shutterstock

Medu vada

(Medhu vada, Uzhunnu vada, Ulundu vadai, Urad vada, Minapa garelu, Ulundu wade, मेदु वड़ा)

Medu vada is an Indian snack that is visually similar to a doughnut, consisting of a deep-fried batter made from black lentils and seasonings such as fenugreek, cumin, pepper, chili, and ginger. The fritters are often served for breakfast with coconut chutney and sambar on the side.

It is believed that medu vada was invented in the city of Maddur, located in the region that is today known as Karnataka.

Maddur, India

Serve with

Dip

Nariyal chutney

Coconut chutney is a popular South Indian condiment or side dish, consisting of a coconut stew that is combined with shallots, tamarind, ginger, chiles, and curry leaves.... Read more

Stew

Sambar

Sambar is a popular curry dish prepared with a tamarind-based broth, lentils, and vegetables. It originates from Tamil Nadu, but it is also very popular in Sri Lanka and ... Read more

WHERE TO EAT The best Medu vada in the world (according to food experts)

Suresh Hinduja and 3 other food critics.

"The Medu Vada is another crowd-puller, fried fresh and served in no time and being devoured even faster."

Sonali Pimputkar and 4 other food critics.

"Medu Vada and filter coffee makes a perfect breakfast and Ram Ashray is a pro when it comes to South Indian breakfast."

Tushar Haldar and 3 other food critics.

"Café Madras has achieved the perfect execution of this dish over years and just stands out in its league."

Carey Jones and 1 other food critic.

"The medu vada, fried rings of lentil-rice batter with little hints of cumin. Each doughnut is dense and bready on the inside, appealingly crunchy on the outside—very fried-tasting, but not too greasy."

Bohemian Foodies

"The medu vada came dipped in the hot and spicy sambhar. If like my husband, medu vada is your go-to dish at a South Indian restaurant, than you would do well to order it here."