Located beside Kirti M. Doongursee College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Dadar, Ashok Vada Pav has been serving customers since 1966. Widely regarded as the birthplace of vada pav, the stall has attracted generations of students, office-goers, commuters, food lovers and celebrities over the decades.

For many Mumbaikars, vada pav is much more than a quick snack. At its heart is a spiced potato fritter flavoured with ingredients such as garlic, green chillies, mustard seeds and turmeric, tucked inside a soft pav. Simple, filling and packed with flavour, it remains one of the city’s most enduring comfort foods.

Adding to the honour, TasteAtlas highlighted Ashok Vada Pav as the most iconic place to enjoy the sandwich, further underscoring its place in Mumbai’s street food culture.

Photo: TasteAtlas/Instagram

Part of vada pav’s appeal lies in its affordability and convenience. Easy to carry and quick to eat, it has long been a dependable meal for students, daily wage workers and commuters navigating the city’s fast-paced routine. Its popularity extends far beyond taste; for many, it represents an accessible meal that has stood the test of time.

The origins of the snack are closely linked to Ashok Vaidya, who ran a food stall near Dadar railway station in the 1960s and 1970s. Looking for a way to provide workers and commuters with an inexpensive, portable and satisfying meal, he created a simple combination that would eventually become one of Mumbai’s defining foods.

Today, vada pav can be found across the city, from roadside carts to high-end restaurants. It is commonly served with a fiery red chutney made with ingredients such as coconut, peanuts, garlic, tamarind and chillies, adding another layer of flavour to the snack.

Ashok Vada Pav shared the  TasteAtlas list with several other well-known sandwiches from around the world. Turkey's Tombik Döner took the top spot, while Vietnam secured the next two positions with the roasted pork belly Bánh Mì Heo Quay and the classic Bánh Mì. Lebanon's Shawarma claimed fourth place, and Venezuela's Arepa Reina Pepiada completed the top five.