Bhaji

Bhaji
	Stuffed mirchi (chilli) bhaji in an Indian restaurant
Alternative names	Bhaji, bajji, onion bhaji, bhajia (Gujarati)
Type	Fritter
Place of origin	India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
Region or state	Indian subcontinent
Serving temperature	hot
Main ingredients	Gram flour, vegetables
Similar dishes	Pakora and other fritters made from wheat or corn flour
	Media: Bhaji;

A bhaji (also spelled bajji or bhajee) is a type of fritter originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is made from spicy hot vegetables, commonly onion, and has several variants.^[1] It is a popular snack food in India and is also very popular in Bangladesh. It can be found for sale in street-side stalls, especially in tapris (on streets) and dhabas (on highways). It is a common starter in Indian restaurant cuisine across the United Kingdom.

Regional varieties

Outside Southern and Western India, such preparations are often known as pakora. Bhajis can be made with chili, potato, onion, plantain, or bread. Regional versions include the potato-based bonda (in South India),^[2]^[3] vada^[4] (originally with potato, in Maharashtra^[5]) and gota (in Gujarat), made with green fenugreek leaves.^[6]

Cultural significance

Bhajis are a component of traditional Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Kerala, and Telugu cuisines served on special occasions and at festivals. They are generally served with a cup of coffee, tea, or a traditional serving of yameen. Banana peppers are used for making mirchi bhajji.

Onion bhajis are often eaten as a starter in Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom before the main course, along with poppadoms and other Indian snacks. They may be served with a side of salad and a slice of lemon, or with mango chutney, and are traditionally made to a mild taste.^[1] The Guinness World Record for the largest onion bhaji is held by one weighing 175.48 kilograms (386 lb 13+3⁄4 oz) made by Oli Khan and Team of Surma Takeaway Stevenage on 4 February 2020.^[7]