Who wouldn’t want to eat Mumbai’s greatest vada pav? After all, Mumbai’s favourite fast food is this deep-fried beauty! Wrapped in a fluffy pav with the finest spices, vada pav is ideal when served to boil, especially during the monsoon season. It’s so famous that it even has its day – World Vada Pav Day, which is celebrated on August 23rd! So, on that delectable note, here are the best vada pav in Mumbai.
It’s the common man’s meal. Although the Vada Pav may be found on the menus of some of the country’s best restaurants, its roots are relatively humble. The vada pav is essentially a fried potato fritter or dumpling wrapped in bread. While the actual origins of the vada pav are uncertain, it is widely assumed that it originated in the mills of Mumbai.
So we bring you this list of the best vada pav in Mumbai!
Kirti Vada Pav
Ashok, Mumbai’s most prominent vada pav kiosk, is also known as Kirti Vada Pav due to its proximity to Kirti College. You’ll probably be informed that Ashok’s clientele includes Shabana Azmi, Sonu Nigam, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit. Still, the only thing that counts is that Ashok continues to serve dependably outstanding vada pavs 35 years after the stall initially opened and established its name. That is commendable in and of itself.
Dhiraj sandwich
Dhiraj appears on our list of the greatest locations to eat street food in Mumbai, and it returns with a good cause. The variety of meals available at Dhiraj is mind-boggling — a vast choice of dosas, sandwiches, and, of course, vada pav. You’re unlikely to receive stale or cold vadas because you’re just outside a campus full of ever-hungry youngsters. The chutney isn’t Dhiraj’s outstanding component in the vada pav; it’s the butter he slathers on top. You may also play with the vada even more if you have access to a sandwich grill. Prepare to have your mind blown if you order a grill vada pav sandwich.
Anand Vada Pav
Anand Vada Pav is another location outside Mithibai College that competes with Dhiraj. Consider this to be Dhiraj’s twin. After a few visits, you’re going to favour one over the other. Still, on a busy Saturday evening, it all comes down to whose attention you manage to capture.
Shivaji Vada Pav
This may be a controversial opinion (and is almost certainly going to get us in trouble with the loyalists). Still, Shivaji, Dhiraj, and Anand are practically clones of one other. Regulars may argue that Dhiraj is better than Shivaji by a hair or that Anand is better than Dhiraj by a nose. Still, the three offer comparable vada pavs, and you won’t be any poorer if you choose one or the other.
Also Read, 10 Best places in Delhi to Enjoy Chole Bhature
Vada Pav Samrat
On the other side of the tracks, in the heart of the Maharashtrian neighbourhood, Samrat Vada Pav sells vadas with an unusual component — coconut slices. To be sure, the addition distinguishes Samrat and keeps consumers coming back for more. Still, the coconut in vada is an acquired taste — you’ll either love it or despise it.
Aram Vada Pav
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus serves as the entry point to the city of dreams for many immigrants and visitors. It’s almost poetic that one of the first food vendors they’re likely to encounter offers people’s meals. Aram Vada Pav, located diagonally across the city’s principal railway station, serves delectably soft-yet-crispy vadas embraced by fresh pavs and served with a variety of lip-smacking chutneys. Consider their Kothambir Vadi (coriander fritters) as well.
Graduate vada pav
According to some estimates, Graduate Vada Pav serves approximately 2,000 clients every day, which is not surprising given its location — just outside Byculla train station. But what sets this eatery apart (and makes it famous among its customers) is its constancy in quality – they’ve been in business for over 20 years – and the numerous chutneys – from chilli and garlic to tamarind and coconut – that are offered as accompaniments to the vada pav.
Aaswad
This Dadar eatery was original across the street from Shiv Sena Bhavan, the headquarters of the local political party that led the son of the soil movement in the 1970s. Aswad provides a variety of vegetarian snacks, ranging from sabudana vadas to thalipeeths. Still, it’s well renowned for its kothimbir vadis and missal. Aaswad’s vada, on the other hand, is an underappreciated gem that is frequently missed in favour of other dishes on the menu. Think about that the next time you come around.
Shrikrishna Batatawada
Shree Krishna Batatawada, located near Chhabildas School in the tangle of alleyways outside Dadar Railway Station (W), is also known as Chhabildas Vada. Unlike other vadas, Shree Krishna’s vadas aren’t as crunchy. Still, they have a unique flavour that you won’t forget even years after. Skip the pav in favour of the vadas and wash it down with a glass of sugarcane juice from the stand right over the lane.
