On a spicy trip

Cold, wintry evenings are often matched by an urge to eat something spicy and filling. If you’re heading out one of these days and are met with such an urge, hop over to Rajvardhan Foods in Jayanagar to satiate those cravings.

A snacking joint serving authentic Maharashtrian fare, it was started in 1997 and is popular for items like ‘vada pav’, ‘sabudana vada’ and ‘dabeli’. The place is the brainchild of Dhananjay Upasani and his wife Madhuri, belonging to Ahmednagar near Pune, who came to Bengaluru in 1996 to start their own eatery.

“I went around the entire city looking for places that served Maharashtrian cuisine but didn’t find any, even in areas like MG Road and Brigade Road. We knew instantly that it was the right time to introduce this food to the people here,” says Dhananjay adding, “Since our sons are named Harshvardhan and Kirtivardhan, we named this
Rajvardhan and it is like our third child.”

While Dhananjay supervises the preparations and takes care of the kitchen, Madhuri meticulously handles the service counter and deals with customers. They have a kitchen inside and people can either stand and eat at the tables placed outside or even get things parceled.

Though short, the menu is enough to lead one to indulgence. The lipsmacking ‘vada pav’ served with sweet tamarind chutney, fried chilli and dry onion garlic ‘masala’ is their speciality along with the crisp, hot ‘sabudana vada’ served with ‘dahi’ and coriander chutney. Then there is the ‘sabudana khichdi’ and their famous ‘dabeli’ with a perfect mix of sweet and spicy flavours. The ‘misal pav’ and ‘tarri vada pav’ are apt for those game for something spicier.

One can also try the ‘thalipeeth’ (multigrain rotis made with ten different grains and pulses) and savour the quintessential ‘poha’ and delicious ‘pav bhaji’, with a typical Maharashtrian taste.

The ‘shrikhand’, seasonal ‘aamras’ and ‘malai kulfi’ are much sought-after sweets while the  ‘lassi’, ‘buttermilk’, ‘cocum sharbat’ and ‘kairi pannha’ (raw mango juice) make for refreshing accompaniments.

“Over the years, we haven’t added any more items to the list since we wanted to focus on maintaining the taste and quality of the existing menu. From college students to the older generation, people come from all over Bengaluru to relish our food,” says Dhananjay.

And what is it that makes Rajvardhan click with the crowds? “We have two cooks but Madhuri and I personally prepare all the ‘masalas’ (like onion garlic ‘masala’ and ‘goda masala’) used in the various preparations.

A lot of items are also cooked by us to retain the authenticity of the dishes. The ‘pavs’ are especially made for us by someone. We have been following the old family recipes passed down over generations. My mother is a very good cook and we have incorporated her ideas in the menu,” shares Dhananjay.

He also points out that though basic preparations are on throughout the day, they do not refry or recook any item and everything is freshly made on order.

Virendra Kumar, a regular since years, says, “I like all the things here but my favourite is the ‘vada pav’, that’s unique in taste, and the shrikhand is also lovely. The owners are courteous and provide good service.”

Rajvardhan Foods is open from 10 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm
(Mondays closed).

It is located at 1291, 25th main road, Jayanagar 9th block, near Big Bazaar. For details, call 9886303089.