Egg Cheese Pao
Spicy, fluffy scrambled eggs cooked with onions and tomatoes, stuffed into a soft, buttery pao roll with a slice of melted cheese. A popular Mumbai street food that's perfect for a quick breakfast or satisfying snack.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation
- b.Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Keep them separate.
- c.In a medium bowl, crack the 8 eggs. Add a pinch of salt and whisk lightly until the yolks and whites are just combined. Do not over-whisk. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Masala Base
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- d.Add 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and the chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- e.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and mushy.
- f.Add the spices: 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp pav bhaji masala, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 30-60 seconds until the spices are fragrant and oil starts to separate from the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Scramble the Eggs (Bhurji)
- b.Reduce the heat to low and pour the whisked eggs into the pan over the masala.
- c.Let the eggs sit for about 20-30 seconds without stirring to let the bottom set slightly.
- d.Gently start scrambling the eggs with a spatula, folding them from the edges towards the center. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are just cooked but still soft and moist. Avoid overcooking.
- e.Turn off the heat and mix in half of the chopped coriander leaves.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast the Pao
- b.Slit the ladi pav horizontally through the center, but don't cut all the way through, leaving one side connected like a hinge.
- c.Heat 2 tbsp of butter on a tawa (griddle) or another pan over medium heat.
- d.Place the pao, cut-side down, on the melted butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown and crisp. You can also toast the outer sides if you prefer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Open the warm, toasted pao. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half.
- c.Generously spoon the hot egg bhurji over the cheese. The heat from the eggs will melt the cheese perfectly.
- d.Garnish with the remaining fresh coriander leaves.
- e.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier bhurji, add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream to the eggs before whisking.
- 2Do not overcook the eggs. They should be soft and moist, as they will continue to cook from the residual heat.
- 3Toast the pao generously with butter. The crisp, buttery pao is a key part of the experience.
- 4For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of garam masala along with the pav bhaji masala.
- 5You can also add finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper) along with the onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the other spices.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable Loaded
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum) or sautéed mushrooms to the onion-tomato masala for added texture and nutrition.
Cheese VariationCheese Variation
Swap the processed cheese slice with grated mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend for a different flavor and a better 'cheese pull'.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Use whole wheat pao, reduce the amount of butter and cheese, or use an egg white-only bhurji.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Energy Boosting
The combination of carbohydrates from the pao and protein and fats from the eggs provides a sustained release of energy, making it a great meal to start your day.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish provides essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 and D from eggs, Vitamin C from tomatoes, and calcium from cheese, which supports bone health and immune function.
Frequently asked questions
One Egg Cheese Pao contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the size of the pao and the amount of butter and cheese used.