Pune’s Street Food Delights
Pune, the cultural heart of Maharashtra, is a food lover’s dream. The city streets are alive with tempting aromas, spicy, tangy, and savory treats waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore some must-try street foods in Pune.
Misal Pav: A Pune Icon
Misal Pav is arguably Pune’s signature dish. Spicy sprouted lentil curry, known as misal, is the star. It’s topped with crunchy farsan, chopped onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime. Served with soft pav (bread rolls), it’s a flavor explosion. Check out Bedekar Misal, Katakirr Misal, or Ramnath Misal for an authentic experience.
Vada Pav: The Indian Burger
A simple yet satisfying snack, Vada Pav is a true Indian classic. Imagine a spicy potato fritter (vada) nestled between a soft pav. Add some chutneys and fried green chilies, and you’ve got a handheld feast. Garden Vada Pav Centre, Joshi Wadewale, and JJ Garden Vada Pav are top spots for this treat.
Pithla Bhakri: A Taste of Tradition
For a taste of Maharashtrian home cooking, try Pithla Bhakri. This hearty dish features gram flour (besan) cooked with spices and served with bhakri (jowar or bajra roti). Shree Uphar Gruha and local dhabas offer delicious versions.
Bhakarwadi: Crunchy and Sweet
Bhakarwadi is a crunchy, spicy, and slightly sweet snack. This deep-fried spiral delight, made of gram flour and spices, is perfect for munching on the go. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale is the place to find the best Bhakarwadi in Pune.
Dabeli: A Burst of Flavors
Originally from Gujarat, Dabeli has found a home in Pune. It’s a mix of spicy mashed potato filling with tamarind and garlic chutneys, peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and sev, all packed into a pav. Laxmanrao Dabeli and Shree Dabeli are popular choices.
Pav Bhaji: Buttery Bliss
Pav Bhaji is a favorite among street food enthusiasts. The thick, spicy vegetable curry (bhaji), cooked in butter and served with soft, buttered pav, is pure comfort food. Supreme Pav Bhaji and Siddharth Pav Bhaji offer excellent versions.
Kheema Pav: A Non-Vegetarian Delight
Non-vegetarians should not miss Kheema Pav. Spiced minced meat served with pav, onions, and lemon wedges, it’s a flavorful treat. Goodluck Café and Nawab’s are well-known for their Kheema Pav.
Mastani: Pune’s Signature Milkshake
Mastani is a rich milkshake topped with ice cream, dry fruits, and fresh fruits. Flavors like mango, rose, and pista are popular. Sujata Mastani and Gujar Mastani are the go-to places for this Pune specialty.
Egg Rolls & Omelettes: Quick and Easy Bites
Egg lovers rejoice! Pune offers spicy egg rolls and fluffy omelettes at spots like Egglicious, Vohuman Cafe, and Egg Station.
Tandoori Chai: A Smoky Twist
Tandoori Chai is a must-try. Clay cups (kulhads) are heated in a tandoor and then filled with tea, creating a smoky flavor. Chai La and Chai Tapri are good places to sample this unique beverage.
Pune truly has a street food for everyone. [[Explore]] the vibrant street food scene and indulge in these delicious treats!
