Breaking stereotypes, one at a time, this Thela on Kumthekar road has been dishing out Marathi, Konkani and South Indian delicacies for the last 10 years!
Meet Sachin Bhat, a chef and not a cook, who added masala to appe, Sambar to Dadpe Pohe and serves Idli, Vada and Pohe in the evening instead of morning. Knowing the need of the hour and for doing something hatke in the food business, he with his son and daughter, have been delighting foodies of Old Pune for a decade now.
After getting a lot of recommendations, we visited Bhatanche Snacks in the evening. The crowd surrounding their eatery and the aroma of home cooked food was a guarantee of a treat ahead. Evening menu of Konkani delicacies such as Dadpe Pohe (a rarity in Pune these days), Sanja (Yellow Uppit that’s usually eaten in evening), Masala Appe can be seen in every customer’s plate.
But the patrons here are fans of their South Indian fare too! Dahi Vada that is spongy and not overly sweet, is even better than the ones Udupis make. That’s what the regular customers say. We tried a bite and couldn’t help but agree! Same is the case with Idli Vada.
Sachin Bhat is most famous for the ultra-flavourful Dadpe Pohe. These are not steamed or fried but soaked in coconut water, tadka, grated coconut, coriander and lime juice. A heavenly recipe that gets its hint of heat from chilli and grated ginger, is eaten here with Sambar. It is not how it is eaten. But who cares when it tastes so good and customers demand it. This chef fulfills all the demands of his patrons, always!
All snacks are cooked at home only. So hygiene, recipe and genuinity of the food remains untouched. At the Thela, the food is only plated and served. The Bhats cook and serve with so much love that their regulars even say, “There’s no entry to heaven if you haven’t eaten here!”
Address: Bhatanche Pohe, 738, RB Kumthekar Road, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Timings: 4 pm onwards till snacks last
Contact: 9422340704
