Vadai

A vadai (left center), served with an idli, coconut chutney and sambar.

A vadai (alternatively vada, wada, vade) is a savoury South Indian snack shaped like a doughnut and made from lentil or potato.

Vada can vary in size and shape, though most are comparable to the Western doughnut.

Mashed or diced potatoes and/or lentils are seasoned — sometimes sauteed — then shaped, covered in a gram flour batter and deep-fried.

Although battered and deep-fried, the finished product should not be too oily if prepared correctly.

Served in a bun with fresh spice/sweet chutney, a vada becomes a vada pav, a street food like the hot dog.

[edit] Other Varieties of Vada

Dahi Vada (made by serving the vada in a mix of yoghurt and spices)
Ulli Vada (made of onion)
Maddur Vada (Made with onion and not doughnut shaped)
Paruppu Vada (Made with toor dal and not doughnut shaped)
Thairu Vada (Uzhundhu Vada put in yoghurt)
Masala Vada (a more soft and not so crisp Vada)
Rava Vada (Vada made of semolina)
Batata Vada (Made with potatoes, garlic and spices; when consumed with paav, the combination is called Vada paav)