22 Must-Try Maharashtra Famous Foods

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Maharashtra is famously known for its magnificent monuments, vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and flavourful, aromatic, and colourful meals. The local cuisine, reflecting the state’s diversity, draws crowds from different parts of India and around the globe.

From the succulent seafood of the Konkan coastal region to the fiery delicacies of the Vidharbha area, the rich Maharashtra traditional food has something to delight every palate. This blog, packed with cooking techniques passed down through generations, reveals Maharashtra’s best authentic and traditional dishes.

Read on as we take an aroma-filled trip around this vibrant state through 22 famous Maharashtrian dishes that cater to all – vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and sweet-tooth fanatics.

22 Maharashtra Famous Foods To Savour On

Vada Pav (Indian Burger)

Vada Pav, considered the “poor man’s burger,” is a quintessential Mumbai street food delight.

 A spicy potato fritter, the vada, is nestled within a pav bread bun slathered with sweet and spicy chutneys. The vada pav’s flavours dance on your palate with a perfect blend of tanginess and heat, making it a favourite grab-and-go snack for many.

This iconic snack embodies Maharashtra’s vibrant culinary culture, offering flavour in every bite. The simplicity and deliciousness of vada pav have earned it a special spot in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Make sure to indulge in this savoury treat when exploring the bustling streets of Maharashtra.

Misal Pav

 

Misal Pav is a Maharashtrian dish that tantalises taste buds with its spicy and flavourful combination of moth beans, fresh coriander, and crunchy farsan topping. This famous street food consists of a spicy curry from sprouted lentils served with pav bread, a true delight for those with a penchant for spicy fare.

The dish is garnished with onions, lemon juice, and sev for an added crunch. It is a favourite among those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal that packs a punch.

Misal Pav is a go-to comfort food that can be enjoyed throughout the day, offering a burst of flavours with every bite. Its fiery mix of spices and textures makes it a must-try for anyone exploring Maharashtrian cuisine.

Read how to make Misal Pav at home

Pithla Bhakri

 

Pithla Bhakri is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with a spicy gram flour curry known as Pithla. It is served with Bhakri, a thick flatbread made of jowar or bajra flour. This humble yet flavourful dish is a staple in rural areas of Maharashtra and is celebrated for its simplicity and delicious taste.

The Pithla is typically infused with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and fresh coriander, offering a burst of flavour in every bite. Paired with the earthy Bhakri, Pithla Bhakri provides a hearty and fulfilling meal that has been satisfying taste buds for generations.

Its unique texture and blend of spices make it a comforting and authentic dish that represents Maharashtra’s rich culinary heritage.

Sol Kadhi

 

Sol Kadhi is a refreshing, tangy drink made from coconut milk and kokum. This traditional Maharashtrian beverage is known for its soothing properties and unique flavour profile.

The pink-hued Sol Kadhi is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes, helping to digest and cool the palate. The blend of coconut milk, kokum, and subtle spices like green chillies and coriander leaves creates a harmonious balance of flavours that tantalises the taste buds.

Sol Kadhi is a popular drink in Maharashtra, especially during hot summers. Due to its cooling properties, it is a staple in coastal regions. Enjoyed for its refreshing taste, Sol Kadhi adds a delightful touch to any meal with its rejuvenating and flavourful essence.

Modak

 

Modak, a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dumpling, is highly significant in the state’s culinary culture. This delicacy is commonly associated with special occasions, especially Ganesh Chaturthi. Modak features a unique texture and flavour, with a sweet filling made of coconut and jaggery encased in a rice flour shell.

The preparation involves steaming these dumplings to perfection, resulting in a delectable treat that delights the taste buds. The Modak is considered a favourite offering to Lord Ganesha, adding a sweet note to the festivities in Maharashtra.

Its presence in festivals and celebrations showcases the rich culinary heritage and traditional foods deeply rooted in Maharashtrian culture.

Read how to create the perfect Modak at home

Sabudana Khichdi

 

Sabudana Khichdi is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made from soaked sabudana pearls sautéed with peanuts and potatoes and flavoured with cumin seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. This dish is popular during fasting periods due to its high carbohydrate content, providing a quick and light energy source. The unique texture of soaked sabudana pearls, the crunch of peanuts, and the spiciness of green chillies offer a delightful culinary experience.

Sabudana Khichdi is not only comfort food but also a flavourful treat for your taste buds. It is commonly enjoyed across Maharashtra for its simplicity and satisfying flavours.

Aamti (Maharashtrian Dal)

 

Aamti, a traditional Maharashtrian dal, is a flavourful dish in the state. It is a comforting lentil-based curry packed with various spices, such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, creating a unique flavour profile.

Aamti is often prepared with yellow gram or chickpea flour, cooked perfectly with aromatic ingredients like green chillies and coriander leaves. This dish is a staple food in many Maharashtrian households, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavours.

Aamti is commonly served with steamed rice or bhakri, which complements its rich and hearty taste. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes, It satisfies the taste buds with its savoury goodness.

Puran Poli

 

Puran Poli, a traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread, is a delightful treat for festive occasions and special celebrations. This delectable dish consists of a sweet stuffing made from gram flour, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom powder, enveloped in a soft dough of wheat flour or all-purpose flour. The richness of ghee enhances its flavours, making it a favourite among those with a sweet tooth.

Puran Poli is a labour of love, requiring skill to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It is commonly paired with a dollop of ghee or served with a generous helping of lentil curry. Each bite of Puran Poli encapsulates the essence of Maharashtra’s culinary heritage, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Also Read: Puran Poli Recipe

Bharli Vangi

 

Bharli Vangi, a traditional Maharashtrian dish, consists of baby eggplants stuffed with a flavourful mixture of spices and coconut. This dish showcases Maharashtra’s rich culinary heritage, incorporating a unique blend of flavours and textures.

The stuffing usually contains ingredients like coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and coriander.

Bharli Vangi is typically served with hot bhakri or steamed rice, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. The dish is loved for its savoury taste and comforting feeling, making it a popular choice for everyday meals and special occasions. Don’t miss the chance to savour this delicious Maharashtrian delight.

Read the complete recipe of Bharli Vangi in detail.

Kothimbir Vadi

 

Kothimbir Vadi, a famous Maharashtrian snack, is a delectable savoury delight bursting with flavours. Made with gram flour, fresh coriander, green chillies, and a blend of spices, Kothimbir Vadi offers a unique texture and taste experience. This traditional dish is loved for its crispy exterior and soft interior, making it a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea. The aromatic aroma of coriander leaves combined with the subtle heat from green chillies creates a harmonious symphony for your taste buds. Kothimbir Vadi is a must-try for anyone exploring the culinary treasures of Maharashtra.

Poha

 

Poha, a beloved famous Maharashtra dish, is a light and flavourful dish made from flattened rice. It is a popular breakfast choice known for its simplicity and wholesome taste. Typically tempered with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chillies, curry leaves, and peanuts, Poha embodies a perfect balance of savoury and tangy flavours.

This traditional Maharashtrian delight can be customised with various toppings like sev, onions, and fresh coriander, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to each bite.

 Poha is a versatile dish that caters to different palates. Whether you prefer a spicy or mild flavour profile, Poha can effortlessly be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Indulge in this comforting dish that will tantalise your taste buds with its satisfying notes of spice and zest.

Also Read: How to make Poha at home?

Thalipeeth

 

Thalipeeth is a traditional Maharashtrian multigrain flatbread made from various flours, such as rice, chickpea, and wheat flour. This savoury snack is packed with flavour from spices like cumin seeds, coriander leaves, and green chili. The dough is pressed directly onto a hot griddle, creating a unique texture and taste.

Thalipeeth is a popular dish in Maharashtra, often served with fresh homemade butter or yoghurt. Its rich flavour and crispy edges make it a favourite comfort food for many. It offers a delightful gastronomic experience showcasing Maharashtra’s diverse and delicious cuisine.

Enjoyed in both rural and urban settings, Thalipeeth’s vibrant and authentic ingredients cater to a wide range of taste preferences.

Zunka

 

Zunka, a traditional dish from Maharashtra, is a flavourful preparation made with chickpea flour and a blend of spices. It is a popular accompaniment that adds a savoury touch to any meal. Zunka is known for its unique texture and taste, making it a favourite among locals and tourists.

This dish is often enjoyed with bhakri, a type of bread made from millet or sorghum flour. The simplicity of Zunka belies its deliciousness, as it bursts with the rich flavours of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves, all coming together in perfect harmony.

Whether served in homes or at local eateries, Zunka never fails to delight the taste buds with its comforting and authentic Maharashtrian flavours.

Aluchi Vadi

 

Aluchi Vadi is a traditional Maharashtrian snack that delights taste buds with its unique flavour. This dish features deep-fried colocasia leaves encased in a flavourful gram flour mixture seasoned with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Aluchi Vadi is a popular savoury snack enjoyed across Maharashtra. It is perfect for special occasions or as a tea-time treat. The crispy exterior of the vadi gives way to a soft and succulent filling, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Whether you have a savoury craving or want to experience authentic Maharashtrian flavours, Aluchi Vadi is a must-try dish that showcases the region’s culinary diversity.

Also Read: Patra Recipe

Ragda Pattice

 

Ragda Pattice is a popular street food in Maharashtra. It consists of potato patties served with a flavourful white pea curry garnished with tamarind and cilantro chutneys. The dish offers a burst of flavours and textures, combining the crispiness of the patties with the tanginess of the chutneys and the spiciness of the ragda.

Ragda, made from dried peas, is cooked with various spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and goda masala to create a rich, aromatic curry. Pattice, the potato patties, are typically made with chickpea flour and spices before being fried to a golden crisp. This delightful combination of savoury elements makes Ragda Pattice a must-try for any food enthusiast exploring Maharashtra’s culinary delights.

Know how to make Ragda Patties step by step.

Shrikhand

 

Shrikhand, a traditional Maharashtrian dessert, is a sweet dish made from strained yoghurt, flavoured with cardamom powder, and garnished with saffron and chopped nuts. This creamy delicacy perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess, providing a delightful treat for your taste buds. Sreekhand is commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, adding a touch of sweetness to the celebrations. This dessert’s rich and smooth texture makes it a favourite among those with a sweet tooth. Its refreshing taste and unique flavour profile make Sreekhand a popular choice among lovers of Maharashtrian food, showcasing the region’s diverse and delectable culinary offerings.

Read the complete recipe of Shrikhand.

Rassa

 

Rassa, a flavourful traditional Maharashtrian curry, is a must-try for spice enthusiasts. This dish, often prepared with various spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and goda masala, offers a burst of distinct flavours. Rassa can be enjoyed in many forms, such as Pandhra Rassa (white curry) or Tambda Rassa (red curry), each offering a unique taste experience. Typically paired with bhakri or steamed rice, this savoury dish is a staple in Maharashtrian cuisine. Whether you prefer a mild or fiery kick, Rassa caters to all taste preferences with its rich and aromatic gravy, making it a popular choice for special occasions or everyday meals.

Aamras

 

Aamras, a delightful mango pulp dessert, is a popular sweet treat in Maharashtra. This traditional dish captures the essence of the tropical climate with its rich and creamy texture. Made from sweet mangoes, this dessert is a favourite during the summer months when mangoes are in season. Aamras is known for its sweet and tangy flavour, offering your taste buds a refreshing and indulgent experience. Often enjoyed on its own or paired with puris or chapatis, Aamrus is a versatile dish that caters to those with a sweet tooth. Its luscious taste and creamy consistency make it a must-try for anyone exploring Maharashtrian cuisine.

Kairi Cha Panha

 

Kairi Cha Panha is a traditional Maharashtrian raw mango drink that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. This refreshing beverage is made from raw mangoes, jaggery, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin seeds and cardamom powder. The tanginess of the raw mango, the sweetness of the jaggery, and a hint of spice from the spices create a delightful concoction ideal for quenching thirst on hot summer days. Kairi Cha Panha is a thirst quencher and a rich source of Vitamin C due to its raw mango content, making it a healthy and tasty drink cherished across Maharashtra. Its refreshing taste profile makes it a popular choice during the scorching summers in the region.

Kadhi

 

Kadhi, a traditional Maharashtrian dish, is a flavourful yoghurt-based curry tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chillies. This comforting dish is often enjoyed with steamed rice or bhakri. The tanginess of the yoghurt pairs perfectly with the warmth of the spices, creating a delightful blend of flavours. Kadhi is special in Maharashtrian cuisine and is known for its unique taste and texture. It is a popular choice for meals during special occasions or as a comforting meal on a regular day. Kadhi showcases the diversity and richness of flavours in Maharashtra’s culinary heritage, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the state’s famous foods.

Kolhapuri Chicken

 

Kolhapuri Chicken is a famous dish from Maharashtra, known for its bold and spicy flavours. This traditional dish originates from Kolhapur and is characterised by its rich red colour and intense heat level. The dish typically consists of tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and cooked with a fiery gravy made from dried red chillies, garlic, and other flavourful ingredients. Kolhapuri Chicken is a must-try for those who enjoy hearty and spicy Indian cuisine, as it offers a unique taste showcasing Maharashtra’s culinary diversity. Read the complete recipe for Kolhapuri chicken here.

Pav Bhaaji

 

Pav Bhaji is a beloved Maharashtrian street food dish that has gained popularity far beyond the borders of Maharashtra. It consists of a flavourful vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered buns (pav), garnished with onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime. The key to a delicious Pav Bhaji is the perfect blend of spices and the freshness of the vegetables. This dish is a treat for the taste buds and a hearty and satisfying meal that people of all ages can enjoy.

Also Read: Best Goan Cuisine

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s culinary customs showcase the state’s rich cultural history. The broad palette of flavours it delivers has successfully carved out a unique place for themselves in India’s varied culinary landscape. The dishes mentioned above, filled with authentic spices, blend simplicity and taste, genuinely flaunting Maharashtra’s food artistry. From the undeniable allure of Vada Pav to the lingering aftertaste of Shrikhand, Maharashtra offers a balanced diet, satisfying both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. So delve into Maharashtrian cuisine and surrender yourself to this explosion of flavours it promises to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maharashtrian cuisine distinct from other regional cuisines?

Maharashtrian cuisine signifies a melange of flavours brought together by diverse ingredients, varying spice levels, and unique cooking styles, making it distinct from other regional cuisines. Native ingredients like coconut, peanuts, and varied lentils add unique flavours and textures to various dishes.

Are there vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Maharashtra’s famous foods?

Absolutely! Maharashtrian cuisine caters to all palettes, serving a plethora of vegetarian delicacies like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Pithla Bhakri alongside tantalising non-vegetarian dishes such as Rassa and Bombay Duck, making it versatile and all-inclusive.

What are some traditional Maharashtrian drinks?

Some of the best traditional Maharashtrian drinks include:

• 1. Solkadhi: A refreshing drink with coconut milk, kokum, and spices.
• 2. Piyush: A creamy and sweet drink with buttermilk, shrikhand, and sugar.
• 3. Taak: Also known as buttermilk, it is a spiced yoghurt-based drink.
• 4. Kairi Panha: A tangy, sweet, raw mango drink flavoured with jaggery and spices.
• 5. Kokam Sharbat: A cooling beverage made from kokum syrup, sugar, and water.
• 6. Thandai: A traditional drink made with milk, nuts, and spices like saffron and cardamom.

These drinks are not only delicious but also have a unique taste that reflects the culinary heritage of Maharashtra.