Today I went for an early lunch to SKVP, also known as Shree Krishna Vada Pav. This vegetarian street food spot has recently opened in Tooting, South London, and as a fan of Indian street food and all things veggie, I had to check it out!
Getting There
SKVP is located on Upper Tooting Road, just a short walk from Tooting Broadway Underground Station on the Northern Line. The area is always buzzing with people, and it’s great to see another Indian street food option pop up here
First Impressions
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the comforting smell of fried spices and masala – always a good sign! The space is quite compact with a few tables for dine-in customers, giving off proper Mumbai street food vibes. It’s casual, no-fuss, and feels like a little slice of India tucked away in Tooting.
The decor is quirky and fun – I noticed old-school Bollywood video tapes lined up as part of the interior design, which instantly brought a smile to my face. Playing in the background was classic Bollywood music, adding to the authentic street-side vibe.
I also spotted a couple of people enjoying their chai, and being the tea-lover I am, I knew I had to try it before I left. The place felt warm and welcoming – exactly the kind of spot you’d want to pop into for a quick bite or a nostalgic taste of home.
The Menu & My Order
There were a few menus on the tables and a larger display by the front counter. I walked up to take a proper look, and honestly – there were so many choices, I didn’t know where to start! But one thing was certain: I’d definitely be coming back to try more of the menu.
After scanning the options a few times (okay, more than a few), I finally made my picks:
- Vada Pav – A spiced potato filling, deep-fried in gram flour batter, served in a soft bap with a fried green chilli and a trio of chutneys. The definition of street food comfort.
- Methi Thepla & Raita – Delicious fenugreek flatbreads, served with a cooling spiced yoghurt and a little homemade pickle on the side.
- And I had to try the chai, especially after seeing a few people sipping on theirs. It came with a packet of biscuits, which was a really nice touch.
The whole experience so far had a real Mumbai street food vibe – Bollywood music playing, retro video tapes used as wall décor, and that comforting aroma of freshly made food in the air.
Taste Test & Service
The food arrived fairly quickly, and everything looked so fresh and vibrant. I started with the vada pav – crispy on the outside, soft and spicy on the inside, with the chutneys adding just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. The fried chilli gave it a proper street-style kick too. Absolute classic done right.
The methi thepla was soft and full of flavour, with that distinctive fenugreek taste coming through. Dipped into the raita, it was the perfect combination – fresh, slightly tangy, and cooling. The pickle added that extra punch for anyone wanting a bit more heat.
And the chai? So comforting – strong, sweet, and spiced just right. Sipping it while munching on the biscuits really completed the experience. It reminded me of tea time back in India – small details like that just make it more special.
The staff were really friendly and helpful throughout. Even though it was a casual spot, you could tell they put love into what they do.
Extras & Facilities
After finishing my meal, I noticed there was a self-serve tap water station, which is always appreciated – especially after enjoying something spicy! A thoughtful little touch that adds to the relaxed, no-fuss vibe of the place.
They also have one unisex toilet available for customers. It was clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus. What made me smile though was the quirky Mona Lisa artwork on the wall – small details like that make a place stand out and add character to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
SKVP in Tooting is a fantastic little spot for anyone craving authentic Indian street food in a chilled-out, vibrant setting. From the Bollywood tunes and quirky decor to the flavour-packed Vada Pav and comforting chai, it offers a slice of Mumbai right here in South London. With so many tempting options on the menu, this is definitely a place I’ll be returning to again – stay tuned for more tasty updates from SKVP!
