Pune, Food and Me

Pune is one of the most wonderful cities in India. This city is rich in all senses. It has a huge and great historical background. Similarly, it is also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, and Pune has one of the richest food cultures in the world. Similarly, Pune has an immense educational history. Due to the availability of high-level education, students come here from across the globe, bringing with them their culture and food. While talking about food, it has a variety of items to try, including modak, misal, lassi, kothimbir vadi, and so on. Each dish has its characteristics and an awesome taste. In Pune, there are a lot of foodies who always appreciate good food. This environment motivates people to invest and serve new dishes. Due to this environment, snacks like Bhakar Wadi and dishes like Misal Pav were invented. Similarly, dishes outside Pune also get special recognition in this city. For example, a popular variation of chaat, S.P.D.P, which stands for sev-puri, dahi-puri, was invented in Pune.

If you want to try all the famous food counters (places), you have to spend at least 1 and a half weeks for it. Let me introduce some famous food places to you as per my choice:

1. Bhakar Wadi:

What is Bhakar Wadi?

Bhakarwadi is a popular Indian snack originating from the state of Maharashtra. It's made by rolling a spiced mixture of gram flour (besan) and spices into a spiral, which is then sliced, fried until crispy, and typically served as a crunchy, savory snack. 

Where can you try it in Pune?

In all of Maharashtra, Puneri Bhakar Wadi is famous, and in Pune, the Bhakar Wadi from Chitale Bandhu is famous. Their Bhakar Wadi has the taste of authentic Puneri Bhakar Wadi. Since they have a lot of branches spread all over Pune, it is convenient for all foodies to access their service and food items. (you can explore their near by store by clicking here)

2. Misal Pav:

What is Misal?

Misal is a popular Indian dish, particularly in the western state of Maharashtra. It consists of sprouted moth beans cooked in a spicy gravy, usually served with chopped onions, cilantro, and lemon wedges, and topped with crunchy fried snacks like sev (thin strands made from gram flour). It's often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

 Where can you try it in Pune?

In Pune, there are a lot of franchises of misal. Oscar, Thorat, and Rupesh are famous, but Jogeshwari is my favorite. All these franchises have outlets all over Pune (You can explore their franchise on their official website jogeshwarimisal.com). My favorite misals are from Jogeshwari and Bedekar, with Bedekar Misal located at Narayan Peth, Pune, while Jogeshwari Misal is located at Tilak Nagar, Susgaon, Lohegaon, Rahatani, and so on.

3. Vada Pav:

What is Vada Pav?

Vada pav is a popular street food from Maharashtra, India. It consists of a spicy potato filling (vada) sandwiched between a bun (pav), usually served with various chutneys and sometimes fried green chilies. It's often considered as Mumbai's answer to the burger.

Where can you try it in Pune?

In Pune, there are various places where you can try Vada pav. The Jambo Vadapav of JJ Garden is famous among all. Similarly, franchises like Aaiji Vadewale, SK Vadewale, and Balu Vadewale are famous for their Vada pav. (Click here to see the location of store)

4. Camp Burger:

There is no need to explain what a burger is, so let me directly introduce the famous Burger shop in Pune known as Camp Burger. Camp Burger is a café situated at Solapur Bazar, Pune. This café provides a large burger with a good amount of cheese and toppings. This café is always full of customers. (Click here to see the location of store)

5. Shawarma:

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made from meat (often chicken, beef, lamb, or a combination) that is seasoned and grilled on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is typically thinly sliced and served in a pita or flatbread, along with vegetables, tahini sauce, hummus, pickles, and other condiments. It's a popular street food and fast-food option in many countries around the world.

 Where can you try it in Pune?

The Akurdi region of Pimpri-Chinchwad has a famous shawarma shop, Shawarma King. This shop serves fully loaded chicken, beef shawarma rolls, and browta. They also serve veg shawarmas. This shop is near the Akurdi railway station. (Click here to see the location of store)

6. Keema Pav & Bun Maska Chai:

What is Keema Pav?

Keema pav is a dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly popular in Maharashtra. It consists of minced meat (usually lamb or goat) cooked with spices, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes peas, served with pav (bread rolls). It's a flavorful and filling dish enjoyed as a snack or meal.

Where can you try it in Pune?

The Goodluck Café situated at FC Road serves one of the best keema pavs in the world. This café is old but its taste is just like gold. Not Only this The Bun Maska Chai is also incredible.(Click here to see the location of store)

7. Biryani:

As everyone knows what biryani is, in Pune, you can try the incredible biryani at The Tiranga Biryani House, Kothrud. (Click here to see the location of store)

8. Mango Mastani:

 What is Mango Mastani?

Mango Mastani is a popular Indian dessert drink originating from Pune, Maharashtra. It's a rich and creamy beverage made with ripe mangoes, milk, sugar, and ice cream, often garnished with nuts and cherries.

 Where can you try it in Pune?

In Budhwar Peth near Datta Mandir, you can get an incredible taste of mangoes with milk and sugar all together. There are some rumors that they serve the first Mastani in Pune. Or there are huge popularity of Sujata Mastani in Pune and they are famous for their mango mastani. (Click here to see the location of store)