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While Vada Pav ranked 19th last year, it slipped to 39th in 2024, but its place as a cultural favourite remains undisputed.
Vada Pav is a simple yet flavorful dish. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Mumbai’s iconic street food, the humble Vada Pav, has secured a spot on the global food map once again. Often referred to as the ‘Indian burger,’ Vada Pav has ranked 39th on TasteAtlas’ latest list of the Best Sandwiches in the World. This renowned food and travel guide celebrates culinary delights from around the globe and Vada Pav is the only Indian entry in the top 50.
Shawarma has topped the list with Banh Mi from Vietnam a close second, followed by Tombik Doner from Turkiye. Interestingly, three Vietnamese sandwiches feature in the top 10. While Vada Pav ranked 19th last year, it slipped to 39th in 2024, but its place as a cultural and culinary favourite remains undisputed.
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What Makes Vada Pav Special?
Vada Pav is a simple yet flavourful dish. It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched in a soft bread bun (pav). The Vada is made from mashed boiled potatoes mixed with spices, dipped in chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden. The pav is slathered with chutneys—tangy tamarind, spicy green and dry garlic—and served with fried green chillies for an extra zing.
On its website, TasteAtlas highlights the history of this beloved snack, crediting its invention to Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor near Mumbai’s Dadar train station in the 1960s and 1970s. Vaidya created Vada Pav as an affordable, portable and easy-to-prepare meal for busy workers.
A Global Recognition for Indian Cuisine
Vada Pav’s inclusion in the Best Sandwiches list is not the only accolade for Indian cuisine. At the TasteAtlas Awards 2024-25, Indian dishes dominated multiple categories, including best breads, best vegetable dishes and best food regions. These recognitions highlight India’s rich culinary heritage and its growing global appeal.