Reviving Upwas Food in Pune: The Badshahi Refreshment House Legacy

In a city that celebrates various cuisines, one eatery stands out for its Upwas menu, which has been a staple in the heart of Sadashiv Peth's Lokmanya Nagar since 1936. Badshahi Refreshment House, founded by Late Sridhar Moghe, has been a beacon of soulful sattvic food, personal warmth, and enduring taste, transcending generations under the stewardship of the Sahasrabuddhe family. With Medha Sahasrabuddhe at the helm, the restaurant has evolved into a haven for nourishment and joy, incorporating innovative and health-focused dishes, while also employing differently-abled people.

Key Takeaways:

**Pioneering Upwas Menu**: Badshahi Refreshment House has been serving a full-fledged Upwas menu since its inception in 1936, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.
**Family Legacy**: The restaurant has been under the stewardship of the Sahasrabuddhe family for over five generations, with each family member adding their own touch to the menu and legacy.
**Medha Sahasrabuddhe's Leadership**: Takeover of the restaurant by Medha Sahasrabuddhe after her husband's passing marked a significant shift in the menu, with a focus on health, innovation, and inclusivity.
**Innovative Menu**: Under Medha's guidance, the menu has expanded to include dishes like Jayphal (nutmeg) coffee for mental alertness, Kharvas sweetened with jaggery, and Konkani spices to make the dishes cool even in summer.
**Employment of Differently-abled People**: The restaurant actively employs a few differently-abled people, fostering a sense of purpose and inclusivity.
**Frequent Treaty with Regular Customers**: Long-time customers, like 72-year-old Kishore Jagdale, who has been visiting the restaurant for over 50 years, attest to the warmth and hospitality of Badshahi.

Statistics:

**Generations under Sahasrabuddhe Family**: Five generations of the Sahasrabuddhe family have managed the restaurant since its inception.
**Employees**: Badshahi has a staff of 20, but on peak days, extra help is called in from a contractor, making the total workforce even larger.
**Years of Operation**: The restaurant has been in operation since 1936, making it a heritage eatery in Pune.
**Customer Loyalty**: The restaurant boasts of customers like Kishore Jagdale, who have been coming back for over 50 years.

Sources: