The hole in the center of a South Indian medu vada serves a practical culinary purpose, ensuring even cooking of the dense urad dal batter and reducing oil absorption for a crisp exterior and soft interior. This design, achieved through traditional hand-shaping techniques, allows heat to penetrate the vada, preventing the outside from browning too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. Beyond its functional role, the vada's distinctive shape has become a cultural symbol of comfort and tradition in South Indian cuisine.