Pune, also known as the “Oxford of the East,” is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling IT scene, and mouth-watering cuisine. When it comes to food, Pune offers an eclectic mix ranging from street food to gourmet restaurants. However, it is the traditional Marathi cuisine that food connoisseurs seek on their culinary trails in Pune.
Experience Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine
Maharashtrian cuisine is characterized by its complex medley of flavors and use of locally grown ingredients like peanuts, cashew nuts, coconut, and kokum. If you want to taste authentic Maharashtrian delicacies like Zunka-Bhakar, Pitla, Thalipeeth, Aamti, and varan-bhat, head to these restaurants in Pune recommended for their traditional Marathi fare.
Shree Maratha Restaurant
A hidden gem located in a bylane of Budhwar Peth, Shree Maratha Restaurant has been serving traditional Maharashtrian thalis since 1964. Their thali consists of Bhakris, pithla, amti, bharli Vangi, and sol kadhi. The Matki Usal served only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is a must-try. Wash down the meal with a glass of refreshing sol kadhi.
With quick service and pocket-friendly rates, Shree Maratha is a great place to begin your Marathi food trail in Pune.
Location: Near Appa Balwant Chowk, Budhwar Peth
Average Cost: ₹200 for two
Sentosa Maharashtrian Thali
For an authentic Marathi Thali experience, head to Sentosa Maharashtrian Thali, located near Pune Railway Station. Their thali consists of around 12-15 items served on a patal (platter).
The creamy and tangy Pitla, Varan, steamed Modaks, Sabudana vada, and spicy Thecha are the highlights of this thali. The fried masala papad and stuffed onion pakoras make for excellent starters. End your meal with a cup of hot tea and crispy papad.
Location: Near Pune Railway Station
Average Cost: ₹150 per thali
Jagdusha
Located in the streets of Kasba Peth, Jagdusha is a no-frills Maharashtrian restaurant frequented by locals. Their 3-course meal consisting of a starter, main course, Dahi-paow, Koshimbir salad, & sweet is quite filling.
The spicy & flavorful zunka-bhakar, limbu masala mutton, and masala papad make for a hearty meal. Don’t miss their thin-crust puran poli drizzled with ghee for dessert.
Location: Kasba Peth
Average Cost: ₹350 for two
Taste Authentic Varadi Cuisine
Varhadi cuisine is the culinary tradition of the Vidarbha region located in eastern Maharashtra. If you want to taste authentic Varhadi delicacies like Pandhra Rassa, Sukka mutton, and elaichi Sheera Head to these restaurants:
Prakash Varhadi Food
Prakash Varhadi Food is renowned for serving lip-smacking Varhadi cuisine in Pune. Relish their slow-cooked mutton dishes like Pandhra rassa and Sukka mutton with bhakris or rice.
The zunka, ukadiche modak, and basundi are other must-try items. With efficient service and reasonable prices, Prakash tops the list for the best Vardhadi food in Pune.
Location: Appa Balwant Chowk
Average Cost: ₹450 for two
Madhura Varhadi ani Maharashtrian
Run by a family from Nagpur, this restaurant brings the authentic flavors of Vidarbha to Pune. Their signature dishes include pandhra rassa, shev bhaji, and bharit yedyachi bhaji.
The mutton sukka and masala elaichi sheera are customer favorites. The humble restaurant provides an immersive experience of Varhadi cuisine.
Location: Sinhagad Road
Average Cost: ₹300 for two
Relish Coastal Cuisicon Pune
The Konkan coast has a unique culinary tradition characterized by flavorful coconut-based curries, seafood, and an array of steamed rice flour dumplings. Try these restaurants in Pune for the finest Konkan delicacies:
Malvan Express
Specializing in Malvani cuisine, Malvan Express serves Konkan delicacies with traditional Marathi flavors. Their pocket-friendly Malvani thali offers a sampler platter of Konkan cuisine.
The fiery mutton sukka, bangda fry, solkadhi, and modaks are must-haves. Their flaky, multi-layered puran poli is simply divine.
Location: Baner
Average Cost: ₹400 for two
Sujata Mastani
A Pune icon popular with college-goers, Sujata Mastani serves delightful coastal snacks and sweets. Their signature masala mastani topped with dry fruits and sev is every Punekar’s childhood treat.
Pair it with misal pav or sabudana vada for a fulfilling snack. The chilled solkadhi is perfect for Pune’s sweltering heat.
Location: Near Symbiosis College
Average Cost: ₹150 for two
Enjoy Spicy Andar Bhagar at these Restaurants
Andhar Bhagar is a spicy Maharashtrian curry made with dried peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and spices. Best enjoyed with bhakri or steamed rice, it is comfort food at its best. Try these restaurants in Pune for authentic Andhar Bhagar:
Jagdish Mastani Bhel
This street-side eatery located off Law College Road is renowned for its Andhar Bhagar. The smooth and intensely spicy peanut curry cuts through the blandness of the jowar or bajra bhakris perfectly. Don’t miss their fluffy mastani loaded with dry fruits and chickpea vermicelli.
Location: Off Law College Road
Average Cost: ₹150 for two
Hotel Vithal Sukhdev
Located near the Pune Railway Station, Hotel Vithal Sukhdev is an affordable restaurant serving homestyle Maharashtrian fare since 1975. Their unlimited Maharashtrian thali consisting of jowar bhakris, okra bhaji, andhra masala, and solkadhi is quite popular. Try the spicy andar bhagar with steamed jowar bhakris for a soul-warming meal.
Location: Near Pune Railway Station
Average Cost: ₹200 for two
Pune’s culinary landscape is rich, with restaurants serving authentic regional cuisines. From Varhadi mutton delicacies to Konkan coastal curries, the variety can be overwhelming for foodies. We hope this guide to savoring traditional Marathi fare at some of Pune’s best restaurants helps you navigate the city’s diverse food culture. Trying local favorites like modaks, pitla-bhakar, puran poli, malvani seafood, and andhar bhagar is a must on any culinary trail of Pune. The city takes pride in its Maharashtrian cuisine, and these restaurants are gems for an authentic taste. So embark on a flavorful journey and experience the timeless appeal of traditional cooking at these remarkable eateries.
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