Sabudana Vada in Sydney.

Sabudana Vada is a Maharashtrian favourite from Pune and Nashik. Traditionally eaten during upvas (Hindu fasting days) when grains are avoided, it's built on sabudana (tapioca pearls) bound with mashed potato and peanuts. The result is crisp outside, soft and nutty inside.

Sabudana Vada is another dish that's genuinely rare in Sydney. For anyone observing upvas or just craving a Pune tea-shop snack, it's a hard one to find done right — often served soggy or bland elsewhere.

Sabudana soaked overnight, peanuts roasted and hand-crushed, patties shaped and fried to order. Peanut-coriander chutney made in-house. Order Sabudana Vada online for pickup from Parramatta.