Maharashtra, India
Pune's food culture carries strong influences from the Peshwas, the rulers of the Maratha Empire. This era shaped a cuisine known for its simple yet robust vegetarian fare.
The cooking often balances jaggery for sweetness, tamarind or kokum for tanginess, and various local spices for heat.
Jaggery, tamarind, coconut, peanuts, garlic, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, various lentils (dals), and rice.
A complex blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. Maharashtrian masalas give dishes their distinct character. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder are widely used.
Pune's status as an educational and IT hub attracts people from all over India, creating a diverse culinary scene with regional Indian and international cuisines.
A spicy potato fritter (vada) served in a soft bread roll (pav), typically with dry garlic chutney.
A quintessential Maharashtrian street food.
A spicy curry made from sprouted lentils and beans, topped with farsan, chopped onion, and coriander, served with pav.
Popular breakfast or brunch item, known for its flavorful kick.
A sweet flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil and jaggery mixture, often served with ghee.
Traditional festive dish, especially popular during spring festivals.
Solkadhi (coconut milk and kokum drink), Masala Chai (spiced tea), Buttermilk (savory yogurt drink).
Shrewsbury Biscuits (Kayani Bakery), Baklava (specific bakeries), Modak (sweet dumpling for Ganesh Chaturthi).
Offers refined culinary experiences with sophisticated settings and diverse menus.
Provides a balance of comfort and value, with various Indian and international cuisines.
Discover the local culinary pulse with affordable and authentic street food experiences.
Pune's largest vegetable and fruit market, also with some food stalls for quick bites.
Mainly a vegetable and fruit market.
Phoenix Marketcity / Amanora Mall: Large shopping malls with extensive food courts (Indian and international fast food) and casual dining.
Modern and diverse dining experience.
Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Continental. Found in Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, hotels, and malls.
A Travel-friendly cutlery set proves useful for enjoying street food or picnics comfortably.
India is highly vegetarian-friendly; Pune presents an abundance of vegetarian dishes across all dining categories.
Careful inquiry needed. Specify "no dairy" to ensure meal preparation without animal products.
Finding strictly gluten-free options presents challenges. Wheat (roti, naan) is a staple. Rice-based dishes (dosa, idli) or naturally gluten-free flours (jowar, bajra) are alternatives.
Always inquire about ingredients, as gravies may contain thickeners.
Clearly communicate any allergies to restaurant staff. Carry Food allergy translation cards in Marathi or Hindi for critical allergies.
This communication helps prevent misunderstandings.
Mangoes: Abundant and highly sought after during summer (April-June), especially Alphonso mangoes.
Pune's Koregaon Park is known for diverse and trendy cafes. These often present unique themes, fusion menus, or specific culinary focuses.
Always carry a Travel-friendly cutlery set for street food or picnics.
