Welcome to a mouth-watering journey of the famous street food of Maharashtra, known for its vibrant culture and diverse history, is also home to some of the most lip-smacking and traditional delicacies. From the crispy vada pav to the aromatic puran poli, Maharashtrian cuisine is an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves to explore new cuisines, you’re in for a treat. So, get ready to indulge in some quirky and creative dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Vada Pav
Vada Pav, the beloved and best street food of Maharashtra! This humble yet satisfying snack is a true icon of Mumbai’s Street food scene. Imagine a soft, fluffy bun, stuffed with a crispy and spicy potato fritter, and topped with a tantalizing mix of chutneys and spices. It’s a burst of flavors and textures in every bite!
But did you know that Vada Pav has a secret superpower? Yes, you heard it right! It can magically transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai, even if you’re sitting in the comfort of your own home. Just take a bite, close your eyes, and voila! You’re in the midst of the chaos and energy of India’s largest city.
So, next time you’re craving something undeniably delicious, grab a Vada Pav and let it take you on a flavorful journey to Maharashtra!
Best Places to eat Vada Pav: Ashok Vada Pav, Aaram Vada Pav, Shivaji Vada Pav, Graduate Vada Pav, Gajanan Vada Pav, Dheeraj Vada Pav (all in Mumbai).
Misal Pav
Misal Pav, the spicy and tangy dish is just more than the famous street food of Maharashtra. It’s a flavor bomb that explodes in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. The combination of the crispy pav and the flavorful misal is an unbeatable duo that makes it the best street food of Maharashtra.
But Misal Pav is not just about taste. It’s about the experience. Walking down the streets of Maharashtra and stumbling upon a tiny street vendor selling Misal Pav is a treat for the senses. The aroma of the spicy curry mixed with the fresh pav, the sound of the clanging of utensils, and the sight of the steam rising from the hot misal is an experience that cannot be replicated.
Misal Pav is not just a dish, it’s a tradition. It’s the food of the people, the food of the streets, and the food of the heart.
Best place to eat Misal Pav: Phadtare Misal Kendra, Kolhapur; Mamledar Misal, Mumbai; Bedekar Misal, Pune.
Bombil Fry
Bombil Fry, the famous street food of Maharashtra, is a dish that is as unique as the state itself. This deliciously crunchy and spicy delicacy is made with bombil, a local fish that is widely available in the region.
The dish is not just a feast for the taste buds, but it also carries a unique cultural significance. Known for its simplicity and humble beginnings, bombil fry has now become a beloved staple of Maharashtrian cuisine, loved by locals and tourists alike. What sets bombil fry apart from other street foods is its ability to delight all five senses. From the sizzling sound of the fish, as it hits the pan to the fragrant aroma of the spices used to flavor it, every aspect of the dish is a feast for the senses.
Best Place to eat Bombil Fry: Gajalee, South Mumbai, Pradeep Gomantak Bhojanalaya, Mumbai; Saddicha, Mumbai.
Keema Pav
Keema Pav is a famous street food in Maharashtra that consists of spiced minced meat, typically mutton, served with soft, fluffy bread rolls known as pav. What makes this dish so special is the combination of the rich, flavorful meat and the pillowy, buttery pav that’s perfect for soaking up all the juices. The dish is often garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to the savory meat. Keema Pav is a must-try for anyone visiting Maharashtra and looking for a delicious, satisfying street food experience.
Best Places to eat Keema Pav: Hotel Shalimar, Mumbai; Olympia House Café, Mumbai, Vohuman Café, Pune
Ragda Patties
Ragda Patties, a popular street food from Maharashtra, is a delightful combination of crispy potato patties and flavorful chickpea curry. The dish is believed to have originated in Mumbai and is now a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crispy texture of the patties perfectly complements the spicy and tangy ragda, which is made with a blend of spices and tamarind. Topped with a variety of chutneys, chopped onions, and sev, Ragda Patties offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s not only a delicious snack but also a filling meal, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day.
Best Places to eat Ragda Patties: Ganesh Chaat Place, Mumbai; Sharma Chaat Bhandar, Mumbai; Ram and Shyam, Mumbai.
Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri, the iconic street food of Maharashtra, is a delicious and spicy snack loved by people of all ages. It is made by mixing puffed rice, sev, diced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and chutneys like tamarind and coriander, creating a mouth-watering explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. The dish is so popular that it has even inspired several variations across India. What makes Bhel Puri so unique is its versatility; it can be eaten as a snack, a quick meal, or even as an appetizer. One bite of this flavorful dish is enough to transport you to the bustling streets of Maharashtra, where it all began.
Best Places to eat Bhel Puri: Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai; MG Road, Nashik; Juhu Beach, Mumbai; Alka Talkies Road, Solapur.
Sabudana Vada
In India’s Maharashtra region, sabudana vada is a well-liked street food snack. It is prepared by combining mashed and soaked tapioca pearls with potatoes, ground peanuts, green chilies, and spices. The mixture is then formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried until crisp and golden brown. The vada is a favorite among both locals and visitors because of its crispy outside and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. It is typically served hot, along with a cup of hot tea and tart green chutney. Sabudana Vada is the best street food of Maharashtra and an ideal snack for everyone to enjoy because it is not only delicious but also gluten-free and vegan.
Best Places to eat Sabudana Vada: Prakash Shakahari Upahaar Kendra, Mumbai; Gajanan Vada Pav, Nashik; Vada Pav Chaha, Aurangabad
Kanda Poha
Kanda Poha is a popular street food from Maharashtra that has become a staple breakfast option for many. The dish is made using flattened rice flakes or poha, mixed with onions (kanda), green chilies, and a variety of spices. This delicious and filling snack is often served with a garnish of coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon.
It is a perfect blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for people of all ages. Moreover, its quick preparation time and affordable cost have made it a favorite among college students and working professionals alike.
Best Places to eat Kanda Poha: Shree Panshikar Snacks, Pune; Mama’s Poha, Nashik; Vinay Health Home, Thane.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji, the undisputed king of Maharashtra’s street food scene! This beloved dish is a true masterpiece of culinary creativity, with its medley of mashed veggies and spices all lovingly slathered onto a fluffy bun.
Some say that Pav Bhaji is the ultimate comfort food, capable of lifting your spirits on even the gloomiest of days. Others claim that it’s a secret weapon for battling hunger, filling you up with its delicious goodness for hours on end.
But let’s not forget the quirky side of this street food sensation. After all, what other dish can make you feel like you’re eating a rainbow of vegetables while also satisfying your carb cravings? It’s like a healthy meal and cheat day treat rolled into one!
Best Places to eat Pav Bhaji: Sardar Pav Bhaji, Mumbai; Cannon Pav Bhaji, Nagpur; Ashok Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji, Thane.
Dabeli
Dabeli, the undisputed king of street food in Maharashtra, is a mouth-watering delicacy that will take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride of flavors. This delectable street food is a unique blend of various spices and textures that make it a must-try for anyone visiting Maharashtra.
The base of Dabeli is a soft bun that is stuffed with a filling of mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The filling is then topped with a tangy tamarind chutney, a spicy green chutney, and sev, a crispy topping made of fried gram flour.
One bite of this heavenly snack will transport you to the bustling streets of Maharashtra, where the aroma of freshly made Dabeli wafts through the air. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Best Places to eat Dabeli:-Kirti College Dabeli Center, Mumbai; Shree Krishna Batatawada and Dabeli Center, Nashik; Dabeli House, Pune;
Bhurji Pav
Bhurji Pav, the popular street food of Maharashtra, is a true delight for foodies. A spicy and tangy mixture of scrambled eggs, onions, tomatoes, and spices, served with soft and buttery pav (bread) is an irresistible combination that leaves your taste buds craving for more.
Every bite of Bhurji Pav is a flavor explosion that transports you to the bustling streets of Mumbai. The dish is so popular that you can find it on almost every corner of the city. From the busy bazaars to the posh localities, everyone relishes the delicious Bhurji Pav.
What makes Bhurji Pav stand out is the way it is prepared. The vendors skillfully toss the eggs, spices, and vegetables in a hot pan until they are cooked to perfection. The aroma of the spices fills the air, making it impossible to resist the temptation.
Best Places to eat Bhurji Pav: Shree Datta Snacks, Kolhapur, Babubhai Bhurji Centre, Nashik, Shivaji Bhurji Centre
Maharashtra is a state that offers a wide range of flavorful and diverse street food options. From the spicy and tangy Vada Pav to the healthy and nutritious Zunka Bhakar, the state’s street food scene has something for everyone. The use of local ingredients, unique spices, and traditional cooking techniques make these dishes stand out and are loved by locals and tourists.
