Reverse Vada Pav Sparks Debate Online Over Price and Creativity

A restaurant’s new take on Mumbai’s beloved vada pav has left people unimpressed. A local resident, Samrat Singh, shared a photo of the “reverse vada pav” on social media. The dish features a fried potato vada placed inside a hollowed-out brioche bun and is priced at ₹190. Samrat captioned the post, “people: the market will correct itself, the market.”

The post quickly went viral, with users criticizing the dish and its high price. One user wrote, “Is this a joke? We are happy with the simple vada and pav combination.” Another commented, “I thought this was a chicken leg in a pani puri shell.”

Some joked about how this creation disrespects Mumbai’s food traditions. One user said, “Reversing all the progress our ancestors made in culinary arts,” while another quipped, “Misal Pav must be terrified after seeing this creepy creation.”

people: the market will correct itself
the market: pic.twitter.com/JKBfpprnm9

— Samrat Singh (@samratsingh23) January 11, 2025

The high price tag shocked many, as vada pav is known as a staple street food in Mumbai, loved for being affordable. “₹190 for a vada pav? Looting us, are you?” wrote one user. Others called it “the most unappealing item ever” and expressed disbelief over paying so much for a simple snack.

Some also pointed out that the name “reverse vada pav” doesn’t even make sense. According to them, a true reverse vada pav would be pav stuffed with two vadas, not the other way around.

The reverse vada pav, which replaces the classic pav with a fancy brioche bun, has been labeled an unnecessary experiment. While it may aim to be a creative twist, the response on social media has been overwhelmingly negative, with many doubting its need and authenticity.