Bhopal's Street Food Vendor Brings Back Egg Banjo With A Twist
Image Credit: faction57.com

Eggs, the jack-of-all-trades in the culinary world, reign supreme as a staple food that can be found just about anywhere. Whether it's the classic breakfast dish of scrambled eggs and toast or the street food offerings of masala omelettes and anda bhurji, eggs are ubiquitous in our daily diets. In India, where street food culture thrives, these versatile orbs take centrestage in a variety of desi-style egg recipes.

Yet, one street vendor in Bhopal has concocted an egg-cellent creation that is both unexpected and delightful. A video of the food stall showcasing this special egg banjo was shared on the 'yumyumindia' Instagram page, leaving foodies salivating at the sight. 

The egg banjo, a traditional British sandwich variety that has been lost to time, is a true gem among its counterparts. It's a sandwich that features fried eggs crammed between thick slices of buttered bread, with the standout feature being the runny yolk that makes the sandwich a moist and juicy affair. Legend has it that the sandwich first gained popularity during World War II as a quick and easy snack to make in a pinch.

But did you know why it is called Egg Banjo? Eating an egg banjo can be a messy affair, with the yolk and sauce often dribbling down one's chest. In a bid to clean up the mess, one hand instinctively moves to wipe it away while the other hand holds the sandwich, resulting in a comical "air banjo" playing motion that lends its name to the dish.

Despite the potential for a messy eating experience, the egg banjo remains a beloved snack in the British military as well as in Commonwealth countries like Malaysia, where it continues to be a popular street food offering. 

The egg banjo is crafted with a unique twist at 'Chacha Egg Corner' in Bhopal. Rather than the standard two eggs, this version boasts a hearty filling of three to three and a half eggs that are first cooked up with masala and chopped onions. As the eggs are being cooked, slices of bread are added to the mix, soaking up all the delicious flavours. Once the eggs and bread are thoroughly cooked, the sandwich is layered with a generous helping of mayonnaise, tomato sauce, and grated cheese.

While this egg banjo may stray from tradition, it's certainly packed with an abundance of eggs, cheese, and creamy mayonnaise that makes it the epitome of comfort food. It's no wonder that the video showcasing this dish has been viewed over 182,000 times and has amassed thousands of likes.

Have you ever tried egg banjo? Let us know!