Indian street food
Vada pav vs burger.
A vada pav and a burger are both a filling in a bun. The fritter, the chutneys and the size are where they part ways.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 1 min read
Vada pav
Potato fritter
Burger
Patty, sauces
Bun
Soft pav vs bap
Size
Snack vs meal
01
The filling
A burger patty is usually made from meat or a vegetable and grain mix, grilled or fried, and topped with lettuce, tomato and sauces. A vada is a ball of spiced mashed potato, coated in gram flour batter and deep-fried, with chutneys instead of sauces.
02
The bread
A burger bun is larger, firmer and sometimes seeded. Pav is soft, small and slightly sweet, and is often toasted in butter. It is a cushion for the fritter rather than a structure.
03
The flavour
A burger leans on the savoury richness of the patty and the sauces. A vada pav leans on garlic, chilli and tang, and has no cheese, lettuce or pickles.
04
The size
A vada pav is a snack. Many people eat two. A burger is typically a meal on its own.
05
Both at Tapri Chai
Vada Pav is $5.49. We also serve a Veg Burger, a crispy veg patty with lettuce, onions and sauces, and a Noodle Tikki Burger with a spicy veg patty and noodles. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
- Vada Pav, $5.49
- Veg Burger, $8.99
- Noodle Tikki Burger, $9.99
Questions, answered.
Is vada pav like a burger?
It is similar in form, but the fritter, chutneys and soft pav give it a distinct taste.
Which is spicier?
Vada pav, usually, because of the garlic chutney and chilli.
Is vada pav vegetarian?
Yes.
Which is cheaper at Tapri Chai?
Vada Pav is $5.49 and the Veg Burger is $8.99.
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.