Mumbai Food: Pop pani puri like a pro at this competition

Here's a chance to stuff your face with the popular chaat, and win prizes while at it

While hanging out with his friends on a weekend, Niraj Agarwal spotted a vendor selling pani puri and decided to host an impromptu pani puri eating competition. The prize: whoever ate the least had to pay the bill. Over rounds of crisp puris dripping with tangy, sweet and spicy flavours, he thought of hosting the competition on a larger scale under his firm that organises food events in the city.

Sounds like something you would want to be part of? Then, head to BKC this Sunday. The five-hour competition, open to all, comprises four rounds. You need to eat as many pieces as you can within a stipulated time to qualify for the next round. “Usually, one can eat between 25 and 30 pieces in a minute. Each round will have a variation to make the competition tougher,” says Agarwal, who has roped in two vendors to rustle up the item.

Will they make milder versions of the usually spicy pani puri? “Participants can choose the spice level they’re comfortable with,” he says. The team has received 500 entries so far and the winner will receive cash prizes.

On: July 9, 4 pm to 9 pm
At: Bombay Connect, Pinnacle Corporate Park, BKC. LOG ON TO eventshigh.com
Entry: Rs 200 (participant), Rs 50 (visitor)

Chocolate Golgappa

Ever thought you could have golgappas for dessert? Order chef Saransh Goila’s version, where the puri is covered with chocolate and coconut, stuffed with candied peanuts and strawberries, and accompanied by vanilla shake or cold coffee that acts as the ‘pani’ on the side.
At: Goila Butter Chicken, Bandra West and Andheri West.
Log on to: goilabutterchicken.com
Cost: Rs 125

Thai-Style Pani Puri

Keen to experiment with your bar bites? Try an Asian-flavoured puri, stuffed with a mix of tossed vegetables like cabbage, onion, carrot, baby corn and capsicum, and topped with coconut curry.
At; All outlets of Hoppipola.
Cost: Rs 195

Solkadi Shots with Prawn Golguppa

For those who complain that street food is largely vegetarian, try the seafood version of the snack, stuffed with spiced prawns and served with the popular, tangy Konkani cooler, Solkadi.
At: Craftbar, Kala Nagar, Bandra East.
Cost: Rs 345

Avocado Pani Puri

The deep-fried puri packs in sweet, hot and sour flavours from the Mexican guacamole, an avocado-based dip laced with onion and tomato, and seasoned with chilli powder with a squirt of lemon juice. The result: a creamy explosion in your mouth.
At: Dishkiyaaon, The Capital Building, BKC.
Cost: Rs 250

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