Food In Pune

Food History of Pune, Maharashtra, India

Pune, known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, has a rich food history that reflects the melding of tradition and modern influences. Historically, Pune's cuisine has been shaped by the Maratha Empire, with subtle influences from neighboring regions such as Konkan and Gujarat. The culinary palette here has consistently celebrated local ingredients such as jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and a variety of pulses and legumes. During the Peshwa rule, a special emphasis was put on developing food that was both nutritious and convenient for soldiers, leading to the creation of dishes like the 'Puran Poli' and 'Thalipeeth'. The vegetarian cuisine, especially, has been influenced significantly by Pune's large Brahmin community, which has always emphasized fresh, seasonal produce and a variety of spices to create intricate flavors without the use of meat.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Pune, Maharashtra, India

1. Pav Bhaji - (Veg): A spicy blend of mixed vegetables cooked in tomato gravy and served with butter-laden pav (soft bread rolls).
2. Misal Pav - (Veg): A spicy curry usually made from mixed sprouts, onions, and tomatoes, topped with farsan (crunchy mixture), served with pav.
3. Bhakri-Pithla - (Veg): A traditional Maharashtrian dish made with a gram flour-based curry (Pithla) and served with a bhakri, a type of flatbread.
4. Sabudana Khichdi - (Veg): A dish crafted from soaked sago pearls, spiced with green chilies, and sautéed with peanuts and fresh coriander, usually consumed during fasting periods.
5. Puran Poli - (Veg): Sweet flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made from chana dal and jaggery, flavored with cardamom and nutmeg.
6. Thalipeeth - (Veg): A multi-grain pancake that's a blend of various flours and spices, cooked on a griddle and served with butter or curd.
7. Wada Pav - (Veg): The iconic Maharashtrian snack consisting of a deep-fried potato patty served with spicy garlic chutney and pav.
8. Amti - (Veg): A tangy and slightly sweet lentil curry seasoned with goda masala and tamarind juice, often eaten with rice.
9. Kaju Kothimbir Vadi - (Veg): A popular snack made from cashew nuts and coriander leaves, mixed with chickpea flour and spices, then steamed and fried.
10. Piyush - (Veg): A creamy and sweet beverage made from buttermilk and shrikhand, flavored with nutmeg and cardamom, offering a rich taste similar to a lassi but thicker.

Top Famous Restaurants in Pune, Maharashtra, India

Shabree Restaurant

Address: 1199/1A, FC Road, Pune
Famous Food: Thalipeeth, Puran Poli (Veg)

Kayani Bakery

Address: 6, Dr Coyaji Road, Camp, Pune
Famous Food: Shrewsbury Biscuits (Veg)

Bedekar Tea Stall

Address: Munjabacha Bol, Narayan Peth, Pune
Famous Food: Misal Pav (Veg)

Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale

Address: Bajirao Road, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Famous Food: Bakarwadi, Mango Barfi (Veg)

Vaishali Restaurant

Address: 1218/1, Fergusson College Road, Shivajinagar, Pune
Famous Food: Sabudana Khichdi, South Indian Delicacies (Veg)

Goodluck Café

Address: 759/75, Goodluck Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
Famous Food: Bun Maska, Chai (Veg)

Sujata Mastani

Address: Several Outlets Across Pune
Famous Food: Mastani (a loaded ice-cream shake) (Veg)

Durwankur Dining Hall

Address: Tilak Road, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Famous Food: Maharashtrian Thali (Veg)

Hotel Sukanta

Address: 636, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
Famous Food: Gujarati Thali (Veg)

Aaoji Khhaoji

Address: Multiple Locations in Pune
Famous Food: Kaju Kothimbir Vadi, Piyush (Veg)