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Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Swati Snacks' Asha Jhaveri, known for pioneering Indian chaat, passes away at 79
The force behind Mumbai's iconic Swati Snacks, Asha 'Ashaben' Jhaveri, passed away on Saturday, June 14. She was 79. 'Asha Jhaveri passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025. We are deeply saddened by the loss and will miss her very much,' read an official post on Swati Snacks' Instagram page on Monday evening. The post, signed by Anand Zaveri and the family, further informed that 'as per her wish, there will be no besana or prayer meeting.' Founded in the early 1960s by her mother, Minakshi Jhaveri, Swati Snacks began as a modest chaat stall in Tardeo, serving sev puri, bhel puri, ragda pattice, and pani puri. When Minakshi passed away in 1979, Asha stepped in to run the family business. Though she had no formal culinary training, her determination, intuition, and an unparalleled eye for detail transformed Swati Snacks from a four-table counter into one of the city's most iconic and enduring food institutions. Today, it is widely known for its signature dishes such as banana leaf-steamed panki, fada ni khichdi, and satpadi roti, alongside Mumbai favourites like pav bhaji, vada pav, sev puri, and dahi batata puri. A post shared by Swati Snacks (@swatisnacks) Those who worked closely with her often spoke of her hands-on approach, from inspecting ingredients daily to modernising the kitchen and ensuring that every dish remained true to its roots. What also set Swati Snacks apart was its ability to appeal to a wide spectrum of diners — from college students to billionaires. Just two years ago, Apple CEO Tim Cook and actor Madhuri Dixit were photographed enjoying a vada pav at the restaurant. Mukesh Ambani has mentioned that his family places weekly orders, a tradition carried on across three generations. The legendary painter M.F. Husain was known to visit every Sunday for sev puri, while tabla maestro Zakir Hussain favoured the dahi batata puri. Over the years, Swati became a must-visit stop for Michelin-starred chefs visiting Mumbai, whether for work or leisure. In 2021, Asha Jhaveri published a memoir titled Swati Snacks: A Culinary Journey of Hope and Joy, reflecting on her life and her relationship with food. That same year, Swati Snacks was included in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' 'Essence of Asia' collection. 'Asha Jhaveri of the iconic Swati Snacks lives on in our hearts and in the dishes she created. We had a personal rapport and through her medical suffering, she continued to smile and, in spite of multiple awards, remained down to earth,' wrote Rashmi Uday Singh, veteran food critic and author, on Instagram. Ashaben leaves behind not just a restaurant, but a legacy and a story of determination, and flavour.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Asha Jhaveri, the quiet visionary behind Swati Snacks, passes away at 79
In a city that's always rushing, Swati Snacks was a place that made you slow down. With its silver thalis, clean flavours and timeless favourites, it became more than just an eatery. And behind it all was Asha Jhaveri, a quiet force who let her food speak for her. On June 14, Mumbai lost her at the age of 79 after a long illness. Her passing feels personal to many who grew up with the comfort and care her food offered. What set Asha Jhaveri apart wasn't fame or fancy menus. It was her simple, honest way of doing things. When she took over from her mother in the late 70s, she didn't try to change everything. She focused on improving what was already there. She brought order to the kitchen, made quiet changes that mattered, and kept the warm, home-style feel that made Swati Snacks special. If you've ever had their soft panki, crisp khichu or that perfectly spiced dahi batata puri, you've tasted her vision. Every dish felt just right, comforting but never dull, traditional but still new. That mix was her strength. She made vegetarian food inviting and full of variety, and quietly gave lesser-known Gujarati dishes the space they deserved. What also stood out was the environment she built. Staff were treated like family. Customers returned for the warmth just as much as the food. Her attention to detail, her calm leadership, and her refusal to cut corners earned her the respect of peers and patrons alike. Over time, Swati Snacks became a part of Mumbai's memory, the place you went after college, on Sunday mornings, or when out-of-town guests asked for 'something local.' It wasn't just popular among regular folks. Celebrities quietly adored it too. But it was never about glamour. Asha Jhaveri's legacy lies in something deeper: showing that food rooted in tradition, made with care and served with integrity will always stand the test of time. She rarely gave interviews, never chased the limelight. But she changed Mumbai's food culture in a way few others have, with quiet strength, steady grace and a lasting impact. Swati Snacks will carry on, but it will always carry her imprint. Rest well, Ashaben. You fed a city's soul. Thumb image credit: Handout Image credit: Bombay Today One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
