40 years of keeping food simple

Nagpur: Back in 1974, when Dharampeth was not as crowded as it is today, Pradip Dewani, a 22-year-old enterprising Gujarati, set up a small snacks counter — Priti Corner — and named after his sister. “There was a lot of construction going on at that time,” says his son Kapil, who along with brother Harsh manages the place today. “Dharampeth was still in a developing stage but there were schools and colleges all around, and students would flock here,” he adds.
The tiny shop doled out samosa, kachori, ragda pattice, bhel puri and patodi liberally smeared with sweet and sour chutney. “The cost of each of these items varied from 40 to 60 paise per plate and the most popular item was ragda pattice,” says Harsh. The menu has remained the same till date. “Our father says we should keep things simple and concentrate on quality.”
When the place had started, Pradip himself prepared the items. “Today we have a staff of five but still mixing of ingredients and spices is done by us,” informs Harsh. Though they are Gujaratis, the flavours are Maharashtrian.
“Our customers are mostly young students. Those who used to eat here in their younger days also visit. But, on holidays, there is big rush and we prepare items to specifications of our customers,” says Kapil. “Girls love to eat very spicy food and we keep getting request for more chutney in bhel and samosa,” he adds.
When Priti Corner started, the food items were prepared on coal fire. “In 1994 we renovated this place and set up LPG stoves. We are very particular about hygiene and customers are free to come inside and watch the food being cooked,” says Harsh.
The small eatery opens at 7 in the morning and winds up by 7.30pm. “There are no leftovers and we close once the stuff is finished. Fresh stock of all items is prepared every half an hour,” he says. Space constraints do not permit them to increase number of items or volumes.
There are many who are unable to catch up with these timings. “I have been trying to grab a bite here since the last few days but have been reaching after it shuts down,” says Shiv Sial who is now studying in Bangalore. “In my school days I have hogged the samosa and bhel here and want to enjoy these items before I return,” he says.
Consistent good quality and personalized service is what draws businessman Rajesh Sanghani here. “As students we used to be very amused as the owner Pradipbhai looked very similar to actor Ranjeet. This eatery was popular as a chaat place and we enjoyed bhel and patodi. Now too I eat there at least four times in a month,” Sanghani says.
Though happy with the patronage, the brothers say they would now like to open outlets in Mumbai and Pune too.