Waghe Ji Ki Pakode

If you've been around Tower Chowk in Freeganj, you’ve probably seen us. Waghe Ji Ki Pakode has been a part of this Ujjain neighborhood for quite some time now. We aren't trying to be a five-star restaurant. It’s a simple shop where we fry pakodes all day long. The area is always noisy and full of people moving around, which keeps us busy. We start early to get the batter right and chop up all the vegetables. It’s a lot of work standing over the hot oil, but that is just how the job goes. People stop by on their way home from work or while they are out shopping in Freeganj. We use the same basic stuff you’d find in any kitchen around here, nothing secret or special, just fresh. Sometimes it gets really crowded and people have to wait a few minutes, but nobody seems to mind too much as long as the food is hot. My kids sometimes help out after school when things get really hectic. We don't spend money on big signs or anything. The smell of the pakodes usually does the job of bringing people in. Ujjain is a place where people appreciate a good, simple snack without any fuss. We just keep our heads down and keep the stove going. It is a humble way to make a living, but we are proud of being a local fixture near the tower.