Ashok Vada Pav

This one is an old time favourite for me and the taste buds only crave for more and more after you have had it once...This is the Ashok Vada Pav.. Vada Pav, a dish which is synonymous with Mumbai and Ashok's Vada Pav only makes it all the more popular. Located in a lane right outside Kirti College in Prabhadevi- Dadar area is this very small eatery which serves piping hot Vada Pav's from 11am to 11pm. The proprietor is Ashok Bhau and he is the man who runs the show at this joint. You will find the joint filled with photos of awards that he has won over the years for being the Best Vada Pav in the city. He also boasts of clientele like Shahrukh Khan who used to visit his joint in his early days.

I had my first Vada Pav at the joint in the year 2000 for Rs.6. Today its gone on to become Rs. 15 but its all terrific value for money. The Vada Pav has the three basic chutneys - the sweet chutney, the spicy chutney and the red colour dry garlic chutney. The icing on the treat is the chura that is liberally stuffed inside every Vada Pav that gives you lovely crunchiness along with the flavours of the chutney and the Vada. One also has the option of another dish called the Chura Pav which has the pav stuffed with the chura and the chutney minus the vada which is also very popular.
The place is hygienic and he claims to use the best oil and changes the oil twice a day. The hallmark of this place is a huge crowd in the evenings past 6 but do not be perturbed by it. Patience is the key; Its always worth the wait. I have never seen anyone disappointed with this Vada Pav. Try out this amazing flavour of Mumbai and I bet that no one can eat just one.

The delcious Vada Pav

Ashok at work