Anatomy of the perfect Vada Pav

The hunt for the best Vada Pav has finally come to its conclusion!

Our most favourite street food – Mumbai’s very own burger Vada Pav is sold in every nook and corner of old Dubai. But where do you get the best one?

After scouting over 15 restaurants in a span of 3 days, I’ve finally found the 7 best places to get your next Vada Pav fix!

Before we get to the list, this is what you need to know:

• The scout was carried out anonymously and not initiated by any of the restaurants mentioned below
• Restaurants serving molecular gastronomy are not included
• No customisations were requested – each burger is judged based upon how the restaurant serves it to a regular customer
• Presentation and atmosphere of the restaurant were not criteria for judgement as all the purchases were takeouts

7 OF THE BEST VADA PAVS IN DUBAI

7. Bombay Bites – 3/5

Bun quality: ★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★
Juiciness: ★★★
Location: Ground Floor, Atrium Centre, Bur Dubai
Price: AED 4

Verdict: The best thing about their Vada Pav is that the heat level is completely customisable. The chillies and spice powder are served on the side, so if you don’t have a high tolerance to spicy food, this is a good place to visit.

6. Mumbai Express – 3/5

Bun quality: ★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★
Juiciness: ★★★
Location: Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama
Price: AED 6

Verdict: I loved the entire menu at Mumbai Express! But I’ll probably come back for the Pav Bhaji more than anything else.

5. Joshi – 3/5

Bun quality: ★★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★
Juiciness: ★★
Location: Close to Dubai Museum, Meena Bazar
Price: AED 6

Verdict: They’ve been around for more than 50 years! Other than serving Vada Pavs, they also have a chaat counter.

4. Mumbai Masti Juice Centre 3.5/5

Bun quality: ★★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★★
Juiciness: ★★★
Location: Close to Dubai Museum, Meena Bazar
Price: AED 5

Verdict: Seriously good Vada Pav here! They also have different assortments such as cheese vada pav and Schezwan vada pav.

3.  Urban Tadka 4/5

Bun quality: ★★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★★
Juiciness: ★★★★
Location: Karama
Price: AED 5

Verdict: Highly recommended for Indian street food! They have a nice chaat counter and one of the best Vada Pavs I tried during the scout.

2.  Chaat Bazaar 4.5/5

Bun quality: ★★★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★★★
Juiciness: ★★★★
Location: Karama
Price: AED 5

Verdict: Definitely one of the best Vada Pavs out there! Really good quality, authentic street food as well as interesting fusion dishes such as Pav Bhaji Nachos and Sev Puri tacos.

Bonus tip: They also serve the famous “Kirti College Vada Pav” on their menu – this dish is known to be the best Vada Pav in Mumbai! 

1.  Vaibhav 5/5

Bun quality: ★★★★★
Cutlet seasoning: ★★★★★
Juiciness: ★★★★★
Location: Behind KFC, Al Fahidi Street, Meena Bazaar
Price: AED 3

Verdict: This one is a sure shot winner! It has every element of the perfect Vada Pav – a very soft bun, a flavourful patty, and just the right amount of condiments. You HAVE to try this!

How many of these do you plan on trying? Let me know in the comments section!