Pavtikki

Pavtikki, or pav tikki, is a popular Indian street food snack that features a spiced potato patty (tikki) served inside a soft bread roll (pav). It is commonly associated with Mumbai and other western Indian cities, but variants are found across the country. The dish is typically enjoyed with green chutney (coriander-mint), tamarind or date chutney, onions, and sometimes sev, giving it a compact, flavorful bite.

Preparation usually starts with boiled potatoes mashed and mixed with spices such as cumin, coriander, chili, and garam masala, along with salt and sometimes peas or other vegetables. The mixture is shaped into round or flattened patties and shallow-fried until the outside is crisp. The pav is split and lightly buttered or toasted. Assembling involves spreading chutneys on the interior, placing the tikki inside, and adding onion slices and sometimes additional chutneys. Some versions top the tikki with chutney and sev or a sprinkle of chaat masala.

Variations and serving styles exist. Some vendors offer a version with cheese, or a “pav tikki burger” using a closed sandwich format. While similar in spirit to vada pav, pavtikki uses a baked or pan-fried potato patty rather than a deep-fried batter-dried dumpling, resulting in a distinct texture. Nutritional profiles vary with portion size and toppings; healthier adaptations may use whole-wheat pav and baked patties.

Pavtikki remains a common, convenient option at street stalls and casual eateries, valued for its balance of savory patty, soft bread, and tangy chutneys. See also: vada pav, pav bhaji.