The malpua that I grew up eating in Kolkata is a different creature from the one that I encountered in Pune and Mumbai.
The malpuas of the east were akin to an appam, soft in the centre and a tapering crunchy edge--almost shaped like a flying saucer.
The ones that I have had in Pune and Mumbai are akin to a deep fried pancake.
For a change I was struck at the lack of information in Wikipedia compared to http://www.ifood.tv/network/malpua. (Mental note to myself to update the Wikipedia article.)
So, I'd just come home after a gruelling session at office when I wandered away from my quest to buy chappatis and chanced upon the aroma of fresh malpuas in Tawakkal.
Now this is not the Tawakkal of much fame and glory in town. This is smallish sweet shop in Mahim in the lane that connects L J Road to Cadel Road and the Baba Makdum Shah Dargah.
The interesting part of the pricing is the jump of Rs 20 if add an egg. In my experience it changes the texture of the batter and makes it a little bit more fluffier. So I went ahead and before I could pay and fish out my phone, the eggs were cracked into the mixture, whisked and spread into the smoking hot oil.
Here is a video that shows how it is fried and then generously slathered with Rabdi.
Very yum and all umami inducing!