Asha Jhaveri, Visionary Behind Swati Snacks, Passes Away at 79

What began as a modest chaat counter in 1963 grew into a beloved culinary institution, thanks to the quiet determination of Asha ‘Ashaben’ Jhaveri. The matriarch and visionary behind Mumbai’s iconic Swati Snacks passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Swati Snacks (@swatisnacks)

From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Landmark

Swati Snacks was first started by Asha’s mother, Minakshi Jhaveri, as a tiny restaurant in Mumbai serving a small selection of homemade chaats and hand-churned ice creams. These nostalgic treats quickly earned love from friends, family, and loyal customers, leading to a growing reputation.

When Asha took over the restaurant after her mother’s passing in 1979, she continued this legacy with care, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Under her leadership, the brand evolved into a destination for vegetarian food that was both wholesome and rooted in memory.

Today, Swati Snacks operates three thriving, family-run restaurants across Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Known for their consistent flavours and modern-yet-warm ambience, they cater to a wide community—from regulars reliving family favourites to first-timers eager for a taste of Indian comfort food.

A Menu that Blends Nostalgia with Innovation

Swati’s menu, shaped under Asha’s guidance, honours traditional Indian recipes—dishes remembered from childhood homes and carefree days spent enjoying street food. Offerings like panki, fada ni khichdi, and satpadi roti are crafted with care to deliver familiar tastes in a setting that is functional yet inviting, elegant but never fussy.

Asha saw Swati Snacks not just as a restaurant, but as a responsibility—to deliver flavourful food that was hygienic, nutritious, and accessible. Every dish was carefully curated to be enjoyable without compromising on health, embodying her philosophy of balance and thoughtfulness.

An Enduring Legacy

Asha Jhaveri's meticulous nature was legendary. She personally tasted every dish, every day, for over 30 years, to ensure Swati’s hallmark consistency. Her leadership wasn’t loud—it was precise, principled, and deeply rooted in values.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but the soul of Swati Snacks continues to echo her legacy. In every bite, in every warm welcome, Asha Jhaveri’s influence lives on—quiet, confident, and full of flavour.