Vadai (also spelled vada or vadai) is a South Indian fritter, typically made from lentils, that is deep-fried until crispy. It's a popular snack and breakfast item, often served with coconut chutney or sambar. There are different varieties of vadai, often named after the type of lentil used, such as ulundu vadai (made with urad dal) or paruppu vadai (made with chana dal).