Remember when Pushpir came into the kitchen and schooled us on Northern Indian food? 

That was 2013. A different CloverHSQ than the one you visit today (back then we were at 7 Holyoke St, across the street from where Kevin and his team now serve you at 1326 Mass Ave). I still remember the smell of the cilantro, mint, jalapeños, and orange juice that Pushpir was making in the blender, showing us how to make herb chutney. We hadn’t smelled that exact combo before.

It was so cool to see one of my culinary heroes in our kitchen. Pushpir Bhetia used to run Guru the Caterer. I was one of his regulars back when I was new to living in Somerville. I introduced Ayr (Clover founder) to his tiny menu. Pretty soon Ayr and Pushpir were texting back and forth. Pushpir was teaching Ayr how to cook Northern Indian food. And the idea for a Clover sandwich was born – our first collab with a local chef! Now, 11 years later, people ask us all year round when the Pushpir sandwich is coming back, and excitedly get in line or fire up the app when the time finally comes.

So what’s inside the sandwich that drives all the excitement?

Mint-cilantro chutney, fried paneer cheese (squeaky fresh cheese, similar to halloumi if you’ve had that), and our take on chaat (a crunchy roadside snack food dating back to the 17th century – ours has fresh jalapenos, red cabbage, and chaat masala). 

Pushpir went back to India for a while, where he started a cafe. And now he’s back in Boston. Pushpir now has a restaurant in Kendall Square! Go check it out.