Pune street food culture is mentioned among the best snacks that can ever come across any foodie’s mind. However, one of the most iconic delectables to have gripped the hearts and stomachs of the people of Pune and other visitors alike has to be the quintessential vada pav. Often tauted as the “Indian burger,” this flavorful, spicy, and affordably priced snack can be found literally across the city in countless stalls and eating houses. But if you want to indulge in the rich end-of-the-cord then check out these top vada pav places in Pune which you mustn’t miss!!
Garden Vada Pav -Camp Area
Garden Vada Pav forms the heart of the bustling famous area of Camp and has gained legendary status among Puneites for dishing out one of the most delectable vada pavs in the city. Vada here is perfectly spiced, crispy on the outer side with soft, fluffy pav. Their spicy and tangy chutneys really elevate the taste to another level. For a street food joint, it’s very impressive that the hygiene standards are quite high with frequent cleaning and fresh ingredients used daily. Though small, the open-air seating area and constant hustle gives a lively and authentic feel to the place. A single vada pav here costs ₹20, and this can be a great place for an affordable and tasty snack. It is not surprising that customers for Garden Vada Pav do like 5-star ratings.
JJ Garden Vada Pav (MG Road, Camp)
Among the big names in Pune’s vada pav business is JJ Garden Vada Pav, which is just a few minutes from MG Road. Known for its crunchy vada and buttery pav, it takes the flavor up a notch with a special chutney that adds just the right amount of spice. Hygiene is kept really high; the kitchen is clean, and every fruit is fresh. Though it’s a street-side joint, there is this energy of the place-there’s always a constant flow of people and chatter all around the street. At ₹30 per vada pav, it might be a wee bit pricey, but it does make up for the quality and taste. With the same quality, the place has earned a rating of 5 and undoubtedly is a must-visit.
Shri Krishna Bhuvan (Narayan Peth)
Perhaps one of the oldest vada pav stations in Pune, it dates back to the pre-independence period, i.e., since 1940s. Here, the vada pav is newly served, and it tastes just perfect – crispy vada with soft pav, and a mildly spiced chutney. What separates them is hygiene – although the establishment is old, they provide fresh ingredients. Ambiance-wise, it’s rather basic with a tiny clean seating area which is much more relaxed than one would get out of your average street stall. For the same price of ₹25 for a vada pav, the place does a pretty good job of balancing price and quality. With a shining reputation and excellent reviews, this place has got excellent grades both when it comes to taste and nostalgia.
Shivaji Vada Pav (FC Road)
It is quite impossible to miss Shivaji Vada Pav on FC Road. The good amount of portions, crispy vada, and that spicy chutney make this a hot favorite among college students and office goers. Despite the fact that the place is quite busy, the hygiene level is pretty good here, and you can always expect fresh preparations of vada pavs. As it doesn’t have any seating arrangements, it’s more of a quick snack-on-the-go place, but then the fast service ensures that you don’t have to wait too long for the same. The ₹15 per vada pav is very pocket-friendly, and it is the first choice for most budget-conscious foodies who have rated this place highly for its taste and value.
Joshi Wadewale (Kothrud)
Located in Kothrud, Joshi Wadewale is one brand which is synonymous with good quality vada pav in Pune. The vada is perfectly spiced here. Pav is always fresh, and the snack of the vada pav is very satisfying. It’s a pretty clean place because of the kitchen area being cleaned regularly. It’s priced a wee bit higher at ₹35 per vada pav, but again, it’s worth every penny for the quality and hygiene and cleanliness overall. The ambiance is a little more upscale for a street food joint, though it does offer a small indoor seating area where you can sit and enjoy your meal. It really is well-loved by locals; for that reason, it gets top ratings for both quality and service.