Pune has always been known as a city of food lovers. From Maharashtrian thalis to Irani chai, from modern breweries to new-age cafés, the city balances tradition and trend with effortless charm. But walk into any café in 2025, and you’ll notice something interesting—while the décor may be global and the lattes Instagram-worthy, the snacks on the side often carry a familiar taste of home. Yes, we’re talking about chiwda—the crunchy, light, and flavorful Maharashtrian classic that has refused to go out of style.
And when you say authentic chiwda in Pune, one name always stands tall: Babus Laxminarayan Best Chiwda. For decades, Babus has been the gold standard of this beloved snack, and today it’s making its way from traditional tins at home into the trendy menus of modern cafés. Let’s explore why Pune’s oldest snacks are still rocking the café scene.
Pune: A City of Snacks and Stories
To understand why chiwda holds such a special place, you have to understand Pune’s food culture. Pune has always been a city that values conversation and community. Whether at a katta near college, a family gathering, or a quiet corner café, food has always been the glue. And snacks—portable, light, and easy to share—have been central to this culture.
Chiwda, with its delicate patal poha base, peanuts, curry leaves, and a mix of spices, was designed for just this lifestyle. It’s light enough to munch on endlessly, flavorful enough to satisfy cravings, and versatile enough to pair with everything from chai to cold coffee.
The Café Revolution Meets Tradition
Cafés in Pune have exploded over the past two decades. Students, professionals, and creatives alike have turned to cafés not just for caffeine, but also for comfort food and community vibes. Yet even in this modern setting, the food choices often circle back to familiar roots.
It’s not uncommon now to see menus that list:
- Adrak chai with chiwda
- Cold coffee with a side of Babus chiwda
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Fusion platters where chiwda is sprinkled for crunch
This blending of new and old is exactly what makes Pune special. Instead of erasing traditional snacks, cafés are reimagining them for modern lifestyles.
Why Chiwda Works So Well in Cafés
There’s a reason chiwda has transitioned so smoothly from traditional tins to café menus:
1. Light but Flavorful
Unlike heavy fried snacks, chiwda is airy and crisp. It satisfies the craving for crunch without overwhelming the palate, making it the perfect companion for beverages.
2. Pairs With Everything
Chiwda is surprisingly versatile. With chai, it feels comforting. With coffee, it adds a salty-sweet balance. With mocktails, it becomes a fun crunchy twist. No wonder café owners love experimenting with it.
3. Nostalgia Factor
Cafés thrive not just on food, but also on the experience. Serving chiwda instantly creates a connection—it reminds Punekars of childhood vacations, college days, or festival evenings. Nostalgia, after all, is a powerful flavor.
4. Healthier Image
Today’s café-goer is also more health conscious. Compared to chips or fried farsan, chiwda—especially when made the Babus way—is seen as a lighter, less oily snack, which appeals to the urban crowd.
Babus: The Heartbeat of Pune’s Chiwda Legacy
It’s impossible to talk about chiwda in Pune without mentioning Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda. Founded decades ago, Babus has become more than just a brand—it’s part of the city’s food identity.
What Sets Babus Apart?
- Authenticity: The recipe has been preserved across generations.
- Consistency: Every batch tastes just as fresh, crisp, and flavorful as the last.
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Trust: Families across Pune (and beyond) have relied on Babus for their festive faral, travel snacks, and daily chai accompaniments.
Today, while cafés are adding modern spins, the heart of the chiwda they serve often traces back to Babus. It’s the brand people trust when they want the real thing.
Café Pairings with Babus Chiwda
So, how exactly is chiwda rocking the modern café scene? Let’s look at some popular pairings that are winning hearts:
- Masala Chai + Babus Chiwda: The warmth of adrak and elaichi chai finds the perfect crunch partner in Babus.
- Cold Coffee + Chiwda Bowl: A refreshing mix of creamy and crunchy—ideal for Pune’s summer afternoons.
- Herbal Teas + Chiwda: For the health-conscious crowd, green tea or chamomile with a small serving of chiwda feels indulgent without guilt.
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All-day Brunch Platters: Some cafés sprinkle Babus chiwda over upma, poha, or even sandwiches for that extra kick.
It’s innovation with respect—taking the best of tradition and giving it a modern stage.
Why Babus Still Rocks in 2025
In a world of global flavors, why does an age-old snack like Babus chiwda still thrive? The answer lies in three words: authenticity, adaptability, and nostalgia.
- Authenticity: No matter how trends change, people return to flavors they trust. Babus has kept its recipe true.
- Adaptability: From home kitchens to high-end cafés, chiwda fits in effortlessly.
- Nostalgia: In fast-paced modern life, a bowl of Babus chiwda feels like hitting pause and reliving the simple joys of the past.
The Final Crunch
Pune’s food scene may evolve, but some flavors never leave the table. Chiwda, especially from Babus, continues to be that snack which bridges generations and settings—from grandmother’s jar to a hipster café bowl.
So next time you sip your latte at a Pune café and find a crunchy chiwda mix on the side, know this—it’s not just a snack. It’s history, culture, and comfort rolled into one. And at the heart of it all stands Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda, proving that the oldest snacks can rock the most modern stages.
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