Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Iconic Street-Style Snack

Vada Pav, often called the Indian burger, is a popular Mumbai street food made with a spicy potato filling (batata vada) sandwiched between a soft pav (bun) and served with chutneys and fried green chilies. It’s crispy, spicy, and full of bold flavors—perfect for a quick snack!
Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Iconic Street-Style Snack
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  • DIFFICULTY: EASY
  • 30 MINS

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes (boiled & mashed)
  • 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 6-7 curry leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander leaves (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • Water (as needed)
  • Oil (for deep frying)
  • 2 tablespoons dry coconut (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 6 pav (soft bread rolls)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Green chutney (optional)
  • Fried green chilies (for serving)
  • 6 pav (soft bread rolls)
  • 6 pav (soft bread rolls)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Filling

  1. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
  2. Add curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add turmeric powder and mashed potatoes; mix well.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, coriander leaves, and salt. Let it cool.
  5. Shape into small round balls and keep aside.

Step 2: Make the Besan Batter

  1. In a bowl, mix besan, turmeric, red chili powder, carom seeds, and salt.
  2. Add water slowly to make a smooth, thick batter.

Step 3: Fry the Batata Vadas

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
  2. Dip each potato ball into the batter, coat well, and deep fry until golden brown.
  3. Drain on paper towels and keep aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Chutney

  1. Dry roast coconut and garlic until golden.
  2. Grind with red chili powder and salt to make a coarse chutney.

Step 5: Assemble the Vada Pav

  1. Slit the pav and spread garlic chutney on one side.
  2. Place a hot batata vada inside.
  3. Press gently and serve with fried green chilies and green chutney.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with spicy green chutney, tamarind chutney, or extra garlic chutney.
  • Pair with cutting chai for an authentic Mumbai-style experience.

Pro Tips

  • Add chaat masala for extra tanginess.
  • Toast the pav with butter and a pinch of garlic for more flavor.
  • For a crispier vada, add a pinch of baking soda to the besan batter.



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