Vada Pav is one of the world's best sandwiches, according to Taste Atlas' current rankings (Photo: iStock)
When we talk about street food in Mumbai, we cannot ignore the legendary Vada Pav. Over the years, this beloved treat has gained a following in different parts of the country and abroad. It is a flavorful fried vada (spiced potatoes coated in besan batter) enclosed in pav (a type of soft bread). It is often served with dried garlic and other types of chutneys. Recently, the humble Vada Pav received global recognition thanks to a listing in the popular food and travel guide, TasteAtlas. The list features some of the “world's best sandwiches,” with vada pav ranked 19th (according to the guide's rankings as of March 2024).
Also read: Two Indian outlets featured in list of top 50 pizzerias in Asia Pacific
According to TasteAtlas, “This iconic street food is said to have originated with a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya who worked near Dadar station in the 1960s and 1970s. He thought of ways to satisfy them and concluded: The ideal dish should be portable, affordable and easy to prepare.'' Thus, the delicious vada pav was invented. I did. Today, this snack is enjoyed everywhere from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. It has become a unique cultural symbol.
Banh mi, tombik doner and shawarma topped the list. No other Indian dishes were included. Check out the top 50 rankings below.
Earlier, an Indian drink made headlines by ranking second on the Taste Atlas list. Filter coffee, an iconic South Indian drink, has been named among the 10 most rated coffees around the world. Second place went to Café Cubano. Read the full text here.
Also read: Indian Basmati selected as “World's Best Rice'' by TasteAtlas
