Mumbai Pav Co.

Mumbai Pav Co. is a food venture that brings the authentic taste of Mumbai's street food, specifically Vada Pav, to the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 2022 by Gaurav Jaiswal and Siddhesh Bhogle, who drew inspiration from their own experiences and cravings for genuine Indian street food after moving to the UK. Jaiswal, with a background in business management and experience at companies like OYO and L'Oréal, teamed up with Bhogle, a mechanical engineer who transitioned into the food and beverage industry and previously worked with brands like Taco Bell. Their shared passion for the flavors of their hometown, Mumbai, and the perceived gap in the UK market for high-quality, authentic Indian street food served as the primary motivation for the business.

The business operates with a direct-to-consumer model, initially launching through pop-up stalls and event catering across London and the wider UK. This strategy allows them to test different markets and build a customer base with relatively low overhead. Their core product is the Vada Pav, a spiced potato fritter sandwiched in a soft bread roll, often referred to as the "Indian burger". Mumbai Pav Co. emphasizes authenticity, using traditional recipes to replicate the genuine street food experience. The menu also includes other Mumbai street food staples like Pav Bhaji, Dabeli, and various chaats. The company targets a diverse clientele, including the Indian diaspora missing a taste of home, as well as the broader UK population curious about international cuisines.

Mumbai Pav Co. has established its presence through participation in numerous food festivals, markets, and private events, creating a grassroots following. The founders have been actively involved in every aspect of the operation, from recipe development to serving customers at their stalls, which has helped in refining their offerings based on direct feedback. The venture represents a focused effort to build a brand around a specific, iconic Indian dish, aiming to capture a niche within the expansive UK street food and fast-casual dining market.

Keywords: street food, Vada Pav, Indian cuisine, food and beverage, direct-to-consumer, event catering, pop-up restaurant, fast-casual dining, Mumbai food, ethnic food