Vada Pav is more than just a snack—it's a cultural phenomenon. Born on the streets of
Mumbai in the 1960s near Dadar railway station, this humble creation quickly became
the city's unofficial street food, feeding millions of Mumbaikars daily. From office
workers to college students, billionaires to taxi drivers, everyone shares a love for
vada pav. At RAS Indian Mart & Eatery, we bring this piece of Mumbai's soul to
Edmonton with the same passion and authenticity.
The heart of vada pav is the batata vada—a spiced potato fritter that requires
precision and skill to perfect. We start with fluffy mashed potatoes, then season
them with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, minced garlic,
grated ginger, and fresh green chillies. This mixture is shaped into rounds, dipped
in a seasoned chickpea flour (besan) batter, and deep-fried until the exterior
achieves that perfect golden crunch while the interior remains soft and flavourful.
What truly defines an authentic vada pav is the chutney—particularly the dry garlic
chutney (sukha lasun chutney). This potent condiment is made from dried coconut,
garlic, red chilli powder, and a touch of groundnut, creating an intensely flavourful
powder that adds heat and depth to every bite. Combined with our house-made green
chutney and sweet tamarind chutney, these three elements create the signature flavour
profile that makes vada pav so irresistibly addictive. The soft pav bun, lightly
toasted with butter, brings everything together in perfect harmony.
What Makes It Special
Vada Components:
- Spiced mashed potato
- Fresh garlic & ginger
- Green chillies
- Mustard seed tempering
- Curry leaves
- Crispy besan coating
- Soft buttered pav bun
Three Essential Chutneys:
- Dry garlic chutney (sukha)
- Green coriander-mint chutney
- Sweet tamarind chutney
- Fried green chilli (optional)
