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This is how British chef William Harold died of Bhel Puri!

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - May 9, 2022, 14:00 IST
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Chef William Harold and Bhel Puri

India is known for its wide range of street foods. From North to South, and East to West, you get tasteful varieties of simple and easy street foods that can be easily replicated at home. But, sadly, one of these street foods once led to the death of an acclaimed British chef William Harold. Scroll below to know more about the incident. (Image: istock)


Also Read: 11 Indian cities that serve the best street foods

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​Chef William Harold died of Bhel Puri

Yes, you read the sub-header right! If we go by the reports making rounds online, the chef died because of the humble Indian snack ‘Bhel Puri’. The British chef William Harold was known for his perfectionist approach in everything he cooked and that is why he was sent to India as a personal chef to a high ranking officer of the British army. The officer once got to taste Bhel Puri, a sweet and spicy snack made with crispy papdis, puffed rice, sev, onion, potato, tamarind chutney, green chutney, chaat masala, oil, green chilli, mango powder, coriander leaves and lemon juice. He was so tempted by the double dose of balanced sweetness and spiciness of the snack that he ordered chef William to make the same for the troop. Chef William, who was alien to the dish, went out from one vendor to another in order to get that perfect Bhel Puri recipe. But every street food vendor gave him his own version of recipe, which had varied combinations and quantities of spices, all of which left William annoyingly confused. Later during the day when the officer demanded the dish, William told him that he couldn't find the ‘correct’ recipe and that the officer would have to make do with French Fries, once again.

As per reports, the officer got furious and took out his handgun and shot the chef dead. And that’s how the humble and innocent Bhel Puri ended up being the cause of the death of chef William Harold! (Image: istock)


Also Read: Best street foods from across the country

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​Final words

While nothing has been documented with respect to the incident, it’s only the grapevine communication and social media that portrays the incident to be true. If you also know any other story around the death of the chef or any fact related to the incident, share with us in the comments section. (Image: istock)


Also Read: This snack made in sand is a rare street food of Uttar Pradesh


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