Among the richest in the world, Mukesh Ambani is known to be extremely humble and kind. Beyond his business acumen, Mukesh Ambani and his family are known for their philanthrophic efforts and continuously support various sectors. The family is also known to be passionate food enthusiasts, which was even highlighted during Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding. Mukesh Ambani is known to love Gujarati food, and there is a shop in Mumbai’s Tardeo neighbourhood that’s said to be his favourite.
Mukesh Ambani has revealed in an interview that three generations of his family rely on weekly orders from Swati Snacks. Swati Snacks was founded in 1963 by Minakshi Jhaveri as a modest chaat shop with four tables and a menu of four items, priced at four annas. Now, it has evolved into a successful restaurant chain with a turnover of nearly INR 4 crore every month. Swati Snacks’ meteoric rise is based on homemade flavours, family values, and an unrelenting pursuit of customer satisfaction.
The eatery has been a favourite of celebrities and icons alike. Even the legendary artist M.F. Husain used to frequent the eatery for its Sev Puris, and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain used to take solace in its Dahi Batata Puris.
Innovating within tradition
While Swati Snacks pays homage to its Gujarati roots, it has embraced innovation to cater to evolving tastes. A standout offering is their Panki—a delicate rice pancake steamed in banana leaves—introduced in 2000 and now selling 600 plates daily. Variations like Pudina Panki, Suva (dill) Panki, and Panki Uttapam showcase the menu’s diversity.
In 2000, Swati Snacks received a modern facelift with bright yellow plates and an open kitchen. Today, between 25 to 30 delicacies are prepared daily, each rigorously tasted by family members before service begins.
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After Minakshi Jhaveri’s passing in 1979, her daughter Asha Jhaveri took over, despite never having cooked in her life, but she transformed the eatery.
The restaurant’s excellence has garnered international acclaim, including featuring in the Essence of Asia collection by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook was seen relishing a Vada Pav at Swati Snacks, further amplifying its international fame.
Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding rituals: Mukesh Ambani and family serve food to villagers during Anna Seva
(Images courtesy: Instagram/@swatisnacks)