Pancham Puriwala is a revered name among foodies of Mumbai. Known for it’s fingerlicking good pani-puri thalis, the restaurant, which is more than 178-years old, has had enjoyed loyal clients across generations and socio-economic spectrum. Some of it’s eminent patrons include Mahatma Gandhi, Nargis Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, Raj Babbar etc. In an interview with The Indian Express, Sandeep Sharma revealed how his ancestor, Pacham came from Tundla to Bombay on a bullock cart and started a small stall that offered a plate with five puris. In order to support himself financially, he chose to prepare and sell a traditional meal that was deeply associated with weddings, festive gatherings, and religious functions across North India. The menu featured freshly made puris served alongside spicy aloo bhaji and kaddu ki sabzi, a pumpkin-based dish that was a familiar and beloved part of celebratory feasts and ceremonial occasions in the region.Patrons were welcome to request additional portions of vegetables without paying any extra cost, a customer-friendly tradition that has been preserved and continues to be offered to this day.During the late 1880s or early 1890s, the restaurant relocated to its present premises on Perin Nariman Street, situated directly across from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. At the time, it operated from a modest gala-style establishment. The railway station, known as Victoria Terminus during the colonial era, had been completed in 1887 and soon became one of Mumbai's most prominent landmarks, contributing to the area's growing commercial activity and importance.Puri Bhaji is the most ordered item here along with Chole Puri (Rs 80) and Pancham Thali (Rs 210). The last item combined five puris along with delicacies such as paneer sabji, aloo bhaji, kadhi, a dry seasonal vegetable, masala bhindi, pulav, raita and kheerIn an interview with The Humans Of Bombay, Sandeep revealed that the eatery now offers five varieties of puri - paneer puri, palak puri, beetroot puri, urad daal puri etc. The secret recipe of Pancham Puri’s success? Sandeep and his son Shivang revealed it was just consistency. “We oversee everything,” Sandeep said.