5 Most Iconic Food Items of Pune

November 3, 2016

There are very many things that Pune is known for. Its historic spots, the museums, the new post-Independence hotspots, the educational and wellness institutions, its popular restaurants and of course some iconic food items. In fact talk about any of these to even a non-Puneite, and pat will come the reply: “hmmm, from Pune!”. Here’s a list of the five most iconic. Read on…

Bedekar Misal

A rendition of sweet and spicy prepared with sprouted lentils, farsan (fried munchies) and served with pav/bread will not just satiate your hunger but keep you asking for more. Misal pav is considered a Maharashtrian delicacy and Bedekar serves it up the best in Pune.

Where: Bedekar Tea Stall, Narayan Peth

Price: Rs 50/plate

2 Chutney Sandwiches, Macaroons

This homely place is situated on MG Road (eka Main Street) with its big red board displayed you cannot miss this place. Famous for its chutney sandwiches and almond macaroons, this place does not compromise on quality and its quick service will leave you with a smile. It acts as quick stopover for the shopping lovers and a perfect place to fulfill those untimely hunger pangs.

Where: Marz-O-Rin, MG Road, Camp

Price: Chutney sandwich- Rs 40/ pack

Almond macaroons- Rs 60 for a packet of 5

3Shrewsbury Biscuits

A must-visit for every non-Puneri, this legendary Parsi bakery produces some of the best baked goods from their specialties of Shrewsbury biscuits to walnut cakes, pastries and wine biscuits. Synonym with Pune, plan a visit to Kayani keeping their timings in mind, the bakery is open from 7:30am to 1:00pm and 3:30pm to 8:00pm and closed on Sundays. Abuzz with customers swarming in and out, this place allows you to take a bit of Pune back home with you.

Where: Kayani Bakery, Opposite Victory Theatre, East Street, Camp

Price: Shrewsbury biscuits- Rs 320/kg, Mawa cake: Rs 25

4Laxminarayan Chivda

This is history served in a packet, the recipe of this Chivda has travelled far and wide. Laxminarayan Chivda goes back to 1920 when a Haryana hawker by the name of Laxminarayan Data fought with the British and roamed around the country to create this brand name. A speciality of Pune made from rice flour, cornflakes and potato will be every Puneite’s recommendation list.

Where: Bhavani Mata Mandir Road, Bhawani Peth

Price: Rs 245/kg

5Bakarwadi

Well-known for its sweet and savoury treats, Chitale Bandhu has been managed by four successive generations and the quality still remains the same. Known for Bakarwadi – the crispy, deep-fried, disc-shaped snack that has fans across India – is believed to have originated in Gujarat but it has been made famous by Raghunathrao Chitale, the founder and owner of Pune’s iconic Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale food and dairy brand. Every visitor who comes to Pune will not leave without a packet of bakarwadi.