Maharashtra Famous Food
Maharashtra, with its diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage, is a melting pot of flavors. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene corners of Pune, the state’s cuisine reflects a vibrant tapestry of traditions. In this blog, we will embark on a gastronomic journey through Maharashtra’s famous foods, exploring the ingredients that define them, the best places to savor these delicacies, and an estimate of the cost for two.
Also Read: Tourist Places to Visit in Mumbai
Vada Pav Verve
Vada Pav, often referred to as the ‘poor man’s burger,’ is a staple in Maharashtra’s street food culture. The spiced mashed potato filling, encased in a soft pav and complemented by chutneys, creates a burst of flavors. Ashok Vada Pav in Dadar, Shivaji Vadapav in Pune, and Aaram Vada Pav near CST station in Mumbai are iconic spots to indulge in this spicy and satisfying snack.
Made With:
- Spiced mashed potato filling (batata vada)
- Served in a pav (soft bread roll)
- Accompanied by chutneys
Best Places to Try:
- Ashok Vada Pav, Dadar, Mumbai
- Shivaji Vadapav, Pune
- Aaram Vada Pav, CST, Mumbai
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹50 – ₹100
Pav Bhaji Parade
Pav Bhaji, a flavorsome medley of mixed vegetables cooked in a spicy tomato-based curry, is a Maharashtra favorite. Served with buttered pav, garnished with onions, coriander, and lime, it’s a delicious street food experience. Sardar Pav Bhaji in Mumbai, Shiv Sagar in Pune, and Aaram Vada Pav near CST station are popular destinations to savor the rich and buttery delight of Pav Bhaji.
Made With:
- Mixed vegetable curry (bhaji)
- Served with buttered pav (bread rolls)
- Garnished with onions, coriander, and lime
Best Places to Try:
- Sardar Pav Bhaji, Mumbai
- Shiv Sagar, Pune
- Aaram Vada Pav, CST, Mumbai (known for Pav Bhaji too)
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹150 – ₹300
Misal Magic
Misal Pav, a spicy and flavorful dish, is a breakfast staple in Maharashtra. The sprouted lentils in a spicy curry base, topped with farsan, onions, and coriander, create a tantalizing combination. Bedekar Misal in Thane, Katakirr Misal in Pune, and Aaswad in Dadar, Mumbai, are renowned for serving some of the best Misal Pavs, offering a burst of flavors with every bite.
Made With:
- Sprouted lentils (matki)
- Spicy curry base (kat)
- Topped with farsan, onions, and coriander
Best Places to Try:
- Bedekar Misal, Thane
- Katakirr Misal, Pune
- Aaswad, Dadar, Mumbai
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹100 – ₹200
Puran Poli Paradise
Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, is a Maharashtrian delicacy often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. The gram flour, jaggery, and chana dal filling, encased in a thin wheat flour dough, is cooked to perfection on a griddle. Prakash Upahaar Kendra in Dadar, Chaitanya in Pune, and Aaswad in Dadar, Mumbai, are renowned for their delectable Puran Polis that offer a sweet symphony of flavors.
Made With:
- Gram flour, jaggery, and chana dal filling
- Encased in a thin wheat flour dough
- Cooked to perfection on a griddle
Best Places to Try:
- Prakash Upahaar Kendra, Dadar, Mumbai
- Chaitanya, Pune
- Aaswad, Dadar, Mumbai (known for Puran Poli too)
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹100 – ₹200
Bhakri Bonanza
Bhakri, a traditional flatbread made from millet flour like jowar or bajra, is a staple in Maharashtrian households. Served with a variety of accompaniments such as curries, chutneys, or jaggery, bhakri is a wholesome and nutritious option. Aaswad in Dadar, Mumbai, Bharath in Pune, and Hotel Shreyas in Kolhapur are popular destinations to savor the authentic taste of Maharashtrian bhakri.
Made With:
- Millet flour (jowar or bajra)
- Served with curries, chutneys, or jaggery
Best Places to Try:
- Aaswad, Dadar, Mumbai
- Bharath, Pune
- Hotel Shreyas, Kolhapur
Cost For Two:
- Average cost for two: ₹150 – ₹250
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s culinary landscape is a vibrant mix of street food delights and traditional dishes that reflect the state’s cultural diversity. From the iconic Vada Pav to the sweet embrace of Puran Poli, each dish tells a tale of Maharashtra’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Mumbai or the cultural hub of Pune, these famous foods are a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Maharashtrian gastronomic experience. So, the next time you find yourself in the heart of Maharashtra, dive into the culinary kaleidoscope and savor the famous foods that make this state a food lover’s paradise.
