? Origin Story: From Beirut to Mumbai
In 1967, Amarjit Singh Tibb—fresh from a trip via Beirut where he tasted soft pita—founded Tibbs Frankie alongside his wife, Surinder Kaur Tibb. Inspired by Middle Eastern bread, they spent three years perfecting a spicy gravy-filled roll, selling their first mutton Frankie from their car near Powai Lake.
? Why It’s Called a \”Frankie\”
The name came during an India vs West Indies cricket match when Sir Frank Worrell hit a six and the crowd erupted with “Frankie!” Tibb adopted the chant as a lucky brand name hoping his rolls would generate the same enthusiasm 0.
? From Roadside Stall to Citywide Icon
By 1969, Tibbs launched its first stall at Churchgate station, quickly expanding across Mumbai—Dadar, Bandra, Colaba—becoming a staple of local street food culture 1.
? What Makes Tibbs Frankie Unique?
- Soft yet sturdy paratha encasing spiced mutton or chicken gravy.
- Customizable fillings: original mutton, chicken tikka, egg, vegetarian aloo or paneer, plus fusion flavours like Schezwan and Chipotle.
- Fresh extras: chutneys, onions, sauces add layered taste and crunch 2.
? Trivia & Timeline
- 1967: Tibb finds pita in Beirut and brings inspiration home 3.
- 1969: First Churchgate stall opens, marking the birth of the Frankie in Mumbai 4.
- Named after: A celebratory “Frankie!” cheer for cricketer Frank Worrell 5.
- Modern menu expansions: vegetarians and fusion-seekers now enjoy paneer, Schezwan, chettinad, chipotle variants alongside the classics 6.
? How to Build the Classic Frankie at Home
Start with a soft maida paratha, fill it with spiced gravy—be it mutton, chicken, or aloo—then layer chutneys, chopped onions, and roll tightly. Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
? Why Mumbaikars Love It
Tibbs Frankie’s appeal lies in its portability, bold flavours, nostalgia and versatility—available from 1967, it grew from humble stalls to trendy kiosks, offering quick yet satisfying comfort food 7.
✅ Final Takeaway
Born from travel inspiration and cricketing passion, Tibbs Frankie embodies Mumbai’s vibrant street-food legacy. From the original mutton roll to endless fusion twists, this beloved snack continues to capture the city’s appetite and imagination.
Source: Ndtv