Vada pav grabs 19th spot in world's 50 best sandwiches
Mumbai's renowned street food, vada pav, has garnered international acclaim by earning a position on the esteemed "World's Top 50 Best Sandwiches" list. With an impressive ranking of 19th place according to TasteAtlas, a prominent food and travel guide, this achievement highlights the delectable allure of Indian street cuisine on a global stage. Let us learn more about this street food.
What is vada pav?
Vada pav is a delightful vegetarian combination of a crispy potato patty nestled within a soft bun. It is served with diverse chutneys, which contribute spicy, tangy, and creamy notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Affordable and cherished by people of all ages across India, particularly in Mumbai where it originated, this offering stands as a quintessential snack enjoyed for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ashok Vaidya's invention
TasteAtlas attributes the origins of vada pav to Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor who operated near a Mumbai train station in the 1960s and 1970s. Vaidya aimed to provide an affordable meal option, making vada pav accessible to all. He set up a stall outside Dadar station in 1966 through which hundreds of workers passed everyday on their way to the textile mills.
This dish is an iconic staple
Today, vada pav epitomizes Mumbai, beloved by residents ranging from factory workers to college students and Bollywood icons, who proudly profess their fondness for it. With over two million of these crispy sandwiches consumed daily in India's largest metropolis, it has become an iconic staple deeply ingrained in the city's culinary heritage. Additionally, August 23 is celebrated as World Vada Pao Day.
Special blend
The uniqueness of this vada pav lies in its special blend of ingredients. A traditional potato patty, coated in a gram of flour and fried served with soft, airy buns. A pinch of ground masala adds an extra kick, while toppings include crispy crumbs and a mix of tangy tamarind, garlic chutney and fried green chili, creates a flavor explosion that distinguishes this creation.
Other rankings
Vada pav earned the 19th spot on the list with a commendable rating of 4.3, eliciting pride among Indians for their delectable culinary offerings. Tying for top position with a stellar rating of 4.6 were the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich and the Turkish tombik doner. Noteworthy sandwiches in the top 20 included Lebanese shawarma, Cuban sandwich, and Argentina's sandwich de lomo.