How Food Helped Me Connect to a City

 

I grew up in Kolkata, a city known for its street food, sweets, and never-ending love for adda over chai or impromptu get-togethers. Ironically, I didn’t really enjoy eating there as a child. I stuck to the basics and rarely went beyond my comfort zone regarding food. Some of my staples were definitely Puchkas and Momo with soup that I could die for. But moving away from home changes you in unexpected ways. It was when I came to Pune, a vibrant city in Maharashtra, that I realized the power of food in interacting with new people.

The Beginning of My Foodie Journey

When I initially came to Pune, I was overwhelmed. The city, recognized for its vibrant IT culture and youthful atmosphere, has its own pace. It was fast, lively, and distinctly different from Kolkata’s laid-back charm. People spoke an almost alien language (even though I am well-versed in Marathi today, it indeed sounded alien to me back then), the streets were filled with strange sights and noises, the traffic was too weird, and the people were too busy. It was a different world, and my senses yearned for something familiar.

That’s when I realized that the best way to understand a place is through its culture, and food is an essential element of that. So, I decided to explore Pune one plate at a time.

Pune’s Culinary Gems

Pune offers a diverse mix of traditional Maharashtrian flavors and modern street food. These are some of the dishes that stood out during my journey — and if you’re ever in Pune, you must try them.

Misal Pav

Misal Pav is more than simply food; it’s an experience. It’s a spicy curry with sprouted lentils, onions, coriander, farsan (crispy sev), and a little lemon juice on top. It is served with soft pav (bread rolls) to counterbalance the heat. The heat may overwhelm you in the first bite, but it’s the kind of heat you end up enjoying.

One of the best Misal Pav I had in Pune was at Bedekar Misal in Narayan Peth. Their authentic recipe has a reputation that foregoes it.

Vada Pav

If Vada Pav originated in Mumbai, Pune is credited with perfecting the art of accessibility. This simple dish — a potato fritter sandwiched in soft bread with chutneys and a fried green chili on the side — is the go-to snack for Punekars.

This does not require a precise address. Street vendors sell some of the greatest Vada Pavs. The fresh aroma of fried vadas in the air will lead you to the nearby stall.

Loni Dosa

Before Pune, I thought dosas were synonymous with South Indian food. Pune gave me a unique twist — Loni Dosa. A thick, buttery dosa (loni means butter in Marathi) served with chutneys and potato filling, it’s indulgent, rich, and comforting.

My personal favorite place for Loni Dosa is a small joint near Yerwada. The unassuming stall has no name, but it was my go-to and savior in the first few months. Its buttery dosas are unforgettable.

Dabeli

This Gujarati dish made its way into Pune’s culinary scene and immediately gained popularity. Imagine a spicy potato mixture surrounded by a pav and topped with toasted peanuts, sev, and pomegranate seeds. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once.

Though this is one dish I have only tried at a few places, the stalls in Magarpatta and Shivajinagar have won my hearts in those few months.

Puran Poli

You can have Puran Poli in Pune year-round, but it’s a festive treat throughout Maharashtra. This tasty flatbread has cardamom, chana dal (black gram pulse), and jaggery. It epitomizes comfort food, especially when served with a dollop of ghee. I’ve had the best Puran Polis made by my friends and their mothers. But to get the essence of it, you can also try the ones at Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. This legendary establishment is a treasure trove of Maharashtrian sweets and a favorite of anyone in Pune.

Bakarwadi

Bakarwadi deserves special recognition even though it is essentially a snack rather than a meal. Made with dough and spiced gram flour, this spiral-shaped, crispy delight goes well with tea or as is. Once more, the best Bakarwadi can be found in Chitale Bandhu. You’ll want to bring a box home, I promise.

Mastani

This milkshake is named after the famous lover of Peshwa Bajirao. Mastani is Pune’s unique innovation with the milkshake. It’s a rich blend of ice cream and thick milk, often topped with nuts and fruit. The most popular flavor is mango, but you’ll find various options.

Visit Sujata Mastani, a legendary joint that has been serving this indulgence for decades. Their Mango Mastani is divine, but don’t shy away from trying other flavors.

The Cultural Connect

As someone from East India, adjusting to Pune’s starkly different flavors was initially challenging. In Kolkata, food is about sweetness and subtle spices, but Pune’s palate is bold and fiery. Yet, exploring these dishes, I fell in love with the city.

Food has a unique way of building bridges.

Sitting on a wooden bench at a street-side Vada Pav stall or sharing a table with strangers at a Misal Pav eatery, I felt a sense of belonging. Pune slowly stopped feeling like a strange city and started feeling like home.

Beyond the Plates

While the dishes themselves were incredible, the stories they carried made them even more special. The elderly vendor who served Vada Pav with a warm smile, the bustling crowd at Chitale Bandhu every evening, and the roadside dosa stall near Yerwada where regulars chatted like family — all of these experiences made my foodie journey in Pune unforgettable.

Pune — Maharashtra: The food Love

The variety of Maharashtra cuisine is immense; these are only a few examples. Many of these dishes are found all over Maharashtra, but they were particularly memorable to me because I spent a few years living in Pune. Food has the power to connect you to places in ways you never imagined. It establishes a connection that lasts long beyond the final piece by bridging the gap between the strange and the familiar.

PS: Unfortunately, I was not into photography or clicking pictures in 2019, and I do not have any pictures of food that was clicked me! But trust me, each dish was the epitome of love, and I can never forget the taste, even if I do not have any photos as memories!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.