In 1997, Gujarat man quit his job to sell vada pav for Rs 2.50 outside a posh bungalow. 30 years later, he owns the house but still runs his street-side cart

Mumbai’s iconic vada pav is the ultimate street food sensation. The spicy, golden-fried potato fritter (vada) encased in a soft, fluffy bread roll (pav) offers an irresistible contrast of crispy and pillowy textures. When paired with tangy garlic-coconut chutney and fiery green chillies, the taste doubles. But imagine someone selling vada pav, not in Mumbai but in Surat, and making an unexpectedly profitable business out of it. Such is the story of vada-pav seller Anilbhai, who now owns a lavish bungalow but continues to sell the popular snack outside his residence.

From ONGC peon to vada pav seller

Anilbhai, in a conversation with food vlogger Harry Uppal, shared his journey of turning a humble vada pav cart into an unexpected success story. Before venturing into the vada pav business, Anil used to work as a peon in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) but quit the job within 17 months, reported Brut.

Anil’s family used to sell vegetables for a living as well as doing other odd jobs. He revealed that he worked near the Ambika Niketan Temple, looking after footwear and parking cars. Anil’s mother already knew how to make vada pav and masalas, with the family getting raw vada pav from Dabeli, reported the Times of India.

How Rs 2.50 vada pav became successful

In 1997, Anil decided to sell vada pav professionally and make the snack popular in Surat too, much like in Mumbai. ‘My mother makes the masala. There’s magic in her hands,’ Anil had said in an interview with Live Mint. The first vada pav he sold cost Rs 2.50 back then, with the price now reaching Rs 25.

Anil revealed that the initial years of running the business were difficult, with issues relating to operating a roadside cart and dealing with municipal authorities. Eventually, Anil moved the cart from the roadside to another nearby location opposite a kavish bungalow. But little did he know that he would own it someday.

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The Bungalow dream and Anil’s life lesson

When Anil was asked whether owning the bungalow had been his dream, he corrected food vlogger Harry, claiming that it was actually his mother and brother’s dream, as cited by the Times of India. Additionally, Anil noted that the bungalow originally belonged to Hitesh Parek, who was the owner, and he had previously visited the place to sell vegetables.

In conclusion, Anil shared his life lesson from his journey, stating that contrary to what people believe, hard work can change your fate. He said that people often assume that those who sell food on the road are poor. But by working hard, anyone can be rewarded, regardless of their age.