From Dabeli To Anda Pav, Shantanu Maheshwari Talks About Getting Introduced To Mumbai Street Food

Shantanu Maheshwari, an actor and dancer by profession, met our anchor, Rohan Richard, to explore the food scenes of Kanjurmarg, Mumbai. This Tere Gully Mein episode focused on his journey from a dancer to bagging a major role in a blockbuster Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, views of Mumbai street food and more. He also shared how it took him a while to understand why Mumbaikars always use pav for almost every food item! Read about his views.

Shantanu Maheshwari Shared How He Slowly Started Liking Mumbai Street Food

Shantanu’s move to Mumbai for studies purposes was a big deal for him. Hailing from the slow and steady life of Kolkata to settling in the fastest-paced life in Mumbai was quite a cultural shock for him. The difference in food, lifestyle, culture and other aspects made it slightly challenging for him to adjust.

He went from relishing roshogulla, kochuri, puchka, and kathi rolls on a regular evening stroll in the City of Joy to eating vada pav, misal pav, pani puri and more in the City of Dreams! After he enrolled himself in HR College, he began trying different Mumbai street food. He revealed to us that it took him quite some time to develop a liking towards Mumbai’s iconic vada pav. And now, he is madly in love with this street food!

With this acquired taste for vada pav, Shantanu went on to try its different varieties.  He recalled that during his time in college, jumbo vada pav and cheese vada pav gained a lot of hype. He wanted to learn the hype about it and ended up trying it. The actor quite liked it but would rarely enjoy these foods because they were a little more expensive than the typical variety.

After that, he began indulging in and exploring Maharashtrian food. He relished dabeli, anda pav, and samosa pav among other tasty dishes. That is when he realised what he was missing out on! His appreciation for Maharashtrian food grew instantly.

Also Read: Shantanu Maheshwari Shares His Experience Of Shifting To Mumbai From Kolkata

No Pani Puri For Him!

We began the food trail at Swastik Snacks and Rohan had suggested pani puri to Shantanu. Now, there is a vast difference between Kolkata’s puckha and Mumbai’s pani puri. Some might be open to trying new stuff and others might stick to their trusty and favourite dish, no matter the place.

Also Read: Shantanu Maheshwari Explores Kanjurmarg On A Tere Gully Mein Episode; Enjoys THESE Yummy Dishes

Rohan realised that Shantanu was in the latter group and was content with puchka. He commented, “I am not a big fan of pani puri. I am from Calcutta, so puchka is what I like!” We truly understand and like the way you were firm on your choice, Shantanu.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal