A deep-fried patty of sago and peanut mixture served with coconut or green mint chutney, sabudana vada is the staple food for Hindus during the fasting season. Nutritious and filling, it dominates the Maharashtrian kitchen during such festivals as Navratri (a holy nine-day festival), when observers do fast for long periods of time.

Sago is soaked overnight to prepare the patty, after which a mixture of boiled potatoes, roasted and ground peanuts, green chillies and other spices are added. This is flattened into a patty and deep fried. The golden brown patty is crunchy from the outside and soft on the inside. It tastes best when eaten fresh and hot, and is usually served with a hot cup of masala chai.