Mumbai's beloved vada pav might soon get pricier, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) recent directive to phase out wood and coal in commercial kitchens potentially impacting the supply of pav, the soft bread roll that is a key ingredient of the city's iconic street food. The BMC has mandated that by July 8, all restaurants, dhabas and bakeries must transition to green fuels like electricity, CNG, PNG and LPG to curb air pollution. The move comes in compliance with a Bombay High Court order aimed at improving air quality and protecting public health. However, this directive has sparked concerns among Mumbai's traditional bakeries and Irani cafés, many of which rely on wood-fired ovens to bake pav and other baked goods.
The Indian Bakers Association wrote a letter to authorities, saying that ‘vada pav’ is the basic necessity of every Mumbaikar and any disturbance in supply will create an unwanted scenario, news agency PTI reported. Vada pav, often hailed as Mumbai's most iconic snack, holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars. Deeply woven into the fabric of the city's culture, it is adored by everyone—from factory workers to college students, and even Bollywood stars. Every day, more than two million of these crispy, flavorful vegetarian delights are devoured across Mumbai, the financial capital of India and its largest metropolis. In a city that never stops moving, vada pav is the ultimate quick, affordable, and satisfying snack, making it the perfect companion for those constantly on the go.
Meanwhile, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar demanded heritage status for cafes and bakeries of this nature. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Narwekar said Irani cafes are an essential part of Mumbai’s culinary history and the woodfired ovens are an integral part of their legacy. “The distinct taste and aroma of the baked goods that these cafes are known for are the direct result of the wood and charcoal-based ovens. The non-wood or coal ovens will change the taste of the cuisine, which the patrons have cherished for generations," he said. Nawekar called for the protection of a significant cultural identity closely tied to Mumbai’s history by giving heritage status to Irani cafes. He further said that in places like New York, historic restaurants are exempt from regulations to protect traditional cooking methods, while in the Netherlands, centuries-old windmills, in the middle of the cities, are preserved as national heritage.