Vada- a potato pattie

Pav- a bread

Vadapav is an Indian Burger. Bread, potato patties, and chutney (a sauce). That’s it. Quick and easy to make with no crazy list of ingredients. 

Some people call it overrated, while some die with its aroma. But, Indians, especially Maharshtrians, can’t go without their favorite go-to snack, Vadapav. 

How to make?

Potatoes, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, mustard seeds, turmeric, curry leaves, coriander, salt, oil, besan (gram flour), red chili powder, baking soda, dry coconut, garlic, tamarind, jaggery, cumin powder, mint, lemon juice, pav, butter, and fried green chilies- makes a vada that’s wrapped inside a fluffy bread post a deep-fry. Vada Pav without chutney (mashed garlic and spices) is like a phone without a SIM card. The chutney enhances the flavor, delighting your taste buds. Despite the added calories, every bite feels absolutely worth it. 

Birthday parties, office breaks, wedding snacks, Chakna (snak besides the alcohol), and more. Vadapav is the most flexible food in the history of Maharashtrian cuisine. You could find it on every other street food stall placed in every corner of this region. For some people, it’s a cheat meal while it’s a whole meal for a lot of them. No person checks the right side of the menu card before ordering a Vadpav as it very easily goes with all pocket sizes. While the average price of Vadapav is 15 rupees, the range could change depending on its size. You could sometimes find it on the ‘today’s special’ board at the grand restaurants. People tend to order it from food delivery apps too. 

The best time to enjoy a piping hot Vada Pav is whenever the craving strikes. But for Maharashtrians, there’s something special about indulging in one right after a thunderstorm—when the air is cool, the streets are damp, and the sizzling sound of frying batter feels like comfort itself. The compatibility between Vadapav and Adrak wali chai (ginger tea) is unmatchable. The freshness of ginger tea compliments the spice of Vadapav well. 

Vadapav is said to be the major reason behind the Spirit of Mumbai- the financial capital of India. It’s had on the beaches, adjusted beside the sweetcorns in the plate, or on the hilltops with the fried and salted green chilies. Once had, one will not be able to resist it. 

Some days you crave, somedays you starve.

No day is a bad day when you are having a Vadapav.

I am hungry, bye.