The Indian street food consisting of a spiced potato fritter in a bread roll is vada pav.
Vada pav originated in Maharashtra and is especially associated with Mumbai. It consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling called a batata vada placed inside a pav, a soft bread roll. Chutneys and dry garlic or chili-based powders are commonly added.
The snack became popular as an inexpensive, filling food for Mumbai’s working population. Its compact format has led to comparisons with a vegetarian burger, although the fried potato filling and chutney-based seasoning make it a distinct Indian street food.
Vada pav is sometimes confused with pav bhaji, another Mumbai dish served with bread. Pav bhaji uses a spiced vegetable mash, whereas vada pav centers on one fried potato fritter. Dabeli is another related bun-based snack but has a different sweet-spicy filling.