Few snacks capture the spirit of Mumbai quite like the vada pav. It's simple, spicy, and endlessly satisfying. This street food consists of a deep-fried potato ball coated in besan tucked into a soft pav. It is spiked with chutneys and often served with a fiery green chilli on the side. What started as a quick bite for workers on the go has become a symbol of the city itself: fast, flavourful, and full of character. Today, you'll find it everywhere from bustling train stations to sleek cafes. If you're a vada pav fan, you know it is more than just sustenance. Here are 10 signs that can prove you're the most loyal vada pav lover:
1. You Can Smell A Good Vada Pav Stall From Miles Away
For you, nothing compares to the aroma of vadas being made and chutneys being layered inside pav. You can sniff out a freshly fried vada like a bloodhound on a mission. And yes, you follow that trail without hesitation.
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2. Your Definition Of "Comfort Food" Starts And Ends With It
Rainy day? Breakup? Boring meeting? You have only one solution: vada pav. It's your emotional support snack, and your answer to every situation (good or bad) that life throws at you.
3. You've Argued Over Which Stall Makes The Best One
You've fought passionately over which vada pav stall reigns supreme: Anand near Mithibai, Ashok at Dadar, or the local vendor outside your building. You might even have ranked them in your Notes app, complete with ratings for spice level and chutney game.
4. You Order It Even In Fancy Cafes (And Secretly Judge The Price)
Sure, you'll try that Rs 300 "deconstructed vada pav" once. But only to confirm that nothing beats the original. Deep down, you know no fancy dips, drizzles, or aioli can replace those classic chutneys. If you're still curious about experimental takes, browse options on a food delivery app.
5. You Know How To Get The Perfect Bite
Vada, pav, chutney, and one chilli: you know how every bite must be perfectly balanced. You've developed an almost scientific understanding of how much chutney to spread and where to bite first. It's all about precision.
6. You Know The Chutney Hierarchy By Heart
You can tell if a stall skimps on garlic chutney right away - and you won't return there. You respect a stall that gets the trifecta right, i.e., green, tamarind, and dry red chutneys in perfect balance.
7. You've Converted Non-Believers
You take it upon yourself to introduce outsiders to the amazing sensation of eating vada pav. You watch with pride as they take their first bite, and when they say, "This is like an Indian burger," you just smile. You know that some things can't be compared.
8. You Secretly Compare Every Snack To Vada Pav
Samosas, kachoris, burgers... they're all great, but in your mind, they're just trying too hard. Vada pav remains the OG; it's the gold standard of snacks that others can only aspire to be.
Also Read: This Mumbai Vada Pav Seller's Story Is Winning Hearts Online - Here's Why
9. You Dream Of It When You're Away From Home
You've Googled "vada pav near me" while travelling abroad or to places outside Maharashtra, hoping for a miracle. Even if you find one, you end up sighing, "Not the same." Because nothing tastes like the original street-side magic. But sometimes, any vada pav is better than life without it. So, order it online if your cravings are not going away.
10. You Don't Just Eat Vada Pav. You Celebrate It.
You've posted vada pav pictures, cracked vada pav jokes, maybe even sent vada pav memes to friends. It's more than food to you; it's part of your identity. You can feel it in your soul.
If you found yourself nodding, drooling, or mentally planning your next vada pav stop, congratulations! You're not just a fan, you're a vada pav worshipper.
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