The carbohydrate rich snack became an alternative for tiffin. People preferred having this tasty dish for breakfast, lunch or as evening snack with hot cup of tea. It was served to mill workers. It was convenient and cheap to eat in bustling and crowded places, moving trains and everywhere. It is usually enjoyed hot, with fried green chilies and chutney. Recipe of Vada Pav is very simple and quick. It starts with boiling potatoes. Then they are peeled and smashed. Now the smashed potatoes dive in hot kadhai where other spices such as turmeric, mustard seeds, chopped garlic and chilies with pinch of asafoetida. Adequate amount of salt is added. This stuffing is shaped into medium sized balls. These balls are now dipped into chickpea/gram flour batter and are ready to fry. These fritters are stuffed in a bun known as Pav. The great time to enjoy Vada Pav is when the monsoon sets in. Sitting in your balcony, listening to your favorite music with a hot cup of tea and a vada pav in hands is a great treat you can give yourself. It is not only a dish but an emotion for all Marathi people.

The connection between Vada Pav and Shiv Sena, a political party is quite complex. The founder of the party, Balasaheb Thackrey always wanted marathi people to start their own business. As vada pav was gaining fame he wanted people to start stalls like the South Indians. Today at every corner of Mumbai you will definitely hear the frying of vada pav and its aroma tickling your nose. Vada pav has reached throughout the country and world as well. So 23rd August is celebrated as World Vada Pav Day.  

- Avanti Sachin Mujumale