Goli Vada Pav: The Best Place To Eat This Traditional Indian Snack

Don't judge a book by its cover

Goli Vada Pav first opened in 2004 with the intention of having vada pavs ranked alongside other fast food favorites, such as burgers, pizza, and rolls. The owners, Venkatesh Iyer and Shivadas Menon’s first location was on the suburban streets of Mumbai, and now, 12 years later, they have 350 locations throughout 90 different cities spread over 21 states in India.

When you first take a look at the outside of one of their shops, especially if you’re a tourist or first-timer to India, you may just walk by without realizing you’re walking past a gold mine of flavorful fun. Many locations don’t have tables and chairs (but this is quickly changing), and you won’t be having your vada pav served up on fancy plates. It’s just good, old fashioned, convenient, finger food that you can enjoy while on the go.

Tasty varieties of vada pavs

Goli Vada Pav has certainly done its job of creating unique spice combinations that put a twist on the classic snack. As well as serving up the classic favorites, some of their savory creations include the Aloo Tikki Vada Pav, made with potatoes as the main ingredient, wheat flour, green peas, and spices; then you have the Makai Palak Vada Pav with corn and spinach, though it’s not that spicy so you may want to grab some hot sauce with it.

A must-try is the Paneer Supreme, which comes with a fried, soft paneer (cottage cheese) filling with creamy mayonnaise dressing, and it has a nice spicy kick to it. If you really enjoy spicier selections, you’ve got to also try the Schezwan Vada Pav that is smothered in a salty, garlicky, red chili Schezwan sauce that just might have you ordering more for take-away!

You can also order a variety of side items that include Alpha-Bites, which are cute letter-shaped fried potatoes (like french fries), crispy Hariyali Pops that are like tater-tots filled with green chilies, and also Cheese Ungli, which is very similar to mozzarella sticks.

Cool down with a sweet kulfi

Vada pavs aren’t the only thing this unique outlet has to offer. You’ll also get some of the best kulfi that tastes just like the ones prepared in a matka (a type of clay pot that acts as a water cooler). Kulfi is traditional Indian ice-cream that can usually be found in any Indian restaurant. In comparison to ice-cream, kulfi has a distinct taste that comes from caramelizing lactose and sugar when preparing this sweet treat.

However, I must tell you I have had home-made Kulfi right out of the matka, and I put Goli Vada Pav’s kulfi right next to it in terms of taste. You can choose from flavors such as Pista Badam (pistachios and almonds), Kesar Badam (saffron and almonds), Chocolate Kulfi, Coconut Kulfi, Mango Malai Kulfi, Elaichi Special Kulfi (Cardamom), and even Matka Kulfi (that comes in cute little clay pots).