The hero vegetables—potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum, cauliflower all are New World imports, brought to India by the Portuguese around 14-15th Century. Fiery chili peppers add a spicy twist, also hailing from the Americas. Even supporting roles have a global flavour: Creamy, rich salty butter arrives with modern dairy techniques from Europe, and the humble "pav" is a European-style bread.

Pav Bhaji's story is a classic Bollywood tale of unlikely stars coming together in Mumbai to create a smash hit for Desi Folks.