1. Vada Pav:
Description: Dive into Pune’s street food scene with the iconic Vada Pav. A spicy potato dumpling enclosed in a pav, garnished with chutneys and spices, this flavorful snack is a true reflection of Pune’s culinary vibrancy.
Best Places:
Chaitanya Vada Pav: Near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune.
Joshi Vadewale: 1205/3, Sadashiv Peth, Pune.
Shivaji Vadapav: Jangli Maharaj Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune.
Price: ₹10 to ₹30 ($0.10 to $0.40).
2. Misal Pav:
Description: Indulge in the spicy delight of Pune’s Misal Pav. A flavorful concoction of sprouts, spices, and curry, topped with farsan and served with pav, this dish is a breakfast favorite that packs a punch.
Best Places:
Bedekar Tea Stall: Narayan Peth, Pune.
Katakirr Misal: 373/74, Opposite HDFC Bank, Shivajinagar, Pune.
Shri Krishna Bhuvan: Tulshibaug, Pune.
Price: ₹50 to ₹100 ($0.70 to $1.40).
3. Bhakri with Pitla:
Description: Experience the rustic flavors of Pune with Bhakri and Pitla. Bhakri, a thick millet flatbread, paired with Pitla, a spicy besan curry, offers a wholesome and authentic Maharashtrian culinary experience.
Best Places:
Durvankur Dining Hall: 1199, Shukrawar Peth, Tilak Road, Pune.
Sarjaa: 1215/A, Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Poona Guest House: 317, Bootee Street, Camp, Pune.
Price: ₹80 to ₹150 ($1.10 to $2.10).
4. Puran Poli:
Description: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Pune’s Puran Poli. This sweet flatbread, stuffed with a mixture of chana dal, jaggery, and spices, is a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Best Places:
Chaitanya Paranthas: Karve Road, Kothrud, Pune.
Sweet Home Bakery: 1199/B, Ghole Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Kaka Halwai Sweets: Multiple locations in Pune.
Price: ₹30 to ₹80 ($0.40 to $1.10).
5. Poha:
Description: Start your day with Pune’s favorite breakfast, Poha. Flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, garnished with coriander and lemon, creates a light and flavorful dish.
Best Places:
Good Luck Cafe: Fergusson College Road, Pune.
Poona Guest House: 317, Bootee Street, Camp, Pune.
Vohuman Cafe: 2621, Ardeshir Dalal Road, Pune.
Price: ₹20 to ₹50 ($0.30 to $0.70).
6. Mastani:
Description: Indulge in Pune’s famous dessert drink, Mastani. A rich concoction of thick milkshake topped with ice cream, dry fruits, and assorted goodies, Mastani is a decadent treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Best Places:
Sujata Mastani: Multiple locations in Pune.
Bajirao Mastani: Navi Peth, Pune.
Garden Vada Pav Center: 795, Budhwar Peth, Pune.
Price: ₹100 to ₹200 ($1.40 to $2.80).
7. Pav Bhaji:
Description: Delight in the flavors of Pune with the beloved Pav Bhaji. A medley of mashed vegetables cooked in spices, served with buttered pav, this street food classic is a crowd-pleaser.
Best Places:
Sardar Pav Bhaji: J.M. Road, Pune.
Vaishali: Fergusson College Road, Pune.
Shivshakti: Multiple locations in Pune.
Price: ₹50 to ₹120 ($0.70 to $1.70).
8. Pithla Bhakri:
Description: Experience the traditional taste of Pune with Pithla Bhakri. Pithla, a spiced besan curry, paired with Bhakri, a millet flatbread, offers a simple yet flavorful culinary delight.
Best Places:
Dorle’s Tea House: 365, Dastur Meher Road, Camp, Pune.
Durvankur Dining Hall: 1199, Shukrawar Peth, Tilak Road, Pune.
Sarjaa: 1215/A, Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Price: ₹60 to ₹100 ($0.80 to $1.40).
9. Kanda Bhaji:
Description: Enjoy the monsoons in Pune with Kanda Bhaji. Sliced onions coated in gram flour batter and deep-fried to perfection, these crispy delights are a popular snack during the rainy season.
Best Places:
Bedekar Tea Stall: Narayan Peth, Pune.
Chaitanya Vada Pav: Near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune.
Joshi Vadewale: 1205/3, Sadashiv Peth, Pune.
Price: ₹20 to ₹50 ($0.30 to $0.70).
10. Puran Modak:
– Description: Delve into the festive spirit with Pune’s Puran Modak. These steamed or fried dumplings, filled with sweetened chana dal and jaggery, are a traditional treat during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Best Places:
Chaitanya Paranthas: Karve Road, Kothrud, Pune.
Sweet Home Bakery: 1199/B, Ghole Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Kaka Halwai Sweets: Multiple locations in Pune.
Price: ₹40 to ₹80 ($0.55 to $1.10).