Dahi Vada: Ace Street Food Recipe With These Tips

By Krati Purwar

June 10, 2025

Dahi vada is a popular Indian street food. It is perfect for summer because curd is used to immerse vadas, and it helps to provide relief from the heat. But if you are sceptical about hygiene, follow the tips to make soft and spongy vadas at home.

Grind Lentils

When making dahi vada, grind the lentils into a smooth paste. After grinding, stir and fold it with your hands to incorporate air into it.

Aerate

You can also whisk the batter to make it airy. It will result in soft and spongy vadas. Perform the float test, if it sinks, keep whisking until it floats.

Frying

Heat oil on a medium flame and drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles, the oil is at the right temperature for frying.

Quality Lentils

To make soft dahi vadas, use the highest-quality moong and urad dal. You must soak the lentils for about 6-8 hours before grinding.

Soak In Water

Once vadas are fried, transfer them immediately into warm water. It will prevent the crisp texture from developing on the surface.

Drain Water

After soaking, gently squeeze the excess water. Vadas will look flat and you can store these in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Chilled Curd

When making dahi vada, use chilled curd. Whisk it and pour it over vadas and top it with chutneys, onions, sev, and coriander leaves.