Let’s talk of the undisputed king of Mumbai, one that trumps even its colonial buildings and super-crowded local trains – the humble vada pav. Synonymous with Mumbai, vada pav is the first dish you think of when anyone asks a Mumbaikar, “What’s your go-to food in Mumbai?” A bite of this deep-fried spicy potato filling topped with sweet and spicy chutneys stuffed between the pav is a moment of pure bliss.
Celebrating the dish for filling all your late-night cravings and mid-day blues, here are some of the best spots across Mumbai where you can savor the best vada pavs.
5 Best Vada Pav Spots In Mumbai You Cannot Miss
1. Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar West
Located by Mahim Bay and right beside Kirti College is this famous vada pav wala. With Dadar Beach nearby and a piping hot vada pav in your hand, this very well might be your quintessential Mumbaikar experience!
Obviously thronged by college kids, expect long queues at Ashok Vada Pav. While the vada pav is a must-have here, one standout dish that you should try is the chura pav. It’s nothing special, but fried batter bits which will fill your soul and also ensure nothing made here goes to waste!
Don’t be surprised if you chance upon celebrities enjoying a vada pav here; it’s that famous!
Address: Kashinath Dhuru Marg, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028
Price: Starting from INR 25
2. Aram Vada Pav, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Rightly named Aram (meaning comfort or relaxation), the vada pav here is truly comfort food for the gloomy days. Running for over 80 years, this restaurant is one of Mumbai’s oldest. For some of you, this eatery may even bring back memories of Bombay. Located right opposite the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, this restaurant and its stellar hit, vada pav, is a hard miss.
The vada pav here is especially famous for the fiery red garlic chutney that’s served along with it. You should also try their other varieties like grilled cheese, cheese vada pav, mirchi vada pav, and masala chai.
Address: Capitol Cinema Building, Opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station
Price: Starting from INR 23
3. Anand Vada Pav, Vile Parle West
If you’ve had a little too much of the regular vada pav, visit Anand Vada Pav in Vile Parle. This shop has some unique takes on the street hog like schezwan vada pav, kanda vada pav, and cheese butter vada pav. Don’t ask us; ask the students of Mithibai College, and you’ll know this stall is true to its name.
The vada pavs here are popular not just for the taste but also for how affordable they are. Besides the vada pav, you can also try the sandwiches, paninis, or dosas, which are available in varieties. It’s also a great takeaway meal as you can get it wrapped and make a dash to the nearby railway station.
Address: Opposite Mithibai College, Gulmohar Road 1, Vile Parle West
Price: Starting from INR 20
4. Graduate Vada Pav, Byculla East
This is a legendary stall run by a family. They also have a second stall outside of Mumbai, in Nashik. You’ll like their vada pav, that’s a bestseller here, but what you’ll like more are the different types of chutneys offered along with it. Ask for their chilli and garlic chutneys for that extra fiery flavor in your vada pav, or go for a sour tamarind chutney for a tinge of sweet and savory.
Over 2,000 people eat from here daily, which means you shouldn’t miss this place either. For a quirky twist, try the Boom Boom Vada Pav and OP Vada Pav. You can even get the vada pavs grilled here if you don’t like your pav raw.
Address: Railway Reservation Office, Byculla Station Road, Byculla East
Price: Starting from INR 20
5. Khidki Vada Pav, Kalyan
This small eatery in Kalyan is run by a family that used to sell snacks from the windows of their house in 1968. From that to becoming a favorite among Mumbaikars, the small khidki (meaning window) has come a long way.
While people usually come here for their piping hot vada pavs and samosas, the eatery also serves authentic Maharashtrian food if you desire something more fulfilling. Eat all you want, but don’t forget to ask for some extra chutney for your vada pav. It’s the perfect level of spicy that’ll not make you sweat, but it’ll make your mood sweet for sure!
Address: Ahilyabai Chowk, Tilak Chowk, Kalyan
Price: Starting from INR 50
Summing Up
There you have it, the best places where you can indulge in the softest, spiciest, and perhaps the cheesiest vada pavs in Mumbai. In short, to taste Mumbai in a quick bite, head to these places right away!
FAQs
Which City Is Famous For Vada Pav?
Mumbai is synonymous with vada pav. It’s a popular breakfast and high tea snack here.
How Many Vada Pav Stalls Are There In Mumbai?
There are over 10,000 vada pav stalls across Mumbai.
What Is The Cost Of Vada Pav In Mumbai?
The cost of one vada pav is anywhere between INR 15 and INR 30 in Mumbai.
Is Vada Pav A Burger?
Essentially similar, a vada pav and a burger are both vegetable fillings stuffed between bread. But a vada pav is not a burger because the filling is made in a gram flour batter and is spherical, unlike a burger patty that’s round and flat.
