Vada Pav remains a timeless favorite among food enthusiasts. This emblematic Mumbai street delicacy is renowned for its convenience and ability to fuel the bustling city life. Embraced by people from various walks of life, it features a flavorful blend of spiced potatoes, enveloped in a crispy gram flour coating, and sandwiched between soft pav bread. Although often likened to an “Indian burger,” a label that has sparked debate, it has now earned recognition on a prestigious list honoring the world’s finest sandwiches.
Online food ranking platform TasteAtlas recently unveiled its selection of the world’s best foods nestled between bread. Leading the pack are Banh Mi, Tombik Doner, and Shawarma, claiming the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively. Notably, India’s beloved Vada Pav has made it into the top 20, surpassing renowned international delights such as the French Croque Monsieur, Bagels, and even Grilled Cheese.
The history of Vada Pav in Mumbai has grown in tandem with the city, originating in the 1960s at Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar as a snack for hungry mill workers who needed a filling, nutritious food they could eat while they traveled. It’s believed that stall owner, Ashok Vaidya, who served up fresh poha and batata vadas saw his neighbor selling bun omelette and was struck with inspiration to combine the two. This was ostensibly the birth of the famous vada pav.
Today, the dish has become more than just a street food; it has evolved to inspire gourmet renditions featured in the finest restaurants worldwide. One of the appeals of vada pav lies in its lavish toppings, whether it’s the dry garlic chutney, tangy imli chutney, spicy green chilli-coriander chutney, or crunchy choora (fried besan batter bits). Everyone has their own preferred combination, adding to the dish’s allure.
In a similar line-up in 2023, Vada Pav had secured the 13th position, sparking questions about why it had dropped six spots since the previous year and which newcomers had overtaken this Indian favorite. Additionally, it had been celebrated as one of the world’s preferred vegan snacks, being naturally free of meat or dairy while still bursting with flavor. Despite currently hovering at number 19, the humble Vada Pav holds a permanent place as number 1 in the hearts of many Indians.
Continue Exploring: Mumbai’s Vada Pav is now Ranked World’s 13th Best Sandwich
