Must-Try Foods In Nagpur (Maharashtra) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Nagpur, located in the heart of India, is not only famous for its oranges but also for a rich culinary heritage influenced by the Vidarbha region. The cuisine of Nagpur is an amalgamation of the food culture of its indigenous tribes and neighboring states. The staple food here includes rice, jowar, varieties of lentils, and vegetables. Over time, Nagpur's food has been enhanced by Maharashtrian influences as well as Mughlai cuisines due to historical Muslim rule, which introduced rich gravies and biryani variations. Although the city has adapted various cuisines from around India, the local spice blend called 'Saoji masala' has remained a hallmark of Nagpur's own cooking style. Often considered fiery and bold, this masala is the backbone of many local non-vegetarian dishes, albeit vegetarian options are equally rich in flavor.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Nagpur for Tourists

1. Saoji Waradi Chicken - A spicy chicken curry seasoned with a special blend of Saoji masala. (Non-Veg)
2. Tarri Poha - Flattened rice cooked with peanuts, turmeric, and mustard seeds, usually accompanied by a spicy curry called tarri. (Veg)
3. Sambar Vada - Fried lentil doughnuts dunked in a bowl of savory lentil and vegetable stew. (Veg)
4. Bhutte Ka Kees - A grated corn dish cooked with spices and milk, giving it a creamy texture. (Veg)
5. Patodi Bhaji - Gram flour dumplings in a spicy gravy, often savored with rice or roti. (Veg)
6. Zunka Bhakar - A rustic combination of chickpea flour preparation served with a flatbreads made from jowar or bajra. (Veg)
7. Santra Barfi - A sweet confectionery made from oranges, a nod to Nagpur's famous citrus fruit. (Veg)
8. Sabudana Khichdi - Tapioca pearls sautéed with spices, peanuts, and vegetables; a common fasting food. (Veg)
9. Vada Pav - Mumbai’s iconic street food, a spicy potato fritter served inside a soft bread bun. (Veg)
10. Matka Biryani - Aromatic and flavorful biryani cooked and served in a clay pot, enhancing its flavors. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Nagpur with Addresses and Their Famous Foods

Gokul Brindavan

Address: Canal Road, Jaripatka, Nagpur

Famous Food: Thali (Veg)

Haldiram's

Address: Variety Square, Sitabuldi, Nagpur

Famous Food: Chole Bhature (Veg)

Nanking Chinese Restaurant

Address: Opposite St. Ursula Girls' High School, Civil Lines, Nagpur

Famous Food: Chicken Manchurian (Non-Veg)

The Breakfast Story

Address: Hingna Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: English Breakfast Platter (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

Barbeque Nation

Address: Eternity Mall, Amravati Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: Grilled Prawns (Non-Veg)

Veeraswami

Address: West High Court Road, Gokulpeth, Nagpur

Famous Food: South Indian Cuisine (Veg)

Gayatri Bhojnalaya

Address: Central Avenue Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: Maharashtrian Thali (Veg)

Food Capital

Address: Wardha Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: Saoji Mutton (Non-Veg)

Bhandara Road Saoji

Address: Bhandara Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: Saoji Chicken Curry (Non-Veg)

Shree Ganesh Petha Mart

Address: Khamla Road, Nagpur

Famous Food: Petha (Veg)