Paojee: Chandigarh Industrial Area, Chandigarh Street Food

Restaurant Name: Paojee: Chandigarh Industrial Area
Phone: +919915666959
Address: Plot 50, Block 136-140, Phase 1, Chandigarh Industrial Area, Chandigarh 160102 India
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Meals for two: Rs. 400
Cuisines: Street Food
Facilities: Delivery Only, No Seating Available

My all-time favourite street food is vada pay. For the uninitiated, that would be a besan batter-dipped fried potato patty, stuffed into a pillowy soft bun smeared with dry garlic or / and green chutney, and a salted, fried green chilli on the side. While the bulbous filling is integral to the experience, Mumbaikars are equally passionate about the ladi pay it comes in. So when the newly-minted Pao Jee promised the best version of this pull-apart bread right here in Chandigarh, I wasted no time in verifying that claim.

Paojee: Chandigarh Industrial Area, Chandigarh – Food

The limited item menu of this vegetarian takeaway / delivery service lists half a dozen combos that employ the use of the pao (pay). This includes the ubiquitous Pao Bhaji, as well as, Vada Pao, Kutchi Dabeli, Misal Pao, Matar (Vatana) Pao, Paneer Bhurji Pao and Soya Pao. For your sweet tooth, there’s Gur Ghewar and Gur Jalebi for the taking. And in case you find yourself in the vicinity, like I did a couple of months ago, treat yourself to the Masala Maska Pao and Gur Chai combo while there. More recently I sent for some vada pao, dabeli, misal, mattar pao and gur ghewar for an impromptu gathering at home.

Plus & Minus:

Our order comprising slid-er-size portions, arrived tucked into attractive boxes and tubs, and warm enough to eat right away. I found the mildly spiced mattar exceptionally well-made, and the vada pao true to flavours, even though the thin besan casing had expectedly lost its out-of-the-wok crispiness. Good thing the choora, a pleasant addition, had held on to some of its crunch. And although the sev had gone soggy, thanks to a generous use of peanuts and pomegranate arils, the dabeli retained some of its defining texture, and the taste in general could not be faulted. The misal, however, left us wanting. For one it lacked distinct flavours, the sprouted pulse had no bite, and the pre-added farsan was completely soggy. But the buttery, golden-topped paos are truly excellent.