The undeniable aroma of home

Chaat world

For every inhabitant of Sadashivnagar, chaats are synonymous to the little steel cart near Bhashyam Circle (towards Sankey Tank) where a middle-aged man named Murali has been running Sree Hari Ruchi Ruchi Chaat for the last 23 years.

When the clock strikes 5.30 pm, you invariably see people crowding around the shop for their daily evening snack.

There are no menu cards or prices on display because the owner is well aware of the fact that his regular customers know what he has to offer.

   “It’s a standardised menu. We serve only four items – samosa masala, masala puri, bhel puri and by popular demand, pani puri. Each of them costs only Rs 20, which is quite affordable for the quantity given,” explains Murali, adding, “Iss samay mein, itna hi bas hai” (These are enough options because there is no time to make
anything else).

For the new customers, the options are on display without it being spelled out. There is a matka that you only associate with pani puris, a tray of samosas on the counter besides a microwave and the boiling chana pot if you take a peek inside. According to Ashok, who eats at the place almost every day, there is an undefined culture about the place.

   “It’s always nice to come down for my chai and chaat and see familiar faces around Murali’s cart. The taste hasn’t changed since I first tried it out and I’m the biggest fan of his samosa chaat,” he says with a smile.
The one thing that’s noticeable is the freshness of the taste, with everything made from his house in Magadi Road.

   “I make the chutneys, pani puris and samosas from home and bring them every evening. All the items are equally popular and my stock for the day usually finishes by 10 pm,” he notes, while serving

a customer a plate of crispy pani puri with a bowl of the spicy pani mixed with imli. Sree Hari Ruchi Ruchi Chaat is open every day of the week (except Sundays) from 5.30 pm to 10 pm.