Honest review of this new gluten-free menu in Mumbai

Food FlavourfulService PromptCost OverpricedVerdict 14In a society where mindful eating is a constant talking point and where individuals are always in pursuit of how to incorporate small dietary changes in their daily life a new glutenfree menu by PackaPav caught our eye The Bandra Westbased eatery that was established in 2014 with the aim to support local pavthemed snacking options serves a range of vada pavstyle fusion sandwiches We ordered two of their glutenfree pav sandwiches to our newsroom in Bandra EastThe order was delivered within 30 minutes The restaurant had added a few complementary packets of fryums While we were glad that the food arrived in microwavesafe reheatable containers these boxes are not environmentfriendly and squash the plump pavsandwiches inside As a result the filling in the paneer cheese pav Rs 280 for two was smothered across the pav and fell by the side as we attempted to hold it all together for the first biteThe patty was a hearty combination of cheese paneer and sauces It was sandwiched in between generously lathered red garlic paste and hung curd basil dip The pavs which were the glutenfree part of the snack were soft despite the restrictive packaging We couldnrsquot taste any difference from the locally available pavThe pav sandwiches arrived in compact containersNext we tried their bestseller mushroom shammi pav Rs 280 for two This one used the same sauces and hence tasted similar to paneer cheese pav The catch was in their filling which pleased the hardcore nonvegetarian on the team because it had a similar texture as a chicken kebab Taste wise it passed the test thankfully there was no masala and salt overkill that sometimes happens with ambitious twists Although these pav sandwiches are priced on the higher side they are a perfect onthego and now healthier option of this popular street snackLater when we chatted with founder Rohan Mangalorkar about this addition he revealed that the glutenfree option was already a hit among the healthconscious groups of Bandra ldquoSara Tendulkar daughter of Sachin Tendulkar used to be a regular client But she like many shifted to a glutenfree diet I had never thought of introducing glutenfree pavs because our vision is to support the local pavwallas However with a growing demand we decided to cater to this group I reached out to one of the vendors who has been selling pavs to us since we started shop They are local bakers who are not acquainted with such terms so we helped break it down for him He was keen to try something newrdquo Mangalorkar revealed The glutenfree pavs are available with all the options in their menuTime 10 am to 4 amAt PackaPav Pali Hill Bandra WestLog on to packapavdotpeinAlso check outPizza in pavThis eatery is best known for its fusion vada pavs Our favourite is the IndiItalia vada pav that tastes like pizza It consists of a vada topped with veggies liquid cheese and an overload of spicy saucesAt Jugaadi Adda VP Road Girgaon also at Lower ParelLog on to jugaadiaddaCost Rs 75Masaledar tadkaMasala pavs at this eatery are served with pipinghot cheese burst vadasAt Navdurga Vada Pav Mahavir Nagar Kandivali WestCall 9321510485Wafer funIndulge in the crispy wafer paneer vada pav It is toasted and garnished with cheeseAt Ahar Kings Circle Matunga EastCall 9987131333Call Rs 30Chicken chompA mom and son duo are going viral for their affordable and scrumptious chicken vada pav in ChemburAt Maharashtrian Katta Subhash Nagar ChemburCall 98698 16541Cost Rs 29Pics courtesyInstagramBitesize delightsThese mini vada pavs are served with some help from toothpicks to hold together these little flavour bombsAt Status Hotel Nariman PointCall 40318700Cost Rs 285 10 piecesMaharashtrian twistThe popular street food here is served with lipsmacking besan chutney and spicy thechaAt Gajanan Vada Pav Naupada Thane West also at Parel and Thane EastCall 25407867Cost Rs 18 onwardsNoodlesrsquo surpriseFind a surprise inside this vada it is filled with masala MaggiAt Laxmans Om Vada Pav Garodia Nagar Ghatkopar EastCall 9892602572Cost Rs 4044 Exceptional 34 Excellent 24 very Good 14 Good 04 Average PackaPav didnrsquot know it was us The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals