Vada Pav was recently ranked 19th on Taste Atlas's list of 50 best sandwiches around the world

In a proud moment for Indian street food aficionados, Vada Pav has secured a coveted spot on Taste Atlas' prestigious list of the top 50 best sandwiches in the world, clinching the 19th position. Synonymous with the bustling streets of Mumbai, this humble yet iconic snack has captured hearts and taste buds alike, both locally and internationally.

Taste Atlas, a renowned culinary platform, recognized Vada Pav for its rich history, unique flavours, and cultural significance. Originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai in the 1960s and 1970s, Vada Pav was the brainchild of Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor near the Dadar train station. Seeking to provide a portable, affordable, and delicious snack for the city's hungry workers, Vaidya introduced the now-famous combination of a crispy vada enclosed within a soft, golden pav.

The popularity of Vada Pav extends beyond its affordability and convenience; it embodies the essence of Mumbai's vibrant street food culture. With its delectable blend of flavours and textures, it has become a quintessential part of the city's culinary landscape

8 Must-Try Vada Pav Joints across Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan:

Ashok Vada Pav, Prabhadevi: Nestled in Dadar, Ashok Vada Pav is a revered spot among Mumbaikars for its delectable vada pav. Serving up this iconic snack for over two decades, Ashok's signature "choora pav" is a must-try, where the choora is mixed with chutney and stuffed inside the pav.

Anand Stall, Vile Parle: Located near NM/Mithibai College, Anand Stall is an institution in itself. Offering a variety of vada pav options, including Schezwan, Kanda, and Cheese Vada Pao, Anand is the go-to spot for the OG vada pav experience with a twist.

Gajanan Vada Pav, Thane: With over 30 years of legacy, Gajanan Vada Pav is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. What sets it apart is its scrumptious besan and chilli chutney, adding a tangy and spicy kick to every bite.

Parleshwar Vada Pav Samrat, Vile Parle: Known for its unique addition of coconut slices, Parleshwar Vada Pav Samrat stands out among the crowd. While coconut in vada pav may be an acquired taste, it keeps customers coming back for more.

Khidki Vada, Kalyan: A small, family-run joint with over 50 years of history, Khidki Vada Pav is a popular destination for street food enthusiasts. Their perfectly fried vadas paired with just the right amount of spicy chutney make for an irresistible combination.

Aram Vada Pav, Capitol Cinema, Fort: Offering some of the biggest vadas in the city, Aram Vada Pav is a no-fuss eatery that prides itself on its distinctive taste. Without using turmeric in their vadas, Aram delivers a unique flavour profile complemented by their dry garlic and sweet chutneys.

Jai Maharashtra Vada Pav, Andheri West: Fried to golden perfection, Jai Maharashtra's vada pavs are always served piping hot. Accompanied by flavourful garlic chutney and thecha preparation, they offer a delightful culinary experience. Don't miss out on their dal vada, mirchi vada, and bread pakoda as well.

Graduate Vada Pav, Byculla: Graduate Vada Pav was founded in 1993. They have a second location in the city of Nashik. This family-run stall’s vada pav is particularly popular thanks to its extensive range of chutneys, which include chilli, garlic, tamarind and coconut. This place is renowned for its consistently high-quality and delicious vada pav. Graduate Vada Pav has a devoted clientele that values the restaurant’s delectable fare and welcoming service.

Indulge in Mumbai’s rich street food culture with these top vada pav joints, each offering a unique take on this beloved snack. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these spots promise to tantalize your taste buds with their mouth-watering offerings.