A viral video has taken the internet by storm, showing just how much a street vendor selling vada pav in Mumbai can earn—and it’s more than many white-collar professionals! Instagram content creator Sarthak Sachdeva spent a day working at a local vada pav stall, and the results surprised everyone, challenging common ideas about street food vendors' earnings.
Vada Pav Vendor's Impressive Income
In the video, Sachdeva dives into the daily operations of the street cart, making hot vada pavs, engaging with customers, and learning the ins and outs of the business. By mid-morning, they had already sold about 200 vada pavs, a popular snack in Mumbai. By the end of the day, the vendor had sold a whopping 622 vada pavs at Rs 15 each, bringing in Rs 9,300 in just one day.
When calculating for an entire month, the vendor’s income reaches around Rs 2.8 lakh (approximately $3,300). After deducting expenses, the seller still makes about Rs 2 lakh ($2,400) per month, which adds up to a total of Rs 24 lakh (roughly $29,000) annually—an amount that competes with many office jobs in India.
Internet's Reaction
The video has gained over 10 million views, with internet users reacting in disbelief. Many viewers commented on how eye-opening the video was, with one person humorously writing, “What am I doing with my life?” Another joked, “Time to start a food cart!”
The video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with people realizing the lucrative potential of street food businesses, especially when run efficiently and in a good location. One user remarked, "This just shows the power of being at the right spot at the right time."
Changing Perceptions
Sachdeva’s viral video challenges the stereotype that street vendors earn only small amounts of money. It shows that a well-run, high-demand food business, like selling vada pav, can be just as profitable, if not more so, than many traditional white-collar jobs in India.
This insight has led to conversations about the earning potential in small businesses, with many now considering that success doesn’t always come from a corporate office. Sometimes, the street corner can be just as rewarding.
This story highlights that, with the right business model and high demand, even street food vendors can make serious money. The reactions online show how much this revelation has opened people's eyes to the potential of running their own business.