Pao in Bombay: A Portuguese Culinary Contribution

The term Pao signifies a unique bread variety that has deeply ingrained itself into the culinary landscape of Mumbai, known locally as Bombay. This humble yet versatile bread has a rich history linked to Portuguese influence, which has significantly shaped the street food culture of the city.

History and Origin of Pao

Pao, the Indian version of Portuguese bread, traces its roots back to the time when European explorers first landed in parts of India, including Goa, Cochin, and other regions. The Portuguese brought with them a strong craving for wheat bread, which was different from the local staple of rice. In Goa, they found wheat flour but lacked yeast, a vital ingredient for leavening the dough. To overcome this challenge, they used a few drops of toddy, a traditional fermented drink, to ferment the dough and create the Pao.

Types of Pao

There are primarily two other types of bread found in Goa that are distinct from the Pao:

Undo: A crisp, round bread. Poie: Whole wheat pockets.

The Baker in Pune is called a Chapatiwala or Khakhara Patr (which means bread maker in Marathi). Historically, this profession is steeped in tradition and carries a rich cultural heritage.

The Spread of Pao to Bombay

The journey of Pao to Bombay (Mumbai) marked a significant shift in the local culinary landscape. By the time the British arrived with their own bread-making traditions, the Portuguese-Goan Pao had already become a staple among the locals. The Pao became an essential part of Mumbai's street food culture, giving rise to popular delicacies such as Pav-Bhaji, Kheema-Pav, Omelette-Pav, Pav Burjee, Pav Usal, and most famously, the Vada Pav.

The Cultural Impact of Pao

Imagine Mumbai without its iconic Pao! The Pao has not only become a symbol of the city's rich cultural diversity but also a platform for culinary innovation. The taste and texture of the Bombay Pav, as it is known, set it apart from ordinary bread. It is so integral to the street food culture that it has earned its place as a beloved treat loved by locals and tourists alike. The delivery of Pav right to one's doorstep, a unique Mumbai tradition, showcases the intimacy and convenience of this bread.

Interesting Facts about Pao

The baker's dozen, which traditionally consists of 13 pieces, has a curious twist in Mumbai. A laadi (slab) of Pav is always 16 pieces in Bombay lingo. This intriguing tradition highlights the city's vibrant and sometimes whimsical culinary culture. Similarly, the formal/polite 'you' in Hindi, aapa, is not easily translatable to English. However, the equivalent phrases in Urdu such as ap and aapki (along with a name) demonstrate the significance of formality and respect in language.