Mumbai's Vada Pav is among world's 30 best sandwiches

Vada pav has ranked 30th on TasteAtlas's list of the world's best sandwiches, with Ashok Vada Pav receiving a special mention.

In Short

• Vada Pav ranks 30th in the list of world's best sandwiches
• For Mumbaikars, vada pav is comfort food and an enduring emotion
• Its affordability has made it a dependable meal for countless commuters

For Mumbaikars, vada pav is more than just a go-to street food - it's an emotion. A hot, golden potato fritter, soft and fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, is infused with garlic, green chilies, mustard seeds, turmeric, and aromatic spices that deliver a warm, savory kick in every bite. Tucked into a pillowy pav, this humble yet iconic snack is comfort food at its finest and always a good idea.

Its appeal, however, extends far beyond the streets of Mumbai. Vada pav has once again earned global recognition, securing a spot on the list of the world's best sandwiches released by TasteAtlas, the popular food and travel guide. It ranked 30th on the prestigious list.

Adding to the city's pride, Ashok Vada Pav, one of Mumbai's most beloved vada pav destination, received a special mention from TasteAtlas as the most iconic place to enjoy this legendary sandwich.

For Mumbai, vada pav is like a lifeline. While its irresistible taste has won over generations of Mumbaikars, its true significance lies in its affordability and accessibility. Quick, filling, and inexpensive, vada pav has long served as a dependable meal for students, daily wage workers, and countless others.

It was with this very purpose in mind that vada pav was born. The snack is widely credited to Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor who operated near Mumbai's Dadar railway station in the 1960s and 1970s. Looking for a way to feed hungry workers and commuters, he set out to create a meal that was portable, affordable, filling, and easy to prepare.

The result was vada pav - a simple yet ingenious combination that quickly became a city favourite.

Today, vada pav is synonymous with Mumbai's food culture. It is sold everywhere, from humble roadside stalls to upscale restaurants, and is often enjoyed with a fiery red chutney made from coconut, peanuts, garlic, tamarind, and chillies, adding an extra burst of flavour to every bite.

Oh, and we cannot not tell you about the sandwiches that made it to the top of the list. Turkey's Tombik Doner claimed the top spot. Vietnam's Banh Mi followed closely behind, with the Roasted Pork Belly Banh Mi securing second place and the classic Banh Mi claiming the third spot. Lebanon's iconic Shawarma secured fourth place, while Venezuela's cheese-stuffed Arepa Reina Pepiada landed fifth.

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