What happens when a Punjabi family sets out to make the perfect south Indian Medu Vada? That’s the heart of this funny and heartwarming story, Manvinder’s Medu Vada.
The book follows Manvinder and his family as they experiment with getting the vada ‘just right’—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and with the perfect hole in the middle. It’s not just about food, though. It is about family, love, and the joy of sharing small adventures together. And it cleverly shows how food can connect different cultures—in this case, north and south India.
Vinayak Verma’s illustrations make the story even more delightful. With expressive faces and details, the pictures add to the humour of each attempt at the elusive ‘perfect’ medu vada. Children will especially enjoy spotting all the funny versions of vadas along the way.
As part of Duckbill’s Hook Book series, this little book truly ‘hooks’ you. Light, playful, and full of warmth, Manvinder’s Medu Vada is a treat for readers of all ages.

