All Mumbaikars and vada pav lovers, this one’s for you. Think vada pav has its origin in Mumbai? Not quite. Anthropologist Kurush F Dalal has revealed a surprising truth about the city’s most loved snack, and yes, it left us shocked too. Its roots go way beyond Mumbai. Curious to know where it really comes from? Scroll down and get ready to rethink your favourite bite.
Where Did Vada Pav Originate?
That hot vada in between pav and served with chillies, vada pav has got everyone drooling, especially when it’s from Mumbai. Talking about the origin of this famous food, anthropologist Kurush F Dalal, in talks with the Free Press Journal, shared an interesting fact about it. According to him, this street food carries strong Portuguese influences.
Dalal explained that the pav has foreign roots, as the word comes from Portuguese and means bread. He also shared that key ingredients like potatoes, chillies and peanuts did not originally belong to India. They arrived here centuries ago through Portuguese trade routes. Over time, these ingredients became a regular part of Indian cooking and finally came together in something as familiar as vada pav.
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Dishes That Survived For Centuries
While talking with the Free Press Journal, Dalal revealed that food carries history and keeps civilisation alive through generations. He explains this by showing how some dishes have survived for centuries. Malpua, for example, is mentioned in the Rig Veda as fried cakes dipped in honey. Kheer also appears in different forms across South Asia. Some make it with sevai, while Sri Lanka has kiribath, or milk rice. This shows how food travels, changes, and still stays connected to its roots.
Mumbai’s vada pav scene goes way beyond the classic. From cheesy and Schezwan-loaded versions to Chinese-style twists, Jain-friendly options, and fiery thecha vada pavs—there’s something for every mood.
Did this surprising fact shock you? Tell us in the comments below!
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