‘Papa Pancho da Dhaba’ celebrates its 20th Anniversary. This milestone is indeed a great feat in an industry that is known to devour those who lack focus. It is believed that if a restaurant is around for a decade it is here to stay and those who get through adolescence & the teenage years are truly worth the salt they serve.
The brainchild of Mamta Sekhri & her sister, Poonam Soni the name ‘Papa Pancho da Dhaba’ was conceived when the duo along with their close friend & well-wisher Prahlad Kakkar bantered about the manner in which Punjabi’s would call out to another Oye Pancho! Anywhere in the world. Although the name was founded with a sense of fun, the restaurant has indeed toiled to carve a niche for itself. Mamta Sekhri states “Our journey has been defined by our food. We’ve always strived to provide a thick slice of wholesome Punjabi home-cooked food, combined with a relaxing & breezy dhaba ambience. We ensure that our dishes are consistent in taste and robust in their flavour. The journey from the 1st of June 2001 to the 1st of June 2021 has indeed been an adventure and we continue to do what we do best, and that is to serve wholesome Punjabi staples like Rajma Chawal and Baingan Bharta to all-time favourites such as our Bhuna Ghosht and Pichki Arbi. To our loyal and supportive customers.”
Another important factor that one must bear in mind is that the eatery was established and continues to operate with all-women management, after Poonam Soni’s departure to her heavenly abode, it was her daughter, Priyanka Soni Kochhar who took the baton forward. When quizzed about their experience in this male-dominated industry they quip “That it takes all forms of a Goddess to run and operate a restaurant.”
While the restaurant doesn’t deem it necessary to change the flavours of their bestsellers such as Dal Makhani & Chicken Tariwala. They do innovate and tweak the menu based on the respective seasons produce and their travels. ‘Papa Pancho da Dhaba’ is indeed an iconic establishment that serves the flavours of Punjab, and also keeps the spirit of Punjab alive in Bandra be it through their Baisakhi festivities or week-long celebrations with well-known Punjabi dishes that include contests of eating Gol Gappe or Drinking Lassi.
Papa Pancho Da Dhaba
Shop no. 12, Gasper Enclave, St. John Street, opp. HDFC Bank, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400050
Contact: 022-26518732/33 or Call/WhatsApp: 8693806175
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