Vada pav facts for kids

Vada pav is a super popular vegetarian fast food snack that comes from the state of Maharashtra in India. It's basically a yummy, deep-fried potato patty, called a "vada," tucked inside a soft bread bun, known as a "pav." People usually enjoy it with tasty sauces called chutneys and sometimes a spicy green chili pepper.

What's in a Name? The Story of Vada Pav

The name "Vada pav" tells you exactly what it is! The "vada" part comes from "batata vada," which in the Marathi language means "potato fritter." A fritter is like a small, fried cake. The "pav" part comes from the Portuguese word pão, which simply means "bread." So, it's a potato fritter in bread!

How to Make a Delicious Vada Pav

Making Vada pav is a fun process! First, potatoes are boiled until they are soft. Then, they are mashed up and mixed with chopped green chili, garlic, and tiny mustard seeds. Special spices like asafoetida and turmeric are often added to give it a great flavor.

Next, this potato mix is shaped into a small ball. This ball is then dipped into a batter made from gram flour, which is also known as chickpea flour. After being coated, the potato ball is deep-fried until it's golden brown and crispy. This is your "vada"!

Finally, the hot, crispy vada is placed inside a soft bread bun, which is called a "pav." The bun is usually sliced almost in half. It's often served with one or more delicious chutneys, which are flavorful sauces, and sometimes a fried green chili pepper for an extra kick!

A freshly made Vada Pav ready to be enjoyed.

Images for kids

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  A delicious plate with a batata (potato) vada, two vada pavs, raw green chillies, and red garlic chutney.

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  Vada pav served with a side of green chilli pepper, red peanut and garlic chutney, and green chutney.

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  Vada Pavu (a local way of spelling) and a cup of tea in Mysore.

See also

In Spanish: Vada pav para niños