The tale of Mumbai’s first vada pav maker

History is a wonderful thing. There are parts that can be rewritten such as sports records or achievements. But events such as the World Wars, the Indian freedom struggle and Neil Armstrong being the first man on the moon will remain constant. As will Ashok Vaidya’s contribution to making the world’s first vada pav.

Today, despite the media reports and features across English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati publications, Ashok Vaidya still hasn’t been recognised for his contribution to global cuisine. During this period, vada pav has become the staple on-the-go diet for Mumbaikars and stalls and franchises (think Jumbo King) have sprung up across various corners of the city.
Vaidya’s younger son Narendra sits outside Dadar station’s Platform No. 1, continuing his father’s legacy. Given his father started the vada pav revolution, one would think that there would be a big stop set up outside the station. However, Narendra still stands with the same steel tray his father used all those years ago. Along with vada pav, he also sells bhajiyas, samosas and methi pakoras, but the vada pav he sells remains the most popular snack.

Sena’s favourite
The senior Vaidya was close to the Late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who would frequent his stall regularly and would even tell BMC officials not to hassle Vaidya. “Balasaheb was always supportive of my father and had even instructed the ward office to never do anything to him. My father would also deliver vada pav to Sena meetings, where senior party leaders like Manohar Joshi would be present. In 1995, when the Sena-BJP were campaigning for the state elections, Balasaheb recognised my father at a rally and asked how the business was performing. He then asked him to come to Matoshree (the Thackeray residence in Bandra) after the Sena won,” recalls Narendra.
However, that meeting never took place. “My father had tried several times to meet Balasaheb, but due to the heavy security, that meeting never happened. He had hoped to convert the thela into a shop, but that dream was never fulfilled until he passed away,” says Narendra.

The birth of the vada pav
“My father set up shop with his father in the 1960s when the Shiv Sena made its presence felt in Mumbai. My father started selling poha and vadas outside Dadar station, while the neighbouring thela sold omelette pav. One day, my father decided to put the vada between the pav and add some garlic chutney for flavour. The combination was a hit and the vada pav was born. Incidentally, all this happened before he was married,” says Narendra.
While Narendra doesn’t recall when his father was born, he does say his aunt (his father’s sister) told him that Ashok was a good student, but financial conditions prevented him from pursuing further studies. He would then, with the help of his sister, sell poha and vadas with his father. “After marriage, my parents would make vadas and over time, my brother and I would accompany baba to sell the vadas,” says Narendra. 
Although his sons helped him, senior Vaidya ensured that they received the best education. “My older brother, Vinayak, earned an MBA from MET, Bandra and is in the advertising field. I completed M.Com from Mumbai University, but continue to sell vada pav outside Dadar,” says Narendra.

My favourite vada pav is at...

For me, the best vada pav comes from Datta Snacks at Parel. It’s unique because it has always been my go-to place when I am ravenously hungry. I would recommend it to everyone.
- Ankit Sanklesha, Andheri resident

Ashok Vada Pav at Kirti College and the vada pav vendor on Road No. 5 at Shivaji Park are very good. But I think Datta’s at Parel make the best vada pav. 
- Vaishnavi Shinde, Shivaji Park resident

The vada pavs at CTO, Churchgate are mouth-watering. I am also a big fan of the vada pav served near Asha Parekh Hospital at Santacruz. Honourable mentions also go to the vada pav seller at Mithibai College and Shree Krishna, Dadar. 
- Chinmay Palekar, Goregaon resident

I’m a big fan of the vada pav sold at Aaram Snacks outside CST station. It’s got the right flavours and the best bit is that it is always fresh and served hot.
- Dev Kotak, Charni Road resident

I’ve grown up eating at Ashok Vada Pav. The vadas are fresh and they literally melt in the mouth. Ashok is my personal hero and I want to say a big thank you to him.
- Vaishnavi Mangaokar Mandrekar, Dadar resident

I’ve lived in Juhu all my life and there is nothing to beat the vada pav seller outside Mithibai College. What makes him unique is that the vadas are always fresh and his chutney is to die for. Nobody beats this guy. 
- Anagha Ingle, Juhu resident

Borkar’s in Girgaon make some excellent vadas. Add to that, the chutneys that he puts in, creating the perfect blend of flavours.
- Manav Parekh, Girgaon resident

Although I live in Bandra, the best vada pav I have had is definitely at Ashok Vada Pav near Kirti College, Dadar. In fact, I visit friends in Dadar only to go have vada pav at Ashok’s.
- Vinay Sitapati, Bandra resident

Parleshwar in Vile Parle (E) and Babu Vada Pav at Chakala, Andheri make insane vada pavs. They are some of the best that I have had.  I’ve had a number of vada pavs in the city, but nothing in my opinion can beat these guys.
- Abhijeet Kini, Santacruz resident

Although I’ve lived in Mahim all my life, my college was Mithibai so I’m partial to the vada pav sold there. That, along with the cutting chai, was the perfect combination to be had after the 7 a.m. lecture at college.
-  Ankit Vahia, Mahim resident