Mumbai’s street-food gift to the world: Vada Pav! Yes, that’s what Mumbaikar’s wake up dreaming about. Also known as the ‘Indian burger' this is every Mumbaikar’s staple food!
A pillow-like Pav, a mix of boiled and mashed potatoes, smothered with generous amount coriander and tamarind chutney, and a little sprinkling of garlic masala – that’s how this starch heaven Vada Pav is prepared. For a city that never sleeps, let's take you through some of the best places that serve the best version of Vada Pavs!
I had to start the list with the most popular one! Standing strong for over two decades, Ashok Vada Pav stall has proven to be a certified maven at serving the city’s favourite street snack: Vada Pav! Keeping aside this hype, Ashok Vada Pav stall has made a remark in creating another version, fondly called as the ‘Choora Pav’ where they mix the Choora with chutney and stuff it inside the Pav.
Must try: Choora Pav
Where: Off Cadel Road, Kirti College Lane, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Cost for two: INR 100
Opening hours: 11 AM to 9.30 PM
Contact: 099205 55113
Aram is probably the oldest and the most iconic restaurant in CST, Fort. With a legacy of over 70 years to its name, Aram is known for serving its Vada Pav with fried green chilies and onions, swaggering of their high-profile clientele that included Bal Thackeray and Rajiv Gandhi.
Must try: Grilled cheese Vada Pav
Where: Capitol Cinema Building, Opp. CST Station, Mumbai CST Area, Mumbai
Cost for two: INR 200
Opening hours: 8.30 AM to 8.30 PM
Contact: 022 2207 3947
If you've studied near Mithibai College and/or nearby, you'd know Anand Vada Pav stall. Anand Vada Pav shot to fame due to the size of its Vada Pav and of course, the unrivalled flavour. Who would’ve thought that Vada Pav would go so well with cheese and mayonnaise, but I’m glad someone discovered this!
Must try: Butter Cheese Vada Pav
Where: Opposite Mithibai College, Gulmohar Road 1, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
Cost for two: INR 200
Opening hours: 8 AM to 11.30 PM
Contact: 098334 42623
This has to be one of my favourite picks for the chutney that they serve with their Vada Pav. Similar to a lot of other Vada Pav joints, Gajanan too sticks to its original Vada Pav as its only dish along with some besan choora and lip-smacking chutney
Must try: Basic Vada Pav and Aloo Bhajji
Where: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Road, Naupada, Thane West
Cost for two: INR 100
Opening hours: 7.30 AM to 9.30 PM
Contact: 022 2540 7867
Goli Vada Pav is another snack chain that has marked its own position keeping Mumbai’s staple food as its base. What started off as a fast-food restaurant has now turned into a 15 crore business with nearly 300 stores across 60 cities in India. The secret behind it is the drive to innovate and present the same in exciting avatars, delectable in its own way.
Must try: Maharaja Vada Pav, Goli Missal Pav, Crunchy Vada Roll
Where: Shop No A-1, Johnson D`Souza Chawl, Opp Boomerang, Chandivali, Mumbai
Cost for two: INR 100 to 120
Opening hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
Contact: +91 7710818723
If the above locations leave each one of you wanting for more or if you discover new places, tell us your story here.