Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pune, Mahārāshtra, India
1. Misal Pav
Spicy mixed vegetable curry served with soft pav (bread), originating from the Konkan region. Try it at Kaushalya Misal, a popular spot in Pune.
- Authenticity: Serves traditional Maharashtrian cuisine with no compromise on taste or quality.
- Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to both locals and foreigners.
- Quick Service: Offers swift service, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
2. Vada Pav
Popular street food consisting of a spicy potato fritter in a soft bread roll, served with garlic chutney, spicy green peas, and tamarind chutney. Visit Ajanta for an authentic experience.
- Affordability: Reasonable pricing, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
- Popularity: One of the most loved dishes in Maharashtra and widely available in Pune.
- Flavor Combination: The harmonious blend of various flavors results in a unique taste experience.
3. Sambar Vade
Crispy lentil fritters served with sambar (spicy lentil soup). You can find it at Shri Mahalaxmi Mandir's Annapurna Bhojanalaya, located near the temple.
- Legendary Taste: Famous for its delicious and authentic food offerings.
- Religious Significance: Enjoy your meal while visiting one of Pune's oldest and most revered temples.
- Vegan-Friendly: A vegan-friendly dish that caters to the dietary needs of many visitors.
4. Bhel Puri
Crispy puffed rice and sev (fried gram flour noodles) mixed with various vegetables, chutneys, and spices. Try it at Bhelwala outside Aga Khan Palace.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh ingredients for an appealing taste.
- Historical Setting: Offers a scenic location near the Aga Khan Palace, a notable historical landmark in Pune.
- Portion Size: Large serving sizes to satisfy your hunger.
5. Poha Jalebi
Flat rice flakes cooked with peas, onions, and spices, served with sweet jalebis (fried dough soaked in sugar syrup). Visit Shri Shivaji Shakahari Bhandar for this delight.
- Breakfast Option: Ideal for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Traditional Setup: A traditional food joint with an old-world charm.
- Combo Meal: Offers Poha and Jalebi as a combination, perfect for those who can't decide between sweet and savory.
6. Kothimbir Wadi
Coriander leaves dumpling made from gram flour, served as a side dish. Head to Vishal Kala Mukhi for this authentic treat.
- Authenticity: Serves traditional Maharashtrian cuisine with no compromise on taste or quality.
- Portion Size: Offers ample portion sizes to satisfy your craving for this delicious dish.
- Side Dish: Perfect as a side dish with sambar or rice.
7. Lauchi Bhaji
Soft steamed bread served with spicy and tangy vegetable curry. Visit Su-Jal for this comforting meal.
- Home-Cooked Taste: Tastes like home-cooked food, offering a sense of familiarity.
- Affordability: Reasonable pricing for a filling meal.
- Vegetarian Option: A vegetarian dish that caters to the dietary needs of many visitors.
8. Missal
Spicy mixed vegetable curry served over a layer of sev (fried gram flour noodles), topped with farsan (salty snacks) and garnished with coriander. Try it at Missal Anand for an exceptional experience.
- Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to both locals and foreigners.
- Unique Presentation: Known for its unique and artistic presentation of the dish.
- Quick Service: Offers swift service, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
9. Aamrakhand
Sweet yogurt dessert made from mangoes. Visit Mangaldas Mithaiwala for an authentic taste of this delicious dessert.
- Authenticity: Serves traditional Maharashtrian sweets with no compromise on taste or quality.
- Seasonal Availability: Uses fresh, seasonal mangoes for an unmatched flavor.
- Sweet Treat: Ideal as a dessert or snack option.
10. Ragda Patties
Spicy black gram curry served over crispy potato patties. Try it at Sitafaldi Wale Bhel Puriwale for a tasty experience.
- Flavor Combination: The harmonious blend of various flavors results in a unique taste experience.
- Popularity: One of the most loved dishes in Maharashtra and widely available in Pune.
- Affordability: Reasonable pricing, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
11. Chaat
A variety of savory snacks made from ingredients like sev (fried gram flour noodles), potatoes, chana (chickpeas), and yogurt. Try it at Prakash Chaat Bhandar for a delightful experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh ingredients for an appealing taste.
- Taste Customization: Allows you to customize the level of spiciness and sweetness as per your preference.
- Street Food: Authentic street food experience in Pune's vibrant food culture.
12. Bhaji Pav
Spicy vegetable fritters served with soft pav (bread). Head to Bhaji Triangle for an assortment of different bhajis.
- Variety: Offers a wide variety of vegetable fritters.
- Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to both locals and foreigners.
- Affordability: Reasonable pricing for a filling meal.
13. Dahi Misal
Spicy mixed vegetable curry served with yogurt, sev (fried gram flour noodles), and farsan (salty snacks). Visit Dhole Patil Wade for this delicious meal.
- Unique Taste: The tangy yogurt adds a unique twist to the traditional Misal.
- Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to both locals and foreigners.
- Quick Service: Offers swift service, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
14. Pune Bhakar
Traditional Maharashtrian bread made from wheat flour and jaggery (unrefined sugar), served with ghee (clarified butter). Try it at Bhakarkhali for an authentic taste.
- Authenticity: Serves traditional Maharashtrian cuisine with no compromise on taste or quality.
- Breakfast Option: Ideal for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Vegetarian Option: A vegetarian dish that caters to the dietary needs of many visitors.
15. Kandhi Pohe
Flattened rice flakes cooked with peas, onions, and spices. Try it at Vishal Kala Mukhi for this light and flavorful dish.
- Authenticity: Serves traditional Maharashtrian cuisine with no compromise on taste or quality.
- Breakfast Option: Ideal for a quick and filling breakfast option.
- Vegan-Friendly: A vegan-friendly dish that caters to the dietary needs of many visitors.