Maharashtra
Pune Food Guide: What to Eat & Where to Find It
Pune’s food is part of its cultural history, not merely a list of famous dishes. Use busy, established kitchens, ask about spice where relevant and leave room for regional meals beyond the best-known speciality.
The entries combine what to order with practical context. Confirm current opening hours and prices directly before making a special journey.
Must-Try Local Food in Pune
Here are the absolute must-try dishes that define Pune's food scene. These aren't just popular—they're part of the city's culinary DNA.
1Misal Pav
Sprouted-legume curry layered with farsan, onion and spicy tarri, served with bread; heat levels vary substantially.
Where to Try
Specialist breakfast and snack restaurants
Price Range
₹100–250
2Bhakarwadi
A crisp, spiral savoury snack with sweet-spicy filling that travels well when bought freshly packed.
Where to Try
Established Pune snack shops
Price Range
₹120–350 per pack
3Mastani
A dense milkshake-dessert topped with ice cream and nuts, named after the historic figure Mastani.
Where to Try
Traditional cold-drink houses
Price Range
₹120–250
4Pithla Bhakri
Gram-flour preparation with millet flatbread represents hearty rural Maharashtrian cooking.
Where to Try
Maharashtrian thali restaurants
Price Range
₹180–400
5Sabudana Khichdi
Tapioca pearls with peanuts, potato and spices form a popular fasting dish and everyday breakfast.
Where to Try
Breakfast shops and Maharashtrian restaurants
Price Range
₹80–180
6Bakarwadi and Chitale-style Sweets
Pune's famous snack-and-sweet shops make useful stops for packaged regional gifts; compare freshness and labels.
Where to Try
Long-established branded outlets
Price Range
₹100–500
Plan Your Complete Pune Food Journey
Combine your food adventure with sightseeing for the ultimate Pune experience:
Quick Facts
State
Maharashtra
Top Attractions
8
Best Time
October to February; monsoon is scenic but needs caution
Budget Range
₹1,800–6,000 per person per day
Last Updated
2026-08-08