Top 12 Vada Pav spots picked by Mumbaikars

Back in 1960, a common man named Ashok Vaidya had a simple idea: set up a food stall outside the Dadar railway station. Without overthinking, he started with vada and poha. Soon after, another stall started selling omelette pav. This made him wonder: What if we put vada into the pav with chutney?

That simple thought gave birth to what we now know as the Vada Pav, a snack so iconic that it has earned the title of the “World’s 13th Best Sandwich.”

Today, Vada Pav stalls are everywhere in Mumbai, and every Mumbaikar has their favorite spot. If you’re new here or just unsure where to find the best in the city, we’ve listed the top 12 Mumbaikars' favorite Vada Pav joints.

Here we go!

1. Ashok Vada Pav (Dadar)

Naam toh suna hi hoga! Every day, people wait for about an hour in line just to grab one Vada Pav. Trust us—the wait is worth it. The piping hot vada, served with tangy tamarind and spicy garlic chutneys, topped with their signature choora, is an experience like no other.
Mumbaikar's Tip: Dadar Beach is just 2 minutes away. Grab a Vada Pav and head there for the perfect combination of flavors and views.

Ashok Vaidya vadapav since 1960s near Dadar railway station | Credits: Youtube (@foodieamitsureshsamant949)

2. Gajanan Vada Pav (Thane) 

The secret to Gajanan Vada Pav’s iconic taste is its special yellow chutney, made with choora and chopped green chilies. Served on a traditional leaf instead of a plate, this spicy delight is a must-try. Just imagine dunking a crispy vada into that warm, flavorful chutney!

Gajanan vadapav Thane | Credits: magicpin.in

3. Rajmata (Thane)

Another gem in Thane, Rajmata serves vada pav with a similar yellow chutney as Gajanan but adds a spicy chili gravy to the mix. Like Gajanan, they also serve their vada pav on a leaf. While both spots offer similar styles, each has its own unique flavor.

Tip: Try their kokum sharbat too!

Rajmata vada pav & snacks centre | Credits: magicpin.in

4. Aaram Vada Pav (CST)

Just opposite the iconic CST station, you’ll spot Mumbaikars relishing Aaram’s big, fat Vada Pavs. This spot is unique—they don’t add turmeric to their vadas, making them the only place in Mumbai that serves white bhaji.

Pro tip: Try their Misal Pav, Thalipeeth, and Piyush. You can dine inside or grab your vada pav to-go.

People buying their afternoon snack at Aaram vada pav | Credits: hklourson.com

5. Shivaji Park Vada Pav (Dadar)

This spot gained fame after Sachin Tendulkar shared his love for their Vada Pav in an interview. It’s the authentic Bambaiya style—spicy vada, tangy chutney, and a fried green chili on the side. Pair it with bhaji and a hot cup of chai from a nearby stall for the full experience.

Spicy vada pav with cutting chai

6. Graduate Vada Pav (Byculla)

With a menu featuring Tandoori Vada pav, Peri peri cheese vada pav, and Schezwan vada pav, Graduate is the ultimate spot for fusion flavors. It’s a place where you can experiment with your taste buds and discover something new.

Challenge: Which did you like better—the classic vada pav or a fusion twist?

The crowd waiting for get their orders | Credits: Facebook (@graduatevadapav)

7. Kunj Vihar (Thane)

Located right across from Thane railway station, Kunj Vihar is the perfect spot for a quick bite. Known for their speedy service, they assemble everything in just two minutes. If you have extra time, try their Misal and Lassi.

Kunj vihar restaurant | Credits: kunjvihar.in

8. Aanad vada pav (Vile Parle)

This joint is a favorite among Mithibai College students. While they serve a variety of dishes like dosa, sandwiches, and uttapam, nothing beats their classic Vada Pav paired with a cup of kadak chai.

Cheesy vadapav from Anand vadapav vala | Credits: Instagram (@forksontheroads)

9. Dheeraj vada pav (Vile Parle)

There’s a friendly rivalry between Dheeraj and Aanad, as they are just a minute apart. Dheeraj’s secret weapon? Butter! They slather a generous amount of butter on the pav before grilling it with the vada. Don’t miss their grilled Vada Pav sandwich—it’s a crowd favorite!

10. Samrat Vada pav (Vile parle)

Samrat is famous for its cheese burst vada pav, which might just be the biggest in Mumbai. Originally started in 2003 as a regular vada pav joint, its immense popularity led to a permanent shop that now serves a variety of creative fusion vada pavs.

Samrat vadapav since 2003

11. Khidki Vada pav (Kalyan)

The most popular Vada pav in Kalyan, Khidki Vada pav, has an interesting backstory. The name "Khidki" (which means window in Marathi) comes from how the owner started selling Vada pav from a window in their house back in 1968. The taste was so incredible that they eventually opened a permanent shop. Their Vada pav is so spicy and tasty ki logo ki line hi khatam nahi hoti.

12. Jumbo King (Multiple outlets)

Jumbo King has grown into a fast-food chain with a ₹100 crore business. The owner, Dheeraj, was inspired by McDonald’s success and decided to start a similar joint. They offer a range of burgers and drinks while keeping the authentic flavors of Mumbai intact. If you want to try something unique yet flavourful, Jumbo King is worth visiting.

Mumbai’s Jumbo king

This was the list of Mumbai’s iconic Vada pav joints. (But we know we’ve missed manyyyy!) So, the next time you’re in Mumbai—or if you’re already from Mumbai—make sure to try these outlets and tell us which one you liked the most.

And if you’re looking for the best budget-friendly stays in Mumbai, check out our newest hostel: The Hosteller Andheri.Aur haan, Mumbai mein sirf vada pav hi nahi milta! If you want to know what else the streets of Mumbai have to offer, read our blog—‘From Vada Pav to Malvani Masala: Here’s an Aamchi Food Guide to Mumbai.’