Pune's Best Street Food Spots
Pune, a vibrant city in Maharashtra, India, is not just known for its rich history and educational institutions, but also for its mouth-watering street food. The streets of Pune are lined with vendors offering a variety of delicious snacks that reflect the city's diverse culinary heritage. Whether you're a local or a traveler, indulging in Pune's street food is an experience you shouldn't miss. Here’s a guide to some of the best street food spots in Pune.
1. Vada Pav: The Iconic Snack
One cannot talk about Pune's street food without mentioning Vada Pav. This iconic snack consists of a spicy potato filling encased in a gram flour batter, deep-fried and served in a bun with chutneys. The best place to savor Vada Pav is at Anand Stall, located near V. P. Road. This stall is famous for its crispy Vada Pav, served with a side of fried green chili.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Anand Stall, V. P. Road
- Must-Try: Vada Pav with fried green chili
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, when the stall is bustling with locals.
2. Misal Pav: A Spicy Delight
Another must-try dish is Misal Pav, a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils, topped with onions, tomatoes, and served with pav (bread). Shivaji Nagar's Bedekar Misal is renowned for its flavorful Misal, which is garnished with crunchy farsan (snack mix) and served with a side of lemon.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Bedekar Misal, Shivaji Nagar
- Must-Try: Misal with extra farsan
- Best Time to Visit: Breakfast or lunch hours.
3. Bhel Puri: A Refreshing Snack
Bhel Puri is a popular snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and tangy tamarind sauce. Jai Ganesh Bhel in the bustling area of FC Road is a favorite among students and locals alike. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes this dish a refreshing choice, especially during the hot summer months.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Jai Ganesh Bhel, FC Road
- Must-Try: Bhel Puri with extra chutney
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoons or evenings.
4. Pani Puri: A Burst of Flavors
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa, is a favorite among street food lovers. These crispy puris filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney, and chickpeas are a must-try. Gajanan Pani Puri in the Karve Nagar area is famous for its unique flavored water and crispy puris.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Gajanan Pani Puri, Karve Nagar
- Must-Try: Pani Puri with different flavored waters
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, when the crowd is lively.
5. Dabeli: A Spicy Burger
Dabeli is a spicy burger-like snack made with a mixture of mashed potatoes, spices, and chutney, served in a bun. Kachoriwala Dabeli near the Pune Railway Station is a popular spot for this delicious treat. The vendor's secret chutney adds an extra zing to the Dabeli.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Kachoriwala Dabeli, Pune Railway Station
- Must-Try: Dabeli with extra chutney
- Best Time to Visit: Late evenings.
6. Pav Bhaji: A Hearty Meal
Pav Bhaji is a rich vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls. Aaram Vada Pav near the CST Station is famous for its buttery Pav Bhaji, which is a perfect meal for those looking for something filling yet delicious.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Aaram Vada Pav, CST Station
- Must-Try: Pav Bhaji with extra butter
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch or dinner.
7. Kothimbir Vadi: A Savory Snack
Kothimbir Vadi is a savory snack made from coriander leaves and gram flour, steamed, and then fried. Shivaji Park Kothimbir Vadi is a popular spot where you can enjoy this delicious snack with spicy chutney.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Shivaji Park
- Must-Try: Kothimbir Vadi with chutney
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings.
8. Sabudana Vada: A Unique Treat
Sabudana Vada is a deep-fried snack made from tapioca pearls and potatoes, often enjoyed during fasting. Sukh Sagar in the Camp area serves some of the best Sabudana Vadas, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Sukh Sagar, Camp
- Must-Try: Sabudana Vada with sweet chutney
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings or evenings.
9. Chaat: A Flavor Explosion
Chaat is a popular Indian street food that combines various ingredients to create a burst of flavors. Chaat Gali in the heart of Pune offers a variety of chaat options, including Aloo Tikki Chaat and Papdi Chaat, making it a must-visit for chaat lovers.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Chaat Gali, Pune
- Must-Try: Aloo Tikki Chaat
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings.
10. Ice Cream Sandwich: A Sweet Treat
To cool off after indulging in spicy street food, try the Ice Cream Sandwich. This unique treat consists of a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two slices of bread. Mithaiwala in Pune is known for its delicious Ice Cream Sandwiches, perfect for a sweet ending to your food journey.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Mithaiwala, Pune
- Must-Try: Ice Cream Sandwich with your choice of flavor
- Best Time to Visit: After dinner.
Weather in Pune
Pune enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, making it a bit challenging to enjoy street food.
Getting Around Pune
Pune has a well-connected public transport system, including buses and auto-rickshaws. For a more comfortable experience, consider booking a transfer service. You can find reliable options here: Transfers.
Where to Stay
Pune offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury stays. For a convenient booking experience, check out the available hotels here: Hotels & Flights.
Final Thoughts
Pune's street food scene is a delightful blend of flavors and cultures. Each dish tells a story, and every vendor has a unique recipe that adds to the city's culinary tapestry. Whether you're a spice lover or have a sweet tooth, Pune's street food will not disappoint. So, pack your bags, head to Pune, and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience!
