Across Canada
Pav substitutes in Canada.
Pav is a soft, slightly sweet, squishy bread roll. In Canada, soft dinner rolls and slider buns are the closest substitutes, and a few simple tricks make them work.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 1 min read
Best swap
Soft dinner rolls
Also good
Slider buns
Avoid
Crusty rolls
Trick
Toast in butter
01
What pav is like
Pav is baked in a tray so the rolls touch and rise together, which leaves soft, pale sides that tear apart cleanly. The crust is thin and the crumb is fluffy. It is slightly sweet and is made to be toasted in butter.
02
The closest substitutes
In Canadian supermarkets, look for these:
- Soft dinner rolls, ideally in a pack of twelve baked together.
- Slider buns or small hamburger buns.
- Potato rolls, which are soft and slightly sweet.
- Brioche-style buns for pav bhaji, if you like them richer.
03
What to avoid
Skip rolls with a hard crust, such as baguette-style or kaiser rolls. They overpower the soft filling and are difficult to bite through. Whole grain rolls with seeds are also too heavy.
04
How to prepare them
Split the rolls, leaving one side attached, and toast them cut side down in butter for a minute. For vada pav, press the filling in and toast again. For pav bhaji, toast the cut sides until golden and soft.
05
Or skip the baking
If you want a vada pav or a pav bhaji with proper pav, you can order both at Tapri Chai in Barrhaven. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
What is the best substitute for pav?
Soft dinner rolls or slider buns are the closest.
Can I use hot dog buns for vada pav?
You can, but they are longer and less soft. Round slider buns work better.
Can I make pav at home?
Yes, from a soft yeast dough, though soft dinner rolls are easier.
Why toast the buns in butter?
Toasting adds flavour and a light crust, which stands up to the filling.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.