Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale is one of the largest manufacturers of Indian snacks and food products based in Maharashtra. The reason for this post is that a friend had gone to his hometown (Pune) a month back and brought me loads of Patal Poha Chiwda and Baakarwadi and would appreciate if I write about the Chitales. The first one is basically fired puffed rice mixed with spices and nuts. The second one is the most popular item made by the Chitales and is a pack of these mini spring rolls, both pungent and salty in flavor. Both are incredible.
Their site says:
"Following in the footsteps of a successful dairy business established by Shri B. G. Chitale at Bhilawadi in the Sangli district of Maharashtra state in 1939, Shri. Raghunathrao (Bhausaheb) Chitale, his eldest son, promoted the firm of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale in 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra.
The firm began its operations in the heart of the Pune city at Bajirao Road and is still in existence there as a major and modern selling outlet. Eventually, one more principal outlet at Deccan Gymkhana, Pune was opened, the expansion being the brainchild of Shri. N. B. (Rajabhau) Chitale, the younger brother of Shri. Raghunathrao. The inspiration behind venturing into a dairy based food products business was of course, Shri. B. G. Chitale."
In addition to snacks, they manufacture and sell sweets, dairy products, dry fruits and ready-made mixes like dhokla, gulab jamun, vada, etc. What they are really famous for are their Shrikhand which comes in various flavours. So, next time you are in the educational capital of Maharashtra, do track down Chitale and gorge on the scrumptious delights. (By the way, the you've to roll your tongue really well to pronounce the 'L' in Chitale.)
