Shilpa Shetty recently took to Instagram to officially reveal that she is a Batata Vada Girl. The fitness enthusiast, who is otherwise known for sharing nutritious recipes and yoga routines, now has her eye on this popular Maharashtrian street food. Her posts have impressed fans who love her usual clean eating habits.

Shilpa’s latest food obsession dates back to the early 20th century, when the Portuguese brought potatoes to India, after which the dish is named. This delicious deep-fried potato-gram flour pakoda was a staple food for the mill workers. It satisfied their taste buds and kept them active throughout the day.

Over time, it became more than just a snack and evolved into a symbol of the city’s undying love for comfort food as well as the resilience of Mumbai’s working class. As Shetty enjoys her delicious break from fitness, we reached out to Ashlesha Joshi, fitness dietitian and nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, to understand the complete nutrient profile of this unique street food. Because let’s be honest – even the pickiest among us can’t say no to perfectly spiced, freshly fried batata vada.