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Summer to me is the season of snacking! The 40degree temperature outside coupled with the amount of fluid I consume leaves little space for a full-fledged meal, rather lunch. Fortunately it leaves just enough room for my snack indulgences. And, if you are in Baroda there is no dearth of snack-joints that you can explore. Vada pav, Sev usal, Farali khichdi, Paani puri, Sev puri, Dahi puri, Bhel, Kachori, Samosa, Cholafadi, Bombay Sandwich, Dabeli,…the list goes on. If your taste buds are as adventurous as mine you not likely to be disappointed in my city.
Today, I headed out to a lane on RC Dutt road that I have affectionately nicknamed the Bombay Sandwich Gulli! The ubiquitous Bombay Sandwich is one the most-preferred snacks of the people of Vadodara. Although, the sandwich is found in every alternate lane of Alkapuri, the charm of Bombay Sandwich Gulli is something I always fall for. Nestled between Centre Point and National Plaza, the Bombay Sandwich Gulliis a narrow lane with about 6 to 8 kiosks selling Bombay Sandwich and more.
Bombay Sandwich Gulli
To the untrained eye, it might seem like a multiple reflection of a single kiosk selling Bombay sandwiches; however, we Barodians know that that’s far from true. All kiosks in this lane look like replicas of each other. Their menu and prices are the same. And, at the risk of being ostracized by the foodies of Baroda, they also almost taste the same. So, what tells them apart? Customer loyalty! Every Bombay Sandwich addict has her own favorite from among these kiosks lined up on the Bombay Sandwich Gulli. While I always choose to eat at the first kiosk outside “She”, a friend swears by the second kiosk on the opposite side of the road while my cousins prefer the sit-in option at the ‘last guy with the big store.’
Interestingly, all Bombay Sandwichwallahs mention categorically that they are ‘original’ and have no other branches. You might also think it as a conspiracy by Amul Butter considering all kiosks have the Amul Butter Girl pasted on them.
The Kiosk which I prefer
Look-Alike Kiosks
If I gave the impression that Bombay Sandwich Gulli serves only Bombay Sandwiches, I apologize. Besides this star of sandwiches, you can also relish Samosa Sandwich, Cheese Chutney Sandwich, Chocolate Sandwich, Pineapple Sandwich, Jain Sandwich and all other kinds of vegetarian sandwiches at every kiosk of the Bombay Sandwich Gulli. Some also serve chaats, juices and milk shakes. I personally like the chocolate thick shake (more like a chocolate thick-slushy) at the sit-in at the end of the Bombay Sandwich Gulli.
Bombay Sandwich
In short, while you can find Bombay Sandwiches across Baroda and might prefer a particular vendor/location, you still have to try one (or many) at the Bombay Sandwich Gulli!
A personal poll
Sandwiches: Tasty
Portioning: It’s Sandwich + loads of cheese + chips
Service: Quick
Ambience: Roadside
Price: All kiosks have same prices.
