From a makeshift snack counter to a neighbourhood gem, this Vile Parle farsan and wafer shop tells a story of consistency and tradition for nearly six decades
Sweet and savoury snacks are displayed at the shop. Pics/Satej Shinde
It is often said that food is the quickest route to the heart, and for Prakash Kulkarni, a loyal patron of Pankaj Farsan and Wafer Mart for over 25 years, that sentiment is true. For generations of residents in Vile Parle, the modest snack shop has been synonymous with familiarity and trust.
What began as a small, makeshift outlet in 1968 on Hanuman Road in Vile Parle was founded by Kantilal Dedhia and his wife Dhanvanti Dedhia. From its early days, the shop became a neighbourhood favourite for wholesome snacks such as potato chips, Khaman Dhokla, Gathiya and the traditional Gujarati
delicacy, Undhiyu.
Khaman Dhokla; Samosa; The classic potato wafers
“Back then, my father started the shop on a small scale. It wasn’t a proper shop — more like a kachcha (temporary) space, and we sold only potato chips, Gathiya and traditional Gujarati snacks,” recalls Nilesh Dedhia, son of Kantilal Dedhia. One of the defining memories of the early years, Dedhia says, was the unmistakable aroma of freshly fried potato chips.
The shop’s journey has been largely smooth, barring an interruption during the 1978 Maharashtra state elections, when the owners were forced to shut it down for a month due to the friction created by unsavoury elements in the area — the first and last closure since it started. The pause, however, did little to dampen its momentum. Soon after the first permanent shop was established at the same location, helping the business cement its reputation in the area.
(Left to right) Pankaj, Nilesh, and Paren Dedhia (son of Nilesh Dedhia)
Today, as one steps into the shop located on the ground floor of a residential building, the aroma of freshly prepared snacks greets customers even before the counter comes into view. Now run by brothers Pankaj and Nilesh Dedhia, the establishment continues to operate from its original site. “Over the years, the shop has grown beyond farsan,” says Nilesh.
Nilesh Dedhia and wife Meeta Dedhia
Behind the counter, the strength of the store lies in its loyal team that has remained with the family for decades. Nilesh credits the bestselling samosa to in-house chef Muniram Yadav, along with sous chefs Bablu and Ramchandra Yadav, for maintaining consistency. “People travel from the other end of the city just to taste our samosa and jalebi. In 2023 and 2024, we had to set up a live jalebi counter during Dussehra as most of it used to get sold out,” he laughs.
A view of the store, Pankaj Farsan and Wafer Mart
Over the course of time, as tastes evolved, so did its menu. The shop added items like Lilva Kachori, Rumali Dhokla, Farali Pattice, and a range of Indian sweets including white Rajkot Peda, malai barfi, milk cake and Mahim Halwa. They also sell select grocery items like khakhra, biscuits and thepla. Meeta Dedhia, Nilesh’s wife aptly summarises the journey, “The shop has witnessed, and endured a lot. My father-in-law managed everything single-handedly, and we try to keep that
legacy intact.”
Prakash Kulkarni and Muniram Yadav
AT Pankaj Farsan and Wafer Mart, Shridhar Apartments, Hanuman Road, Vile Parle East.
TIME 8.30 am to 9.30 pm (Mondays closed)
CALL 9869182114
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