I Tried the Famous Kirti Vada Pav in Dadar – Honest Street Food Review (Mumbai)
Mumbai is known as the street food capital of India, and one snack that truly represents the city is the legendary Vada Pav. From railway stations to small lanes, you’ll find this delicious snack everywhere.
But one place that always creates curiosity among food lovers is Ashok Vada Pav, popularly known as Kirti College Vada Pav.
Recently, I visited Dadar to try this famous vada pav and share my honest experience with you.
If you want to see the real experience, crowd, and taste reaction, watch my YouTube Short here:
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/vHvRSUu6_Rk?feature=share
The Story Behind Kirti Vada Pav
The famous stall near Kirti College has been serving vada pav for more than three decades and has become one of the most popular street food spots in Mumbai.
Locals often call it Ashok Vada Pav, named after its founder Ashok Thakur. The stall started as a small food counter but slowly became a must-visit destination for street food lovers.
Many Bollywood celebrities and food vloggers have also visited the stall, which further increased its popularity among tourists and locals.
Today, thousands of people visit this place just to try this iconic Mumbai snack.
My Experience Visiting Kirti Vada Pav
When I reached the stall in Dadar West, the first thing I noticed was the huge crowd waiting in line.
This is actually very common here because Kirti Vada Pav is extremely popular among college students, office workers, and tourists.
The stall itself is small and simple. There are no fancy interiors or seating areas. It’s a typical Mumbai street food setup where people stand nearby, eat quickly, and continue with their day.
But honestly, that’s what makes the experience authentic.
The smell of freshly fried batata vada instantly makes you hungry.
What Makes Kirti Vada Pav Special?
Many people wonder why this stall is so famous when Mumbai already has thousands of vada pav vendors.
Here are a few reasons.
1. Unique Chura Topping
One unique thing about Kirti Vada Pav is the “chura” topping.
Chura is basically crispy fried crumbs made from the vada batter, which are added on top of the vada pav.
This adds extra crunch and texture to every bite.
Some people absolutely love this twist, while others prefer the traditional version.
2. Secret Chutney Recipe
Another reason for its popularity is the special chutney mixture.
The stall reportedly uses around 40 ingredients in their chutney and batter, giving it a unique flavour that stands out from regular vada pav stalls.
The chutney combination usually includes:
• Garlic chutney
• Green chilli chutney
• Spices and masala
Together, they create a spicy and flavorful taste that many people enjoy.
3. Freshly Fried Vada
One thing I noticed is that the vadas are always served hot and fresh.
The outer layer is crispy while the inside has soft mashed potatoes with spices.
This balance of texture is what makes a good vada pav.
My Honest Taste Review
Now let’s talk about the most important thing — the taste.
When I took my first bite, I immediately noticed the strong garlic flavour from the chutney.
The vada was crispy and hot, and the pav was soft.
The chura topping added a crunchy texture which was actually interesting.
But to be completely honest:
The taste is good and unique, but whether it is the best vada pav in Mumbai depends on personal preference.
Some people love it, while others feel it’s a bit overhyped because of the crowd and popularity.
Price of Kirti Vada Pav
The price of the vada pav is slightly higher than many street stalls.
But it’s still affordable.
Approx price range:
• Vada Pav – ₹25 to ₹30
• Special versions – slightly higher
Considering the popularity and location in Mumbai, the pricing feels reasonable.
Crowd and Waiting Time
One thing you should be prepared for is waiting in line.
Sometimes you may need to wait 10–20 minutes because the stall gets extremely crowded.
But for street food lovers, that’s part of the experience.
Why Vada Pav Is So Popular in Mumbai
The vada pav itself is an iconic snack that originated in central Mumbai during the 1960s and became popular among mill workers because it was cheap, filling, and easy to eat on the go.
Over time, it became the symbol of Mumbai street food culture.
Today, it is loved by everyone from students to office workers.
Final Verdict – Is Kirti Vada Pav Worth Trying?
Here is my honest rating:
⭐ Taste: 4 / 5
⭐ Price: 4 / 5
⭐ Experience: 4.5 / 5
✔ Authentic Mumbai street food experience
✔ Unique crunchy chura topping
✔ Fresh and hot vada
❌ Long waiting time because of the crowd
If you are visiting Mumbai, you should definitely try Ashok Vada Pav at least once.
It’s not just about the food — it’s about experiencing Mumbai’s street food culture.
Watch My Honest Review on YouTube
I captured the entire experience in a short video.
👉 Watch here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/vHvRSUu6_Rk?feature=share
If you enjoy street food reviews, honest food reactions, and exploring famous food spots, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
More exciting food reviews are coming soon!