Vada pav

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  Vada Pav - Indian street food

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  Mumbai Vada Pav

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  Vada Pav

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  Vada Paav

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  Reliance Market, Mysore

Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a popular Indian street food originating from the state of Maharashtra. It is often referred to as the "Indian burger" due to its structure and popularity. The dish consists of a spicy potato filling, known as "vada," sandwiched between a bread bun, called "pav."

History

Vada Pav was invented in the 1960s in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is believed to have been created by Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor who operated near the Dadar railway station. The dish quickly gained popularity among the working class due to its affordability and convenience.

Ingredients

The primary components of Vada Pav are:

• Vada: A deep-fried potato dumpling made from mashed potatoes, seasoned with spices such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chilies. The mixture is coated in a gram flour batter before frying.
• Pav: A soft bread roll, similar to a dinner roll, which is sliced in half to hold the vada.
• Chutneys: Vada Pav is typically served with a variety of chutneys, including a spicy garlic chutney, a tangy tamarind chutney, and a green chutney made from coriander and mint.
• Green Chilies: Often served on the side, fried green chilies add an extra kick to the dish.

Preparation

To prepare Vada Pav, the vada is first made by boiling and mashing potatoes, which are then mixed with spices and formed into balls. These balls are dipped in a batter made from gram flour and deep-fried until golden brown. The pav is sliced open and spread with chutneys before placing the vada inside. The dish is often garnished with fried green chilies and additional chutney.

Cultural Significance

Vada Pav is more than just a snack; it is a cultural icon in Mumbai. It is a staple for many Mumbaikars and is available at numerous street stalls and eateries throughout the city. The dish is celebrated for its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of Mumbai's vibrant street food culture.

Variations

While the classic Vada Pav remains the most popular, there are several variations that have emerged over time. Some vendors offer cheese Vada Pav, where a slice of cheese is added to the filling. Others may include additional toppings such as onions or different types of chutneys to cater to diverse tastes.

Related Pages

• Pav Bhaji
• Indian cuisine
• Street food
• Mumbai