrote another user.
‘Kya subh subh zeher dekh liya (what is this poison I had to see right at the start of the day’ wrote another.
The popular Gujarati snack of Dabeli is said to have been invented by Keshavji Gabha Chudasama (also known as Kesha Malam) in Mandvi Kutch, in the 1960s. His family still runs the shop in Mandvi. Dabeli has now reached across the country and established itself as one of the most beloved tea-time snacks. There have been many spins and variations on Dabeli, but this is surely something that will take us time to digest.
What do you think of this version of Dabeli, do let us know. If this has made you for simple Dabeli, then here's a recipe.
Try it soon and let us know how you liked it.
