Pune, located around 200 km from Mumbai is a historical city of India. The seat of the Maratha Kingdom, Pune, was once the capital city of Marathas under Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There are several forts built by the Marathas that still exist in the outskirts of the current city centre. Pune in modern times has developed into an Educational and Industrial hub. People from all over India could be found living in this city and that has made it a hub for tourists. It has an excellent and vivid past which has brilliantly mixed with the urban set up to make it a visitors eye candy. However, what this blog caters to is the authentic taste of Pune that has come into being with the diverse cultures and their different tastes. All the recipes from different cultures have come together to create a unique Puneri flavour which is loved by all. Amidst all the high profile restaurants and bars that flock the city, we have curated the list of 7 little known food outlets in Pune that serve authentic Maharashtrian flavour with a Puneri bang. You might stay in any hotel in Pune but you can skip your food at the hotel and try these joints. So here we go with the list that will surely satisfy the foodie within you.
You may also read about the The top 10 things to do in Pune.
1. Bedekar
Misal Pav is one of the most preferred snacks in all of Maharashtra and Bedekar in Pune is one place where they know how to prepare an excellent Puneri Misal. This Spicy snack is served with buns and is famous in all of Maharashtra. The Misal is a gravy made up of lentils and crispy fries, onions, a dash of lime and is generally eaten with Pav. This small joint is a single outlet in all of Maharashtra and is always crowded so make sure you are there in time to have a bite at this favourite snack. From college students to the big shot IT sector guys everyone loves these Pav and although the shop is not a grand joint, you will be attracted to visit this Pune outlet more than once. So while you are booked in a couple friendly hotel in Pune with your lady love take her out to Bedekar and she will surely love this tasty surprise.
2. Shabree
If you are visiting Pune, you must try the true Maharashtrian food. Shabree is one such place in Pune where you can feast on the Yummy Maharashtrian thali. Shabree is located on the FC road and is a restaurant in the Parichay Hotel. The Maharashtrian thali is an endless palette of food delights and consists of tasty and delicious food items like Puran Poli, Masala Bhat, Aaluchi Bhaji, Kadi gole, Zunka, Dahi etc. The special Maharashtrian Thali has a flat bread or the thalipeth, a tapioca soup or sabudana khichadi, some stuffed aubergines or the bharleli vangi, a potato dish known locally as batatchi bhaji, a gravy made of several kinds of Pulses known as aamti and to end it all a sweet glass of buttermilk. You can definitely skip the lunch at your hotel in Pune and go for the authentic Maharashtrian thali at Shabree.
3. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale
This sweet corner opened in 1950 as a milk distribution centre and now after 7 decades, it has become a common name in Maharashtra for sweets, snacks, and several other confectionaries. They first started making bakarwadi, a crispy snack with sweet masala fillings, and have made a name for themselves in making the best bakarwadi in all of Maharashtra. They slowly moved beyond this snacks and made a name for themselves in all kinds of sweets, desserts and shakes to expand their menu. If you have got a sweet tooth and you are in Pune, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale is the place you should head to. They also sell namkeen, samosa, dalmoth, shev, walnut chocolate fudge, gulkand, nargis roll, kaju katli, pineapple jalebi and many other famous delicacies. They used to have a three hour break in all of their outlets but rnow they are running their shops non stop from 9 AM to 9 PM. The most famous branches are at Deccan Gymkhana, Sadashiv Peth and Kalyani Nagar among others.
4. Amruteshwar
Amruteshwar is a rather offbeat type spot in Pune at Nal Stop, Erandwane and it mainly serves the night owls, the students and hostlers that have hunger cravings in the middle of the night. Amruteshwar specializes in making Maharashtrian snacks such as poha, sheera, chai samosa, misal pav, veg patty and pulao. This spot is pretty busy at night time and can easily be found on the Warje Malwadi road near Apex colony. If you have been partying all night, it is better to walk in here and get something to eat before you hit the bed. Tea served with Kanda Poha is the best combination that you must try. It is such a crowd favourite that the stocks for kanda poha run out almost every day. There are several couple friendly hotels in Pune near Amruteshwar where you can stay without any hassle and even enjoy this odd timed snack.
5. Appa
Appa is one of the oldest and evergreen food joints in Pune. Appa food outlet is about 50 years old. If you are willing to try some authentic Maharashtrian flavour and delights, visit Appa and feat on the Marathi snacks such as poha, upama, and matar udal. They have made their version of sabudana khichadi which is named as Appachi khichadi, a soupy item made of tapioca. If you want a fresh plate of breakfast that keeps you fullthroughout your day visit Appa near Omkareshwar Temple on Shaniwar Path and try their batata dahi vada Khichadi and Sabudana Vada. And you won't even get late for your office because they serve pretty fast here. If you are a business traveller visiting Pune for a day or two, skip breakfast at your hotel in Pune and head to Appa.
6. Sujata Mastani
Sujata Mastani is the most iconic ice cream house in Pune. It is known to be 100 per cent natural and vegetarian ice-cream. It has been running successfully for over 50 years. What’s special about Sujata Mastani, well, it’s the special Mastani which is a milkshake with a dollop of ice-cream and dried fruits. Talk to any Punekar and you would be amazed when everyone knows about the Mastani. Yes, the crowd favourite Mastani made up of chilled mango milkshake and topped with either vanilla, strawberry or mango ice cream with almonds, cashew nuts spread over it. Made at the iconic icecream house of Pune, Sujata Mastani, the Mango Mastani has many fans and the extra buttery and sweet taste is definitely worth a try. Started as a humble ice cream shop in 1967, Sujata Mastani has now a never-ending menu with around 33 flavours of ice cream, a few very tasty variants of the Mastani and several kinds of shakes. Though you cannot have all the flavours in a visit, but each of them are so special that we can't single out a favourite. If you are in Pune you must visit the Sujata Mastani ice cream house. Surely your partner would love the delicious surprise while waiting for you in the couple friendly hotel in Pune. Try the Kesar Mango Mastani, Special Kesar Pista, Sitaphal Mastani, strawberry and rose milkshakes etc. If you love ice creams, try the chocolate fudge badam, dry Anjir and Kaju Draksha. Don't worry, Sujata Mastani has several outlets in Viman Nagar, Sadashiv Peth, East Streat, Aundh among others.
7. Garden Vada Pav Centre
The Garden Vada Pav Centre was started in 1972 by Kashinath Naiku and the family has been serving some of the best Vada Pav to Punekars since generations. If it ever crosses your mind that Vada Pav is a trend and will pass, get a reality check at Garden Vada Pav centre that sells almost 2000 Vada Pavs each day. The place is located opposite JJ Garden and is not a fancy shop but rather a small kart which is crowded with people all around waiting for their chance to get a bite of this delightful snack. At a very meagre price of 15, the Vada Pavs are super tasty. What differentiates their offering from the multiple others is their green chutney. The flavour of it makes the taste of Vada Pav stand out. You can also have several other offerings such as Masala Taak, a buttermilk version topped with coriander and cumin powder. Don't worry about hygiene as they pretty well maintain standard hygiene. If you want to avoid the rush, visit the place between 11 and 2 in the afternoon.
So while you are in Pune, do check out these little known but awesome food outlets. You would definitely be left surprised with the tasty and lip smacking food served here that too without being heavy on your wallet.
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