My Dad Invented The Vada Pav
The 1960s were a transformative era for Mumbai (then Bombay), a city bustling with ambition, where life moved as fast as its iconic local trains. At the centre of this dynamic chaos stood Dadar Station, a lifeline for millions and the birthplace of a snack that would soon become legendary.
Ashok Vaidya, a modest street vendor famous for his crispy batata vadas, found inspiration in a fiery speech by Balsaheb Thackeray. Thackeray’s call for Marathi pride and economic empowerment resonated with Vaidya, who wanted to create a snack that would cater to Mumbai’s hard working masses. With a stroke of genius, he paired his spiced batata vada with a pav (bun), adding the spicy garlic chutney along with a bold green chilli. It was a snack built for Mumbai—a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that could keep up with the city’s breakneck pace.
Vada Pav became a universal equaliser, filling the appetites of labourers, students, and professionals alike. Its affordability, portability, and explosion of flavours made it a cultural phenomenon. Today, at a mere price of 20 rupees, around 20,000 stalls across Mumbai serve this “desi burger” to over 2 million people daily. A snack for all classes, supporting livelihoods and filling stomachs and hearts alike.
Vada Pav is a match made in street food heaven, where the crispy, golden vada and the soft, fluffy pav come together in perfect harmony. The vada begins as a spiced potato mixture, shaped and dipped in a gram flour batter, fried until it is golden brown. This warm, savoury delight is then smashed between the freshly baked pav. Laded with fiery red garlic chutney, tangy tamarind sauce, and zesty green chutney, and served with a side of deep fried green chilies. Every bite is a mix of crunch, softness, and bold flavours that makes you want more.
Over the decades, the Vada Pav transcended its origins as a street-side creation to become a cultural phenomenon. From politicians to Bollywood stars, everyone embraced it as an integral part of Mumbai’s identity.
Today, Vada Pav is not just food—it’s a symbol of the city’s spirit and the ability to thrive despite challenges. And it all began with a speech, one inspired man and the bustling energy of Mumbai