#Review: Manvinder’s Medu Vada by Riddhi Doda

Manvinder’s Medu Vada
Author: Riddhi Maniar Doda
Illustrator: Vinayak Varma
Publisher: Penguinsters

Manvinder’s Medu Vada is a heartwarming tale that serves up a delightful blend of flavours, feelings, and family. Riddhi Mania Doda crafts a charming story around young Manminder, a boy who moves from Chandigarh to Bengaluru and stumbles upon a love so deep—it’s deep-fried!

The moment Manminder tastes his first Medu Vada, his world changes. The crunch, the salt, the golden brown perfection—it gives him butterflies. But this isn’t just a story about a snack; it’s about a boy’s unwavering pursuit of a specific taste, a quest so sincere it draws the entire family into a whirlwind of recipes, trials, and laughter in the kitchen.

The narrative beautifully captures how food is more than sustenance—it’s a shared experience. As Manminder’s family experiments with Medu Vada recipes, the story highlights the magic that happens when loved ones come together over a common goal. It also subtly celebrates the cultural richness of Indian cuisine, encouraging young readers to embrace regional flavours with curiosity and appreciation.

One of the most touching elements is the arrival of a new house help—an unsung kitchen hero—who finally helps recreate the perfect Medu Vada. Her success is not just a culinary win but a nod to how community and care play an irreplaceable role in our lives.

This book is sweet, tender, and relatable. It captures a child’s honesty, passion, and uncompromising love for taste. It’s a celebration of food, family, culture, and the joyful discoveries that come with moving to a new place.

A must-read for children and families alike—this book will leave you smiling, maybe even craving a crispy Medu Vada!

Find this book here.