OT Staff
The humble vada pav of Mumbai, has probably taken the lead in the race for the title of the most-devoured street food of Mumbai. It may have left the buttery, tangy pav bhaji at a distant second. The hot favourite, vada pav, may have topped the charts of foods, carried home on flights and trains by returning tourists, who promised their families a taste of Mumbai.
The dumplings comprise mashed potato flavoured with green chillies, cumin, salt, and pepper, then coated with a thin layer of salted and spiced chickpea flour batter. These are deep-fried and given a home in the softness of the pav. Depending on the stall you visit, garnishing is added to the vada pav before being served. From chopped coriander and pomegranate seeds to mint-based dips, garlic, and red chilli chutney, sprinklings of nylon sev, and butter, there is almost no sauce or side that cannot be paired with the vada pav. Just like the city of its origins, the vada pav is all-accepting.
The Portuguese, who have long departed, leaving behind the potato and the pav, would have never imagined that the two would come together in such an explosive flavour combination. The vada pav, which emerged as food on the go for mill workers rushing into work, is now feeding a different set of people, but still on the go. Here are ten vada pav joints for you to try when you are in Mumbai next.
Aram, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
Right opposite the synchronised chaos of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus lies Aram vada pav stall. Dozens of piping hot vada pav with turmeric-free potato filling await every harried commuter, and protestor from Azad Maidan, who invariably head their way. What better greeting than food that prepares you for the day ahead?
Graduate, Byculla
The lane outside Byculla station is home to the Graduate vada pav stand. Operational for more than 20 years, and its popularity can be judged by the crowd centering towards its basic infrastructure. Visit, and be part of history.
Ladu Samrat, Lalbaug, Parel
Here, enormous vada pavs await you, slathered in garlic chutney, and you will not be stopped from licking it off your fingers. Also, try the missal pav and kothambir vadi from their extensive vegetarian Maharashtrian menu.
Shree Samarth, Sena Bhavan, Dadar
This tiny kiosk close to the Shiv Sena HQ serves up its wares with a generous heap of dry garlic chutney and fried chillies. The vadas are fried up as you wait, and who can resist crispy fare straight out of the wok?
Ashok, Kirti College, Dadar
Their specialty is the generous sprinkling of besan choora, atop the vada pav. Once it has turned crunchier than it could possibly be, dig into it, and then into the fried green chillies, for instant food nirvana.
Vitthal, Sewri
Locally known as Bhatti Vada Pav, it is only at Vitthal’s that you can have vadas fried over a wood-fired hearthstone. That is a flavour not to be forgotten.
Dhiraj Sandwich, Vile Parle
Surrounded by colleges, and hence its ever-hungry horde of students, vada pavs from Dhiraj never disappoint. The turnover is rapid in terms of food and the crowds collecting for it. Get in there for the mouth-watering vada pavs lavished with extra butter.
Shankar, Bandra Talao
Started in 1975, Shankar’s is also known as Bandra King. From beginning their food retail journey on a handcart, Shankar Vada Pav is now being run by second-generation owners.
Laxman’s Om, Ghatkopar east
This outlet has built a reputation for some crazy vada pav combinations. Choose from Maggi, Sichuan, mayonnaise, or cheese vada pavs. Wash them down with juices and milkshakes.
Bhau, Bhandup west
A chain of vada pav stalls, Bhau Vadapav, is well-known for its massive vada pavs served with a lip-smacking combination of dry coconut chutney and chopped onions.