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Vada Pav

Photo via Pexels/Unsplash — free for commercial use

Often called Mumbai's answer to a burger — for a fraction of the price.

A spiced, deep-fried potato fritter stuffed into a soft bread bun with chutneys, sold from carts across Mumbai as a cheap, filling meal for commuters and workers.

Why it's made this way: Mumbai's fast-paced commuter culture shaped the dish — quick to make, cheap, and eaten standing at the cart, no seating required.