Short answer: Babus Laxminarayan Best Chiwda is a Pune chiwda brand founded by Laxminarayanji Data. He received his handcart licence in Pune in 1945, set up his shop by 1947 and trademarked his chiwda in 1949. Today the family's fourth generation carries the brand forward, and its red packs travel across India and abroad.
From a railway station handcart to Pune
Laxminarayanji Data began selling snacks on a handcart at Rewari railway station in Haryana in 1930. His journey took him through Kabul, Kolkata, Rangoon and Mumbai before he finally settled in Pune, where he married and built his future.
1945 to 1949: the foundation
In 1945 he received his handcart licence in Pune, and by 1947 he had set up his shop. In 1949 he trademarked his chiwda, and the name soon became a household favourite in Pune.
Passing the torch
After his passing in 1973, his son Babulalji Data took over at just 17. He brought in mechanisation while keeping the same values, and in 1988 gave the packets their makeover from the original khaki to the iconic red packs. To honour his contribution, the brand was renamed Babus Laxminarayan Best Chiwda, with a quality-assuring mascot to go with the new look.
Today
Under Managing Director Prashant Data and fourth-generation director Nivedita Data Garg, the company combines advanced machinery with its original recipes. Our chiwda now reaches customers across India and in countries including the US, UK, New Zealand, Israel and the Gulf. In 2025, to mark 80 years, the family introduced the Babulal Data Kalagaurav Puraskar to honour talent in art and culture.
Taste the original
Start with the chiwda that started it all, our Poha Chiwda, or explore the full chiwda collection. Read more on our About Us page.
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