21-05-2025
Chennai's best vada pav spots: A trail
When I moved to Chennai from Maharashtra, I did not expect my connection to home come wrapped in a piece of newspaper, handed over a street counter. But sometimes, it is not the grand things that make you feel rooted. It is instead a hot, spicy snack that tastes like nostalgia.
A product of the 1960s, the vada pav was conceptualised outside Dadar station. A popular theory suggests that batata vada or potato vada, a Maharashtrian staple, was wedged between pieces of soft pav by a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya. Chutneys were added as binding elements. This humble, affordable dish became the go-to snack for Mumbai's mill workers. Eventually, it transitioned from a blue-collar bite to an icon that crossed the boundaries of class, region, and generations.
It did not take long for this snack to travel across State borders and reach Chennai. As Maharashtrians and Rajasthanis shifted to Chennai for work, education, or business, they brought with them their culinary habits. Slowly, pockets of the city, particularly areas like Sowcarpet, began to see stalls pop up serving vada pav to a growing North Indian community and curious locals. Adaptations like sweeter pavs, fusion fillings, and wider menus, did take place, but mostly, sellers stuck to the authentic original recipe.
The anatomy of a good vada pav is constructed on four non-negotiables: pillowy pav served with a crunchy, hot vada made of gram flour and spicy mashed potato, and a perfectly fried and salted thin chilli. To seal the deal, zingy chutneys made of garlic and coriander are added.
As summer rains begin in Chennai, we go on a trail to find the perfect vada pav in Chennai. All that is left is a cup of tea.
Stop 1: Shree Vada Pav, Sowcarpet
Tucked in the buzzing lanes of Sowcarpet, Shree Vada Pav has stood its ground for 18 years. Hemant Vyas, a third-generation entrepreneur from Rajasthan, currently runs the show. His grandfather once sold vada pav on the streets of Mumbai. Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to Chennai. Eventually, Shree Vada Pav was born. Hemant, who now manages everything hands-on, is a man of many languages, fluent in Hindi, English, Tamil, Marwadi, and Gujarati. This might explain why the stall attracts such a large crowd. Locals flock here, not just for the food but also for authenticity.
The pav here leans a little on the sweet side, but the vada makes up for it, bursting with flavour and layered spices. The fried green chillies are not spicy, but bring their own drama to the plate. Hemant says, 'Cheese vada pav,' when asked what flies off the shelf at this stall. 'Everyone wants add-ons now… everyone wants an upgrade.'
Shree Vada Pav is at 27, Ramanan Road, Sowcarpet. A vada pav is priced at ₹25. Contact: 9380648311.
Jay Vada Pav, Sowcarpet
Jay Vada Pav may just be a year old, but it is already giving the veterans a run for their money. Nestled in the heart of Sowcarpet, this compact stall has a cheeky banner out front that read: 'Badi badi baatein vada pav khate'. It is a clever riff on a popular Bollywood line, and honestly, it is impossible not to smile while reading it. What immediately stands out here is the slightly larger pav, making it look more generous than most versions around.
The vada here is a crunchier, with a bold spice mix that does not overpower but leaves a lasting zing. The pav follows the Chennai signature of being a tad bitsweet, which surprisingly pairs well with the earthy flavours of the vada. The chillies served on the side are milder than the Mumbai ones but still bring forth a kick. At ₹30 a piece, it may seem a bit steep for traditionalists, but when a dish travels over 1,000 kilometres and still delivers, it seems worth it.
Yashaswini Chauhan, a Delhi-based food-enthusiast ie who has been in Chennai for a while, says, 'It was my first Chennai-style vada pav and I am blown away! Did not expect to find this Mumbai Street classic down South, but they have given it their own spin.'
Jay Vada Pav is at 434/164, Mint Street, Sowcarpet, Park Town, Chennai. A vada pav here is priced at ₹30. Contact: 9962119280.
Stop 3: Mumbai Chatwala, Kilpauk
From the moment you step into Mumbai Chatwala, there is a certain chaos in the air — the aroma of frying snacks, clatter of plates, buzz of conversation, and a cook-owner who is practically a blur, running between counters, taking orders, and making sure every plate hits the mark. It is chaotic in the best way possible.
Mumbai Chatwala began 10 years ago when Anandaraman B, a localite, decided that it was his calling to feed people. 'I haven't stopped since,' he says, speaking in bits as he slits chillies and sets out plates.
Generously stuffed with crunchy sev, spicy onions, and a pav so soft that is drenched in butter, this version has a spice-filled vada in the centre that ties it all together. A spicy green chilli is served on the side (finally!), not just for the drama, but because it genuinely elevates the experience.
What sets Mumbai Chatwala apart is the range of offering — bhel puri, sev puri, dabeli, grilled sandwiches and pizzas along with ambience. Bright, colourful interiors and a surprisingly spacious seating area, makes this place, a good spot to hangout. Unlike most chaat corners which are either too cramped or take-away places, this one invites you to sit, snack, and chat.
Mumbaii Chatwala is at Lumbini Square, 384/130, Purasaiwalkam High Road. A vada pav here is priced at ₹40. Contact: 9003228763.
Stop 4: King's Vada Pav, Purasaiwalkam
If you are on the hunt for the closest thing to Mumbai's original vada pav, your trail should end at King's Vada Pav in Purasaiwalkam. The masalas here, are not overused. Instead, the vada retains the original flavour. Chunky potato mash, strong taste of curry leaves, a garlic kick, and just enough crisp on the outside. Add to that a slender, fiery green chilli.
Behind the counter is Govind Kumar, a man with deep-rooted connections to the food he serves. Originally from Bihar, Govind moved to Chennai as an employee at King's 10 years ago. But with grit, patience, and a passion for flavour, he eventually bought the place himself. Over time, he fine-tuned the recipe, focussed on freshness, and created what is now one of the most beloved vada pav joints in the city. The vadas are fried in small batches, ensuring every customer gets a piping hot snack instead of something pulled out of a reheated pile.
Over the years, King's has also expanded its menu, now offering samosas, kachoris, and even drinks to wash it all down. When asked how he manages to keep that Mumbai magic alive in Chennai, he simply says, 'Just make it fresh, make it authentic, that's what works.'
King's Vada Pav is at 59, Alagappa Road, Purasaiwalkam. A vada pav here is priced at ₹25. Contact: 9940042134.
