Wada pav is a popular Indian street food that is made of a deep-fried potato patty served in a soft bread bun. The correct spelling of this dish is "vada pav" with a "V" sound instead of the commonly used "W". The IPA phonetic transcription for "vada" is /vədɑː/. The mispronunciation of the word can be attributed to the influence of the local Marathi language, where the "V" sound is often pronounced like "W". However, to maintain the authenticity of this beloved snack, it is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation.
Wada pav is a popular street food dish originating from the Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly the city of Mumbai. It is a savory vegetarian fast food item that consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling called "wada" served inside a soft bread bun called "pav". The wada is made by mixing boiled and mashed potatoes with spices like ginger, garlic, chili, turmeric, and coriander leaves. This mixture is then shaped into round balls, dipped in a chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
The pav is a small, soft, and slightly sweet bread bun usually made with white flour. It is sliced horizontally and spread with various condiments like spicy garlic chutney, green chutney, and sometimes even tamarind chutney. The deep-fried wada is then placed inside the pav, creating a flavorsome and filling snack.
Wada pav is a beloved and iconic dish in Maharashtra, often eaten as a quick and satisfying meal on the go. It is commonly sold by street vendors and small eateries known as "wada pav stalls". The combination of the spicy and tangy flavors of the wada with the softness of the pav makes it a delightful and appetizing treat. Wada pav has gained popularity across the country and is considered a quintessential Mumbai street food specialty, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The word "vada pav" is derived from Marathi, the language spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra where this popular street food originally hails from. "Vada" translates to "deep-fried potato fritter", and "pav" refers to the bread roll. The dish is often called the "poor man's burger" as it is affordable and widely available. Over the years, the pronunciation of "vada" evolved into "wada" in some regions, so "wada pav" is another commonly used term for this delicious snack.