The Story of Bakarwadi

Every region in India has its own unique flavor, a snack that represents its culture and taste. For Maharashtra, one such gem is Bakarwadi — a crispy, spicy, and sweet spiral snack that has quietly made its way from local kitchens to store shelves across the nation. But have you ever wondered where it all began? How did this humble roll become one of India’s most loved tea-time companions? Let’s unfold the flavorful journey of Bakarwadi.

A Snack Born Out of Tradition

The story of Bakarwadi begins in the heart of Maharashtra, where home cooks loved experimenting with flours, spices, and fillings. Traditionally, Bakarwadi was made using a dough of gram flour (besan) filled with a tangy and spicy mixture of coconut, sesame seeds, coriander, and chili powder. The roll was then sliced into small pinwheels, deep-fried until crisp, and stored for days.

But what made it special was its balance of flavors — spicy, sweet, and tangy all in one bite. It was not just a snack; it was a representation of the Marathi love for bold taste and creativity in food.

From Gujarat to Maharashtra – A Fusion of Cultures

Interestingly, the story of Bakarwadi is also about cultural exchange. Many food historians believe that the roots of Bakarwadi can be traced back to Gujarat, where similar snacks like Bhakarwadi were already popular. When Gujarati families migrated and settled in Maharashtra, especially in cities like Pune, they brought their recipes along.

Over time, Maharashtrian households began adding their own twist to the recipe — making it spicier and crispier. This blend of Gujarati sweetness and Maharashtrian spice gave birth to the version we now call Maharashtrian Bakarwadi.

Isn’t it amazing how one snack can represent the friendship between two states through flavor?

The Rise of Bakarwadi in Pune

While homemade Bakarwadi was always a household treat, its journey to fame truly began in Pune. During the 1970s, the famous Chitale family who ran, started selling packaged Bakarwadi. It was an instant hit.

For the first time, people could enjoy crispy, perfectly spiced Bakarwadi that tasted just like homemade but came ready to eat. Pune became synonymous with Bakarwadi, and travelers would carry packets as gifts for friends and family across India.

Soon, Bakarwadi turned into more than just a snack — it became a symbol of Pune’s culinary identity.

But that was just the beginning. As years went by, several regional and modern brands reimagined the snack — giving it a fresh twist while keeping its heritage intact. One such brand carrying this tradition forward today is Shriji Brothers Pvt. Ltd., known for its Garlic Bakarwadi a blend of innovation rooted in authenticity.

The Modern Transformation – From Local Snack to Global Shelf

Today, Bakarwadi has crossed geographical boundaries. What was once made by hand in small quantities is now produced on modern machines in large food units. Yet, most brands still try to keep the authentic taste intact.

From traditional spicy Bakarwadi to newer versions like Garlic Bakarwadi, Sweet Bakarwadi, and even Mini Bakarwadi, the snack has evolved to suit modern tastes.

You can now find Bakarwadi on online marketplaces, in airports, and even in Indian stores abroad. The reach of this small spiral snack shows how strong cultural flavors can travel miles when made with passion.

Why Do People Love Bakarwadi So Much?

Have you noticed how some snacks have an emotional connection attached to them? Bakarwadi is one of those. For many Indians, it brings back memories of family get-togethers, train journeys, and evening tea with parents or grandparents.

But apart from nostalgia, Bakarwadi stands out because of its perfect flavor balance. The crunch, the slight sweetness from jaggery or sugar, the heat of red chili, and the tang from amchur (dry mango powder) — all work together in harmony. It’s not too spicy, not too sweet — just enough to leave you wanting another piece.

Another reason behind its success is its long shelf life. Unlike perishable sweets, Bakarwadi can be stored for weeks, making it a perfect travel companion.

Bakarwadi’s Journey from Home Kitchens to Global Shelves

Once sold only in local sweet shops, Bakarwadi today is available across India and even abroad. With the growing Indian diaspora, the demand for authentic Indian snacks has skyrocketed — and Bakarwadi has traveled far beyond Pune or Gujarat.

Modern snack companies, including Shriji Brothers Pvt. Ltd., are taking this traditional recipe to the next level. By using premium ingredients, better packaging, and innovative flavors like Garlic Bakarwadi, they are bridging the gap between old-school taste and new-age snacking.

From small-town stores to online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, this humble snack has evolved into a national and global delicacy.

The Business Side – A Growing Snack Industry

The demand for Indian snacks has grown rapidly in the last decade, and Bakarwadi has been one of the key products riding that wave. According to recent trends, the Indian savory snacks market is expanding at over 10% CAGR, driven by changing lifestyles and the desire for regional flavors in convenient packaging.

Many regional brands, startups, and traditional sweet shops have realized the potential and started producing their versions of Bakarwadi. From small local stores in Pune and Nagpur to large FMCG brands, everyone wants to be part of this crispy success story.

Interestingly, some new-age startups are even introducing baked versions or healthier variants of Bakarwadi using millet flour or air-frying methods. This shows that innovation continues, but the heart of the recipe remains the same — flavorful and satisfying.

Bakarwadi in Pop Culture

For those who grew up in Maharashtra, Bakarwadi isn’t just food — it’s an identity. It often finds mention in Marathi TV shows, films, and regional literature. People associate it with Pune’s warmth, home visits, and festive gatherings.

Just like vada pav represents Mumbai, Bakarwadi represents Pune’s pride. In fact, many people visiting Pune make sure to carry a few packets back home, the same way people buy Mysore Pak from Karnataka or Soan Papdi from Delhi.

The Art of Making Bakarwadi – Still a Family Secret

Even though large factories produce Bakarwadi in bulk today, the original charm still lies in homemade versions. Every family has its own recipe — some prefer more coconut, others like a stronger garlic flavor. The technique of rolling the dough tightly and frying it at the right temperature still determines how crisp the final product turns out.

Have you ever tried making Bakarwadi at home? It’s not easy! Getting that perfect crunch and spiral without the filling leaking requires patience and practice. That’s why even today, homemade Bakarwadi made by skilled hands feels special — it carries the love and warmth of tradition.

A Snack That Represents India’s Diversity

If you think about it, Bakarwadi’s story is also the story of India’s culinary diversity. It’s a Gujarati idea perfected in Maharashtra, popularized across India, and now enjoyed globally. It represents how food connects people, how traditions evolve, and how local tastes can become national favorites.

From festive boxes to office break snacks, Bakarwadi has found its place everywhere. It’s no longer just a “Pune thing” — it’s an Indian thing.

Regional Variations of Bakarwadi

• Pune-style Bakarwadi – Crisp, spicy, and slightly sweet, known for its balanced masala filling.
• Gujarati Bakarwadi – Lighter in spice, slightly tangy with more coconut and sesame flavor.
• Garlic Bakarwadi (by Shriji Brothers) – A modern variant infused with bold garlic flavor, offering a savory twist to the classic taste.

The Future of Bakarwadi

So what’s next for Bakarwadi? As the snack market continues to evolve, we’re seeing new innovations like fusion Bakarwadi flavors — think Garlic Cheese Bakarwadi or Peri Peri Bakarwadi. Startups and brands are packaging it in modern, travel-friendly designs and promoting it as a premium snack for younger audiences.

But despite all this modernization, the essence of Bakarwadi remains tied to its roots — flavor, family, and familiarity. It continues to remind us that some of the best things in life come from tradition, not trends.

The story of Bakarwadi is more than just about food — it’s about tradition, taste, and transformation.
From small kitchens in Gujarat and Maharashtra to store shelves across India and beyond, it’s a journey fueled by love and innovation.

And as brands like SJD Shriji Brothers Pvt. Ltd. continue to carry forward this legacy — blending authenticity with creativity — Bakarwadi’s story is far from over. It’s just beginning a new chapter, one crispy bite at a time.