“Pav bhaji feeds over 30,000 souls on Mumbai’s famous Chowpatty stretch every single day!” That’s not just trivia—it’s proof that the right masala can turn humble veggies into a soul-warming street feast.

That was 2018, my first trip to India, and I remember standing in a bustling Mumbai street market with a plate of pav bhaji, scooping up spicy, tangy bhaji with butter-soaked pav. 

That moment changed me. Back in the USA, I was determined to recreate that magic in my kitchen. 

But, 75% of a great pav bhaji’s flavor comes from one thing: the masala. Get that wrong, and you’re just eating mashed veggies. 

As an expat who’s spent years perfecting Indian recipes, I’ve tested countless masalas to bring you this guide to the best pav bhaji masala USA. Let’s make your homemade pav bhaji sing!

Top Pav Bhaji Masalas You Can Buy in the USA 

After countless batches of pav bhaji (and a few disasters), I’ve narrowed down the best pav bhaji masala brands in USA. 

These are my go-to picks, each with its own personality to suit different palates.

Everest Pav Bhaji Masala

Everest is a huge brand. It’d be true to say that Indian kitchen is incomplete without Everest masalas. 

If you ever meet an Indian they sure must be having one or two masalas or blends from Everest in their kitchen.

This is my gold standard. Everest pav bhaji masala is like that friend who’s always reliable—never too spicy, perfectly balanced, and so close to the Mumbai street-style bhaji I fell in love with. 

Its blend of coriander, cumin, dry mango, and star anise gives a warm, chatpata flavor that doesn’t overpower the veggies. I once made a batch for a potluck, and my friends swore it tasted like it came from a street vendor!

You’ll find Everest at Bombay Mart Groceries in Algonquin, online at their website, or on platforms like Amazon or StarQuik. A 100g pack costs around $3 and lasts for months.

MDH Pav Bhaji Masala

MDH is for those who like their bhaji bold and intense. It’s got a slightly pungent kick, thanks to its mix of coriander, chili, cumin, and dry mango powder. 

I used MDH for a family dinner last month, and my uncle, who’s a spice fiend, couldn’t stop raving about the depth of flavor. 

It’s less potent than Everest, so you might need a bit more to get that punch. A 100g pack runs about $2.5.

Badshah Mumbai Pav Bhaji Masala

Badshah brings a tangy, spicy twist that’s perfect if you want your bhaji to have a little extra zing. 

I tried it during a rainy weekend cook-off, and it gave my bhaji a vibrant, street-stall vibe. It’s budget-friendly, too, with a 100g pack priced around $3-$4. 

The only catch? Its potency is high, so start with a small amount and adjust.

Shan Pav Bhaji Masala

This one’s a hidden gem. It is lesser known but is gaining popularity very fast. Shan uses low-temperature grinding to lock in a fresh aroma, and its mild spice level makes it great for kids or spice-averse folks. 

I discovered it at Bombay Mart Groceries in Algonquin last summer, and it’s become my go-to for quick weeknight bhajis. A 50g carton is about $2.5 at Bombay mart.

All these spices are available now at our Algonquin store and online with fast shipping across the USA. Order today at BombayMartGroceries.com!

How to Choose the Right Pav Bhaji Masala

Picking the best pav bhaji masala in the USA can feel overwhelming with so many options. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of cooking and tasting:

• Freshness: Check the packaging date. Spices lose their mojo after a year. I once used an old pack of masala, and my bhaji tasted like cardboard—lesson learned!

• Flavor Balance: Look for a blend with coriander, cumin, dry mango, and chili for that classic chatpata taste. Avoid masalas where one spice (like clove or star anise) dominates.

• Spice Level: If you love heat, MDH or Badshah might be your vibe. For milder flavors, Everest or Catch is the way to go.

• Dietary Needs: All these brands are vegetarian and gluten-free, but double-check for allergens like salt or citric acid if you’re sensitive.
   

Pro tip: Smell the masala before buying (if you’re in-store at Bombay Mart Groceries). It should hit you with a vibrant, spicy aroma, not a dull whiff.

Quick Pav Bhaji Recipe Using These Masalas

Want to whip up pav bhaji that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant? Here’s my go-to recipe, honed after years of trial and error. It serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 1 cup cauliflower, boiled and mashed

• ½ cup green peas, boiled

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 large tomatoes, pureed

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2–3 tbsp pav bhaji masala (Everest, MDH, Badshah, or Shan)

• 3 tbsp butter (vegan butter works too!)

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)

• Salt to taste

• 8 pav buns (available at Bombay Mart Groceries)

• Chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the base: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large pan or kadai. Add ginger-garlic paste and onions. Sauté until golden.

2. Add tomatoes: Pour in the tomato puree and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Add Kashmiri chili powder for that vibrant color.

3. Mash veggies: Add mashed potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and bell pepper. Mix well, adding ½ cup water for a smooth consistency. Mash with a potato masher for that street-style texture.

4. Spice it up: Stir in 2–3 tbsp pav bhaji masala and salt. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, adjusting water for desired thickness.

5. Toast the pav: Heat a skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and a pinch of pav bhaji masala. Toast pav buns until golden and crispy.

6. Serve: Garnish bhaji with cilantro, a dollop of butter, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with toasted pav.

Get fresh groceries including pav buns, at BombayMartGroceries.com or our Algonquin store!

Where to Buy Pav Bhaji Masala in the USA

Finding quality pav bhaji masala in the USA is easier than you think. Indian grocery store pav bhaji masalas are the best.

Swing by BombayMartGroceries, our Indian grocery store packed with brands like Everest, MDH, Badshah, and Shan Blend. Stop by for a whiff of fresh spices!

You can also buy pav bhaji masala online USA at:

• BombayMartGroceries.com: Nationwide shipping, same-day pickup in Algonquin, and local delivery within 10 miles.

• Amazon.com: Great for buying spices from Everest, MDH, and Badshah.

Pro tip: Compare prices online, but local Indian grocery stores like Bombay Mart Groceries often have better deals. I once snagged a 100g Everest pack for $3 at a small shop versus $6 online!

Comparison Table: Everest vs MDH pav bhaji masala vs Badshah pav bhaji masala

Craving street-style pav bhaji? Pick your favorite masala and start cooking today! Order online from BombayMartGroceries.com or visit us in Algonquin.

FAQ

Which pav bhaji masala is best in the USA?

Everest is my top pick for its balanced flavor, but MDH and Badshah are great for bolder or spicier bhajis.

Can I use garam masala instead of pav bhaji masala?

No way! Garam masala lacks the tangy, chatpata punch of pav bhaji masala. It’s like using ketchup instead of hot sauce.

Where to buy pav bhaji masala online in the US?

Check out BombayMartGroceries.com, or Amazon for fast shipping. Local Indian grocery stores like Bombay Mart Groceries in Algonquin often have the best prices.