Maharashtra is the rich and colourful state that everyone loves. Land of resilient, dynamic, fun-loving people, this state has a unique culinary culture. Very little though can compete with the popularity of the yummy, delectable, delicious street foods that Maharashtra has to offer. So let’s take a look at some that will make you fall in love at first bite.
Vada Pav: The ubiquitous vada pav is possibly Maharashtra’s most famous and best-loved street food. A deep-fried succulent vada wedged between a soft pav is the stuff of dreams. You can make this at home with the dry garlic coconut chutney from Aazol Foods.
Pav Bhaaji: Pav bhaji is not just a meal; it’s an emotion. It is steaming hot bhaji, straight from the large pans of streetside shops, topped with butter and served fresh with toasted buns – an all-day meal. This is one of the best masala combo meals from Maharashtra.
Bombil Fry: The bombil fry or the deep-fried Bombay Duck is one of the foods you simply cannot miss, especially if you are in Mumbai. Though called Bombay Duck, this fish is cooked in spices, battered, and fried.
Kanda Poha: Poha is the one dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and every snack time in-between. If you are in Maharashtra, chances are you will find street vendors selling platefuls of peanut laced poha served with coriander and onions throughout the day. So dig in; it is as good as it gets.
Ragda Pattice: Ragda Pattice or Ragda Patties is one of the best-loved street foods of Maharashtra. Who can turn down a steaming hot plate of deep-fried potato patties served with a peas curry, chutneys, cream, and sev? Serve it with a Solapuri Peanut Chutney for extra tang.
Sabudana Vada: Sabudana vada is gluten-free and is a popular food served during festive days. Apart from that, it’s one of Maharashtra’s most famous street foods. This dish is made from sago pearls, roasted peanuts, boiled potatoes, and some Maharashtrian masala, and it is best served with spicy chilli thecha.
Misal Pav: Originally from Kolhapur, Misal pav is one dish known for its spicy, tangy taste and unique flavour profile. A rounded moth bean dish topped with onions, coriander, and sev and served with toasted buns is the perfect meal from the street side shops of Maharashtra.
Dabeli: Though originally from Gujarat, you are likely to find Dabeli or Double pav vendors all over Maharashtra. Dabeli is a spicy, tangy potato filling stuffed in a bun or pav. The difference between vada pav and dabeli is that the latter is served with pomegranate, onion, sev, and a generous sprinkling of dry garlic coconut chutney.