Pune, known for its rich culinary heritage, offers a wide array of delicious and diverse food options. Here are some popular food items that are famous in Pune:
Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is a popular street food in Pune and across India, made with puffed rice, mixed vegetables, chutneys, and spices. It’s a tangy and crunchy snack that is full of flavor and loved by locals and tourists alike.
Vada Pav
Vada Pav is often referred to as the “Indian Burger” and is a popular street food in Pune. It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) served in a bun (pav) and is usually accompanied by chutneys and spicy garlic powder. It’s a delicious and filling snack that is a must-try in Pune.
Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a spicy Maharashtrian curry made with sprouted lentils, mixed spices, and served with pav (bread). It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that is often garnished with farsan (a mix of fried savory snacks) and served with yogurt and onions on the side.
Pithla Bhakri
Pithla Bhakri is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that consists of a thick gram flour (besan) curry called Pithla, served with Bhakri, which is a flatbread made with millet flour. It’s a simple and wholesome dish that is often enjoyed with a dollop of ghee.
Kheema Pav
Kheema Pav is a popular non-vegetarian dish in Pune, made with minced meat (usually mutton or chicken) cooked with spices, and served with pav (bread). It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or evening snack.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular dish made with tapioca pearls, peanuts, potatoes, and spices. It’s a popular dish during the fasting period and is enjoyed for its unique texture and flavors.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread made with wheat flour, stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made with jaggery and gram lentils. It’s a popular festive dish in Pune and is enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.
Bakarwadi
Bakarwadi is a popular savory snack from Maharashtra, which is made with a spiced gram flour and wheat flour filling, rolled into spirals, and then deep-fried until crispy. It’s a delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for munching on.
Modak
Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dumpling made with rice flour or wheat flour, stuffed with a sweet filling made with coconut and jaggery, and steamed or fried. It’s a popular sweet dish during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and is enjoyed for its unique flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many delicious food items that are famous in Pune. The city’s culinary scene is diverse, offering a mix of street food, traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, and fusion dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the local flavors and explore Pune’s food culture during your visit!