A classic street food native to Maharashtra, Vada Pav is probably the first on our list of things to eat in Mumbai. What’s exciting is that this popular yet modest snack has grabbed international acclaim and been featured on TasteAtlas‘ List of 100 Best Sandwiches in the World, March 2024. TasteAtlas is an experiential travel online guide for traditional food that collates authentic recipes.

Making an idyllic mark, Vada Pav stands at 19th number on the list, alongside world-famous - Bánh mì from Vietnam, Shawarma from Lebanon, Tortas from Mexico, Lobster Roll from Maine, USA and many more. This is a huge accomplishment for Indian street food, in the terms of international recognition.

TasteAtlas further mentioned, “This iconic street food is said to have originated from a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya, who worked near the Dadar train station in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the sandwich is sold throughout Mumbai, both on street stands and in elegant restaurants, ideally accompanied by a hot red chutney with coconut, peanuts, garlic, tamarind, and chiles.”