Sev usal and misal pav look alike at first glance: legumes in a spicy gravy, topped with something crunchy and served with bread. Eat one of each and the differences are clear.
Where they come from
Misal pav is a Maharashtrian classic. Sev usal is a Gujarati street favourite, and Vadodara is famous for it. Jay Mahakali Sev Usal began in Vadodara.
The key differences
- The legumes. Misal is usually made with sprouted moth beans (matki). Sev usal is made with peas (vatana) cooked soft in spices.
- The gravy. Misal is served with a spicy gravy called kat or rassa. Sev usal is served with Tari, also called raso, a spicy red broth.
- The topping. Misal is topped with mixed farsan. Sev usal is topped with sev and onion. At Jay Mahakali we use the original Vadodara sev, supplied by the franchise.
- The bread. Both come with pav. Sev usal is served with soft buns for dipping in the Tari.
Which should you try?
If you love misal, you will enjoy sev usal: same comfort, different spice. Start with Plain Sev Usal, and remember that raso is unlimited with every plate. For more heat, try Sev Tari. Read Sev Usal vs Sev Tari, or see the menu.
Visit Jay Mahakali Sev Usal – Science City at Shop No. 9, Supan Serenity, Science City Road, near Kargil Petrol Pump, Sola, Ahmedabad. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Get directions.
