Pav bhaji vs vada pav: calories and protein compared
Short answer: for fat loss pick vada pav; for muscle gain pav bhaji does more. The numbers are per usual serving, so check the serving sizes in the table.
| Per serving | Pav bhaji | Vada pav |
|---|---|---|
| Serving | 1 plate (2 pav) | 1 vada pav |
| Calories | 369 kcal | 308 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g | 8 g |
| Carbs | 49 g | 40 g |
| Fat | 14 g | 12 g |
| Protein per 100 kcal | 2.5 g | 2.7 g |
| Calories from fat | 34% | 35% |
What the numbers say
- Pav bhaji has 61 kcal more a serving than vada pav. One serving of pav bhaji has the calories of about 1.2 servings of vada pav.
- Protein is about the same (9 vs 8 g).
- For protein per calorie, vada pav wins with 2.7 g per 100 kcal.
- They suit different diets: pav bhaji is vegetarian and vada pav is vegan.
Which to pick
- Losing fat: Vada pav, because it gives more protein for each calorie, which keeps you full and protects muscle.
- Building muscle: Pav bhaji, because it brings more protein a serving.
- Either way: the cooking fat moves both numbers most. Halving the oil or ghee is the easiest cut.