TasteAtlas ranked Ashok Vada Pav 25th. (Source: Instagram/@tasteatlas)

TasteAtlas’ website also mentions that Ashok made vada pav, and its popularity skyrocketed especially after the Shiv Sena, a Marathi-Hindu nationalist political party, started to promote the sandwich as an ideal working class snack.

It’s easy to eat on the go, making it perfect for busy city life. “Vada pav is more than a snack—it’s a cultural emblem of Mumbai. Its simplicity, affordability, and connection to the city’s industrious spirit have turned it into an iconic street food loved across India,” Banerjee told indianexpress.com.

Tarveen Kaur, head chef and restaurant consultant, agreed with Banerjee, adding that pav, a fluffy bread roll, was first introduced to India by the Portuguese. “The result was a culinary revelation: an affordable snack that could be eaten on the go, packed with flavour and sustenance,” she told indianexpress.com.

According to her, vada pav is the essence of Mumbai, a dish born of necessity but elevated by innovation. Its simple ingredients belie its complex cultural significance. “Found everywhere from railway stations to fine dining restaurants, vada pav remains deeply tied to its roots,” she mentioned.

Vendors continue to elevate the dish with accompaniments like coconut-garlic chutney, tamarind sauce, and fried chilies, with upscale versions playing around with cheese and fusion flavors. Despite experimentation and reinvention, Chef Kaur believes the essence of vada pav remains the same—a snack that represents Mumbai’s spirit: quick, bold, and unforgettable.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.