The Original Vadai stands as Singapore's pioneering halal-certified vadai specialist, proudly carrying the distinction of being the first vadai stall in Singapore to achieve MUIS halal certification since establishing their unique concept in 1989. With multiple strategic locations including Aljunied MRT Station, Amoy Street Food Centre, Anchorvale Village, Joo Chiat Shophouses, Northpoint City, and the prestigious Jewel Changi Airport, The Original Vadai has created an accessible network that introduces both locals and international visitors to the authentic South Indian snack culture that defines Singapore's diverse street food heritage. Their commitment to halal certification ensures that these traditional Indian snacks remain inclusive to Singapore's multicultural community, while their dedication to maintaining authentic preparation methods preserves the cultural significance of vadai as both comfort food and cultural bridge between traditional Indian cuisine and contemporary Singaporean snacking preferences.
The signature menu at The Original Vadai showcases their mastery of traditional vadai-making techniques, featuring their legendary Prawn Vadai topped with crispy prawns that create the perfect balance of light, fluffy texture and rich umami flavors that have attracted devoted followings and long queues across all their locations. Their diverse selection includes the popular Ikan Bilis Vadai featuring aromatic dried anchovies, Grago Vadai with unique local adaptations, traditional Chilli Vadai for spice enthusiasts, and innovative modern interpretations like Cheese Vadai and even Chocolate Vadai that demonstrate their willingness to evolve traditional recipes while maintaining authentic preparation standards. Each vadai is prepared fresh throughout their daily 10 AM to 10 PM operating hours, creating the distinctive aromas that attract customers from considerable distances and the signature long queues that have become synonymous with quality vadai experiences in Singapore.
The Original Vadai's remarkable success stems from their unwavering commitment to quality consistency across all locations, ensuring that whether customers visit their Amoy Street heritage location or their modern Jewel Changi Airport outlet, they receive the same exceptional vadai experience that has defined the brand for over three decades. Their ability to maintain traditional South Indian snack culture while adapting to contemporary retail environments—from traditional food centers to modern shopping complexes—demonstrates their sophisticated understanding of cultural preservation versus commercial accessibility. The brand's role as cultural ambassador, introducing traditional Indian snacks to Singapore's diverse population while maintaining halal standards that serve the broadest possible community, positions them as both heritage preservationists and inclusive food innovators who ensure that authentic vadai culture continues to thrive in Singapore's evolving culinary landscape for future generations.
Prawn Vadai
Dhal Vadai
Bought around 7pm but both item were hard cold and dry when I got it. Really
Prawn Vadai
Dhal Vadai
Bought around 7pm, but both items were hard, cold, and dry when I got them. They were also quite chewy. It was rather disappointing as I'd had a good one at a Pasar Malam before. I guess business was slow and all the items had been left out for a while? I ate it almost immediately after getting it, so I'm sure it wasn't because I kept it for too long. I suppose this kind of food is still best enjoyed fresh from the Pasar Malam itself.
Adeline Tan
12 Oct 2021 - takeaway during Post Circuit Breaker Phase 2 (preparatory stage) / Stabilisation Phase
12 Oct 2021 - Takeaway during Post Circuit Breaker Phase 2 (preparatory stage) / Stabilisation Phase to COVID-19 Resilience.
3.5 stars.
I only buy and eat prawn vadai; I never bother about the rest.
Was quite lucky, didn't have to wait too long, only about 20+ minutes from joining the queue at about 3:20 PM to getting my vadai at about 3:45 PM, as they were frying up a new batch and the queue wasn't too long. However, there were people who had paid for their orders and were waiting by the side for the freshly fried vadai, while others were in the queue to order.
Got a box of 6 vadai for $6.50. I wonder how much they charge for 1 vadai here, as I understand it's $1 each at their other locations. So, is the 50 cents for the box?
The prawn vadai are tasty, the prawns are fresh, and the dough is flavourful. However, amongst the 6 pieces I got, some were a bit too dense and chewy, whilst the others were okay – crispy on the outside, light & fluffy on the inside. A few pieces were also rather small. Not very consistent.
Okay to buy if it's a short wait, but I won't bother if the queue is too long. They don't keep frying up prawn vadai all the time, only at certain times, even though it's their best seller and always unavailable in the display counter.
Eddy Tan
Cashier cum food server got problem attitude!!! I only have a $50 note and he ask for $2.60 for my o
The cashier and food server had a problem with their attitude! I only had a $50 note for my $2.60 order. When I gave him the $50, he said he had no change. I told him it was the only money I had, and he raised his voice to ask me to pay via PayNow in front of other customers. I insisted I just wanted to pay cash. Instead of asking me to wait while he got change from other customers, he raised his voice at me again, saying it was only $2.60! I just stormed out. Very, very bad service and an embarrassing experience!
Sazh Lee
Purchased box of 30 pcs of vadai but only received 21 pcs of chili's and when asked its $0.10 each c
Purchased a box of 30 pcs of vadai but only received 21 pcs. When asked about the missing items, I was told each chili costs $0.10.
Indah Tan
Paid for 10 vadai, but only received 8. Why was it not checked properly? Must the customer verify fi
Paid for 10 vadai, but only received 8. Why was this not checked properly? Must the customer verify before leaving?
Positive Reviews
Fong Kok
Awesome food, atrocious waiting times.
Came here as someone told me the food was good. The queue was
Awesome food, atrocious waiting times. Came here because someone told me the food was good. The queue was really long even on a weekday, and one of the customers behind me actually gave up waiting. I noticed they only had one person taking orders, packing, arranging orders, and collecting payment. Oh my, I do hope they get someone to help him with his duties, as customers would not like waiting for too long. Other than the waiting time, the food was awesome. The prawn in the vadai was fresh, and the dough was so light. I could eat 2-3 at one go. The staff was very friendly even though he was very busy, so kudos to him. I will definitely return! Please improve your waiting times!
Gavin Wong
Overall a good quality vadai shop. The prawn Vadai is still the best. The ikan bilis one is ok but n
Overall, a good quality vadai shop. The prawn vadai is still the best. The ikan bilis one is okay, but not as good as the prawn. You need to eat it within 30 minutes, otherwise, they become soggy. In that case, you will need to reheat them in an air fryer. Best eaten with the green chilli and a cuppa of teh tarik.
KC Lim
Queue is long all the time, so just prepare yourself if you wan to get some of these yums. The prawn
The queue is long all the time, so be prepared if you want to get some of these yums. The prawn vadai is fluffy and the prawns are fresh. It's not too oily and not too spicy. Comparatively, the ikan bilis is bigger and has more dough. The ikan bilis is also fried to a crisp. It's worth a try.
Aiza
First time trying, the prawn and ikan bilis vadai were the best tasting, crunchy and flavourful. Pra
First time trying, the prawn and ikan bilis vadai were the best tasting – crunchy and flavourful. The prawns were fresh and went well with the generous chilli padi provided. 6 pieces for $6.80, worth the price.
Lynn Tan
It’s my first time trying Vadai as I’m not a fan of Indian food. But decided to give it a shot after
It’s my first time trying Vadai, as I’m not usually a fan of Indian food. But I decided to give it a shot after seeing the long queue during peak hours. Surprisingly, it’s nicely deep-fried and not oily when you eat it! It’s soft and chewy on the inside too! However, I do not recommend the chicken skin as it’s very hard, even when eaten straight away. It would need to be popped into an air fryer to revive it.
