Sadanand Bhel Center

Sadanand Bhel Center is a small place in Dhanakawadi 20 where we focus on making bhel and some other chaat. We started with a small cart and eventually moved into this little shop space. It’s basically just a counter and a few small tables for people to stand at. We spend most of our time chopping onions, coriander, and chilis to keep everything fresh. The puffed rice gets soft quickly in the rain, so we have to be careful how we store it. In the evenings, the sidewalk outside gets crowded with people waiting for their plates. We don't use any fancy machines; everything is mixed by hand in those large steel bowls. It’s loud because of the traffic outside and the constant sound of us crushing papdi. My hands are usually stained from the tamarind chutney by the end of the night. We don't have a written menu really, most people just know what we have and ask for it. Sometimes we run out of sev before the night is over if it's been a busy day. It’s just a local snack spot for the people living in Dhanakawadi. We aren't trying to be fancy or different. We just make the bhel the way we like it, with plenty of spice if that's what you want. It's a lot of standing and quick movements, but it’s what we know how to do for our customers.