That began as a humble homemade snack in the early 20th century has now become a cultural icon—synonymous with Pune’s rich culinary heritage.
In the bustling lanes of Pune, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, few food brands have stood the test of time like Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda, a story of tradition, perseverance, and smart evolution.
How did a small family business survive decades of competition, changing consumer tastes, and the digital revolution? Let’s unravel the delicious journey of Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda—from a local favorite to a nationally recognized brand.
A Family Tradition
The Birth of a Maharashtrian Classic
Chiwda has been a staple in Maharashtrian households for generations. Traditionally made during Diwali, it was a snack that symbolized celebration and togetherness.
Deeply rooted in Pune’s food culture, we saw an opportunity in the 1940s. Instead of keeping their recipe a secret, they decided to share it with the world. Their version stood out because of its perfect balance of spices, crispiness, and just the right amount of sweetness.
From Home Kitchen to Local Markets
Initially, our chiwda was prepared in small batches at home, selling it to locals and shopkeepers. Word spread quickly and Pune’s residents couldn’t get enough of this addictively crunchy snack.
In the following years, demand grew so much that we opened their first dedicated shop in Budhwar Peth, one of Pune’s oldest and busiest trading hubs. This marked the official beginning of Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda as a brand.
Building a Loyal Customer Base
The Secret Recipe: Why People Loved It
Unlike mass-produced snacks, Babus Chiwda was (and still is) handcrafted in small batches, ensuring freshness and quality. The key factors that made it a hit:
- Perfect Roasting Technique – The poha was lightly fried to retain crispiness without being oily.
- Signature Spice Blend – A mix of turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of sugar created an irresistible flavor.
- No Preservatives – Pure, traditional cooking methods ensured an authentic taste.
Word-of-Mouth
Before the age of advertising, customer loyalty and word-of-mouth drove sales. Families in Pune would buy kilos of Chiwda during festivals, weddings, and even as gifts for relatives abroad.
Expanding the Menu
While our traditional Poha Chiwda remains the star, we also introduced variations to cater to different tastes, including:
- Bakarwadi
- Lite Chiwda
- Shabuflakes Chiwda
- Special Badam Chiwda
And so much more!
How Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda Adapted
Competition from Big Brands
In the following decades, many snack brands entered India, offering packaged alternatives. Many local businesses struggled, but Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda thrived. How?
- Staying True to Tradition – While others used artificial flavors, Babus stuck to authentic recipes.
- Quality Over Quantity – They refused to compromise on taste, even if it meant slower production.
- Loyal Customer Base – Generations of Puneites grew up eating it, creating unshakable brand trust.
Ultimately, our choices boiled down to one objective- to keep up with the times, changing and trends and tastes without losing our authenticity or unique flavours.
A Brand That Still Feels Like Home
Even today, the original shop in Budhwar Peth remains a pilgrimage spot for food lovers. The experience is nostalgic:
- The aroma of freshly roasted spices hits you as you enter.
- Giant steel containers are filled with different Chiwda varieties.
- Staff still weigh and pack orders in butter paper for that old-school feel.
From Local to Global
Thanks to Pune’s diaspora, Babus Chiwda is now a must-carry item for those visiting from abroad. Families all over the world stock up on it, and our products are truly food bloggers favourites!
Final Thoughts
Babus Laxminarayan Chiwda is not just food; it’s a piece of Pune’s soul. Whether you enjoy it with chai, over curd rice, or straight from the packet, every bite carries many decades of passion and care- and many decades yet to come!
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