How To Make Authentic Mumbai-Style Vada Pav At Home

Vada Pav is a popular Mumbai street food made with spicy potato vadas inside a soft pav, served with garlic and green chutneys. The vadas are deep-fried in a crispy gram flour batter. Serve hot with fried green chilies for an authentic taste.

Harpreet Kour Updated: Jan 24, 2025 10:55 PM IST

Vada Pav is a beloved Mumbai street food featuring spicy mashed potato vadas, coated in a crispy besan batter and deep-fried. The vadas are stuffed inside a soft pav, layered with spicy green chutney and dry garlic chutney. The potato mixture is flavored with mustard seeds, garlic, chilies, and coriander for a bold taste. A thick, smooth besan batter gives the vadas their signature crispy texture. Serve with fried green chilies for an extra spicy kick. Enjoy this classic Indian snack with a hot cup of tea.

Ingredients:

For the Batata Vada (Potato Fritters):

  • 4 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 1 green chili (finely chopped)
  • 1-inch ginger (grated)
  • 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil

For the Besan (Gram Flour) Batter:

  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water (as needed)

For the Dry Garlic Chutney:

  • 1/4 cup dry coconut (grated)
  • 4-5 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Green Chutney:

  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp water

Other Ingredients:

  • Pav (Indian bread rolls)
  • Fried green chilies (optional)
  • Oil for deep frying

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Batata (Potato) Mixture

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add crushed garlic, chopped green chilies, and grated ginger. Saut until fragrant.
  • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
  • Add the boiled and mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors.
  • Add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. Stir and let it cool.
  • Once cool, shape the mixture into small round balls (vada).

Step 2: Make the Gram Flour (Besan) Batter

  • In a bowl, mix gram flour, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and baking soda.
  • Slowly add water while whisking to make a smooth, thick batter.
  • Ensure the batter is lump-free and has a coating consistency.

Step 3: Fry the Batata Vadas

  • Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  • Dip each potato ball into the besan batter, coat well, and gently drop it into the hot oil.
  • Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Garlic Chutney

  • Dry roast grated coconut and garlic until golden brown.
  • Add red chili powder and salt and blend into a coarse powder.

Step 5: Make the Green Chutney

  • Blend coriander, mint, green chilies, lemon juice, salt, and water into a smooth paste.

Step 6: Assemble the Vada Pav

  • Slice the pav in half. Spread green chutney on one side.
  • Sprinkle dry garlic chutney on the other side.
  • Place the hot batata vada inside the pav.
  • Serve with fried green chilies and extra chutney on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Mumbai-style Vada Pav with a hot cup of chai.