The story of Ahmedabad's legendary Desi Pizzas: The Jashuben Shah Pizza

Jashuben Pizza holds a special place in the heart of many Amdavadis. In the early 90s when pizza was still a new concept to the city, two women Jashuben and Anderben started a unique street food business- Desi pizzas. These pizzas were unlike the traditional pizzas, the recipe was developed by the duo. While the base was developed at home they also created a puree on the sweeter side to serve to the Gujarati palate.

Quickly, these pizzas became so famous among the locals that the modest eatery outsold major brands like Domino's and Pizza Hut. It continues to be a favorite to this day. Anderben's son-in-law now manages the business and maintains the same taste and flavor, still using the ovens designed by these women.

These palm-sized pizzas, an Amdavadi twist on the Italian delicacy, are truly one-of-a-kind. The pizza dough is meticulously hand-made, combining wheat flour and maida to create a distinctive base. However, the star of this simple yet captivating recipe is undoubtedly the tomato puree. Made with ingredients like tomatoes and garlic and infused with a touch of Gujarati sweetness, this puree adds a unique dimension to the dish, complementing the crispy base.

The toppings are refreshingly simple, comprising only onions and capsicum, allowing the flavors to shine through. After a spell in the specially designed oven, the pizzas emerge perfectly baked, ready to be generously topped with local grated cheese. The result is a unique pizza that continues to delight generations of Amdavadis, a testament to the enduring legacy of Jashuben and Anderben.

The story of Jashuben Pizza began with two enterprising women, Jashuben and Anderben. In the 90s, while working together as cooks, Anderben expressed her wish to start a food business. Jashuben, with her unwavering support, provided the necessary financial backing for the venture. Together, they embarked on a journey that introduced a novel eatery to concept of street-side Desi pizzas.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of their journey is that these visionary women also conceived and designed a unique eight-layered oven that operates on a cooking gas cylinder. This innovation played a pivotal role in catapulting their business to success.