Vada

Vada (or Wada) is a popular South Asian snack.

Mashed or diced potatoes and/or lentils are seasoned (and sometimes sauteed), then shaped, covered in a gram flour batter and deep-fried. The shape and size can vary, although the finished product is usually like a tennis ball.

Although battered and deep-fried, if done right, the finished product should not be very oily.

Considered the street-food equivalent of a North American hot dog, a vada may be served in a bun (called pav-vada) with fresh spicy/sweet chutney.