Vada pav

Vada pav, also known by variants like vada pao, wada pav, or wada pao, is a beloved vegetarian fast food dish originating from Maharashtra, India. Picture a deep-fried potato dumpling nestled inside a soft bread bun, served with tangy chutneys and a spicy green chili pepper on the side. Once a staple of Mumbai's street food scene, vada pav has garnered popularity across India and is often affectionately referred to as the "Bombay burger."

The term "batata vada" translates to "potato fritter" in Marathi, while "pav" is derived from the Portuguese word for bread. There’s even a unique variation on this classic called Pav vada, popular in Nashik, where mashed potato is stuffed inside the bread, then dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried to crispy perfection.

Making vada pav is quite straightforward. Start by boiling and mashing potatoes, then mix them with a blend of spices. Shape this mixture into balls, dip them in gram flour batter, and deep-fry until golden brown. Place these fritters into a bread bun, and serve with a variety of chutneys and a fried green chili for an extra kick.

This iconic dish is believed to have originated in the bustling mill areas of Mumbai, specifically catering to the hardworking mill workers in Girangaon. Over time, it gained widespread popularity throughout Maharashtra. One of the pioneering vada pav stalls was Khidki Vada Pav in Kalyan, started in the late 1960s by the Vaze family from their house window.

Today, vada pav is more than just a snack; it’s a cherished part of Marathi culture and history, beloved by people from all walks of life.