Maharashtra’s Top 22 Foods You Have to Try

Maharashtra’s Top 22 Foods You Have to Try Enjoy Maharashtra’s rich and varied food to the fullest. From classic treats to beloved street cuisine, this guide offers must-try recipes that exemplify the state’s rich culinary legacy.

Maharashtra’s Top 22 Foods You Have to Try

Maharashtra’s rich and varied culture is evident in the food it serves. Maharashtrian cuisine combines regional flavors, spices, and cooking methods passed down over the years. The well-known dishes in Maharashtra, which range from hot and sour curries to sweet and delectable sweets, are not only delicious but also rich in culture and history.

There are many different vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in Maharashtrian cuisine. The state’s topography, climate, and cultural diversity all have an impact on the food. The state boasts a lengthy coastline along the Arabian Sea, and coastal areas like Konkan excel in seafood specialties. Western Maharashtra cuisine incorporates coconut, jaggery, and peanuts, while inland areas such as Vidarbha are renowned for their tangier and hotter tastes.

We’ll examine more closely at some of the most well-liked traditional Maharashtra dishes in this article. These Maharashtrian delicacies will transport you to culinary paradise.

• Vada Pav
• Misal
• Sol Kadhi
• Pithla Bhakri
• Aluchi vadi
• Modak
• Kothimbir Vadi 
• Pav Bhaji
• Puran Poli
• Ragda Pattice
• Bharli Vangi
• Sreekhand
• Poha (Maharashtra food classic to breakfast rescue)
• Sabudana khichdi
• Rassa
• Aamti (Maharashtrian Dal)
• Bhelpuri
• Basundi
• Kairi Cha Panha
• Aamrus
• Kadhi
• Bombil/Bombay duck

Let’s take a closer look at these well-known Maharashtra dishes.

Vada Pav

Vada Pav, a well-known dish from Maharashtra, is a staple of the state’s culinary culture and fills the bellies and hearts of thousands of Maharashtrians every day.

The meal consists of a seasoned potato patty coated in gram flour and deep-fried. Then, it is served by stuffing it into a bun, or ‘pav,’ as the locals refer to them, and drizzling it with a dollop of either dry, spicy peanut chutney or garlic chutney. Most residents like their vada pav with a side order of salted and fried green chilies. You will be in gastronomic nirvana after only one mouthful of vada pav and one bite of chilli!

Misal

The Khandesh area of Western Maharashtra is where the traditional Maharashtrian meal first appeared. Misal, a popular dish in Maharashtra, primarily consists of hot lentil curry or gravy that people frequently eat with pav.

It is best enjoyed at breakfast, but you can have it at any time of day. With a piece of pav to mop up the hot curry, you may savor a substantial and satisfying dinner. The meal varies in spice levels and in the use of pulses and lentils. Depending on the region of the state you are in, the gravy or Tari has varying amounts of spice. Many consider the ‘Puneri’ Misal to be the best Maharashtrian version of this dish. On the other hand, you would relish the “Kolhapuri” misal if you like your food hotter. Misal, which is oily and spicy, embodies all the wonderful qualities of Maharashtrian food.

Sol Kadhi

Maharashtra has an extensive coastline that hugs the Konkan area, running from Mumbai to Goa. Maharashtra, like any coastal region, boasts mouthwatering seafood cuisine, including curries and the globally recognized Bombil (Bombay Duck) fry. But the Sol Kadhi is the one Maharashtrian traditional meal that truly embodies the essence of the state’s coastal tastes.

Sol Kadhi, a well-known Maharashtrian dish, serves as a nutritious and pleasant appetizer. A staple of Konkan and Goan cuisine, Sol Kadhi features fresh coconut milk mixed with locally grown ingredients like kokum, coriander, and green chiles.

The beverage is visually appealing and has a nice pink color, in addition to its excellent taste. However, its numerous health advantages are what really make it fantastic. It keeps the body cool and facilitates digestion. To put it briefly, Sol Kadhi is soul food!

Pithla Bhakri

Nothing is more traditional than Pithla Bhakri while discussing Maharashtra’s native cuisine. Known as “farmer’s food,” it is a staple comfort food for many locals. The greatest comfort food is hot pithla with freshly prepared bhakri after a long, exhausting day.

One of the greatest dishes from Maharashtra that you can make at home is this straightforward dish, especially if you don’t have enough vegetables or ingredients to make a full meal. With a viscosity that can range from watery to semi-liquid, pithla is made with chickpea or gram flour, onions, chilli powder, coriander, and additional spices to taste.

The rural farmers have pithla with Jowar Bhakri or Bajra. However, you can also eat it with rice or wheat rotis. Pithla Bhakri is typically served with raw onions, chili, and techa, a hot, dry chutney prepared with garlic and green chilies.

Aluchi Vadi

Aluchi Vadi, a well-liked savory vegetarian snack from Maharashtra’s Malvan area, is a culinary joy for everyone. You have to taste this traditional Maharashtrian cuisine!

The Colocasia leaves are the main component of this dish. It is packed full of a delectable concoction of rice flour, gram flour, jaggery, tamarind juice, and other spices. After that, the leaves are cut into slices and either steamed or fried. Both forms of this well-known Maharashtra dish are delicious, but the steamed vadi is a better option if you prefer a healthier meal.

However, if you’re on a cheat day or don’t mind gaining a few additional calories, try the fried version—we guarantee you won’t be able to resist overindulging!

Modak

Everyone’s favorite traditional Maharashtrian dish, Modak, is one of the most well-known. It is a sweet dumpling with a filling of grated coconut and jaggery. When it is steamed, the rice flour exterior becomes tender and melts in your tongue. While some prefer it fried, the steamed form is the most original and traditional, and it tastes delicious.

The modaks are a crucial component of the gifts presented to Lord Ganesha and are often prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. According to legend, this is one of the “Elephant God’s” favorite delicacies. It makes sense—modaks have amazing taste!

Kothimbir Vadi

This savory, crunchy Maharashtrian dish is ideal as an appetizer or for teatime munching.

Famous in Maharashtra, Kothimbir Vadi is a dish cooked with spices, chickpea flour, and coriander leaves. While the chickpea flour gives the Vadi a crisp texture, the coriander leaves give it a distinct flavor and scent.

Combine the ingredients to make a dough, then cook and cut it into bite-sized pieces to make Kothimbir Vadi. Afterward, pan-fry the pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve Kothimbir Vadi with tomato ketchup or hot green chutney.

Because it is high in protein and other vital elements, this snack is not only delicious but also healthful. A must-try snack for anybody who like flavorful, savory foods is kothimbir vadi.

Pav Bhaji

Are you aware of who the ultimate Maharashtrian hottie is? Pav, Bhaji! This is a delicious concoction of mashed potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peas, and buttery bread mixed with a cornucopia of wonderfully seasoned vegetables. It tastes as fresh out of the streets of Maharashtra as possible. Its diversity is amazing; you can choose from Paneer Pav Bhaji, Cheese Pav Bhaji, and Jain Pav Bhaji! One of the meals from Maharashtra that always seems to draw people together is Pav Bhaji, whether you’re eating it at a cozy restaurant, a street stall, or a family get-together. It like a Maharashtrian hug presented in a dish!

Puran Poli

A delightful note in the symphony of Maharashtrian food is Puran Poli. This is a delicious dessert that works well for any occasion. This delectable parantha is filled with a divine blend of jaggery, gram dal, cardamom, flour, and ghee. Imagine this at a festival; it’s more than just a food; it’s a festivity, a joyful dance of flavors. It’s not simply a pleasure; when served warm with a hint of ghee or combined with chilled yoghurt, it’s a trip through the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine. Total happiness!

Ragda Pattice 

Ragda Pattice, a popular street snack in Mumbai and a delectable dish that highlights the greatest flavors of Maharashtra, is a mouthwatering delicacy. The meal is garnished with crunchy onions, juicy tomatoes, sev, fresh cilantro, and tangy chutneys. It consists of crispy potato patties wrapped in curried dry peas. This meal is an amazing feast for the taste senses because of the flawless mix of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. Ragda Pattice is a delectable dish that is served in restaurants all throughout Maharashtra and is a staple of the local cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages.

Bharli Vangi

This recipe elevates the otherwise unremarkable brinjal to a whole new level. It is brinjals filled with a mystical mixture of Marathi goda masala, coconut, onion, and jaggery. This Maharashtrian cuisine is a taste explosion for the senses! It’s little wonder that this clever combination makes the brinjal a favorite among Maharashtrians—it becomes a gastronomic marvel. Bharli Vangi, served with rice or flatbreads, is a wonderful example of Maharashtrian cooking’s inventiveness and adaptability. You have to sample it to believe the rich, earthy flavors and the texture that melts in your tongue!

Shrikhand

Hand-made sweets can satisfy your sweet craving; they’re essentially a Maharashtra culinary celebrity. Imagine the epitome of perfection—sweet, creamy yogurt with subtle notes of saffron and cardamom! This delicious dessert, usually served with hot puris, is a festival and wedding staple. What’s the best thing, then? It is a universal favorite among all age groups, young and old alike. Sreekhand’s flavorful aroma and smooth texture make it a delicacy to be savored. Additionally, if you’re up for the challenge, there are delightful twists to this Maharashtrian staple, like Mango Shrikhand and Dry Fruit Shrikhand. It resembles a taste-bud celebration!

Poha

People from all walks of life love poha, a versatile and soothing staple cuisine of Maharashtra, especially for breakfast. There’s a poha to suit every taste thanks to its many variations, including kanda poha (onions), batata poha (potatoes), and dadpe poha (fresh coconut, green chillies, ginger, and lime juice). To add layers of flavor and texture, this filling meal is frequently topped with peanuts, grated coconut, and fresh cilantro. Poha is a beloved component of Maharashtrian cuisine since it not only fills hunger but also leaves you wanting more.

Sabudana Khichdi

One of Maharashtra’s best morning dishes, Sabudana Khichdi is a tapioca pleasure that may be eaten as a light meal or during a fast. With soft sabudana pearls, crunchy peanuts, fragrant spices, and a tart lemon kick, the dish boasts a unique texture. This meal has a distinct and enticing texture and is flavorful, especially when paired with yoghurt and cilantro garnish. Maharashtra’s cuisine is straightforward but incredibly delicious, transforming humble materials into a delightful breakfast dish.

Rassa

You have undoubtedly heard of Maharashtra’s cuisine. The Rassa (curry) can surpass all of them. This non-vegetarian treat, which comes with spicy mutton, chicken, or fish, is native to Kolhapur. This sumptuous meal, which has tender meat or fish dipped in a spicy, aromatic stew flavored with the renowned Kolhapuri chiles, epitomises robust Maharashtrian tastes. Rassa enables the rich, nuanced tastes shine through when served with rice or flatbreads. A Rassa variety satisfies any palate, whether it’s the zesty Taambda Rassa (red curry made with mutton), the creamy Pandhra Rassa (white curry made with yogurt), or the hot Matnacha Rassa (red curry made with mutton).

Aamti

Aamti is an aromatic popular food of Maharashtra. Various versions offer distinct combinations of flavors and ingredients. Hailing from the Vidharba region, this simple yet soothing cuisine is great for any meal, enjoyed by people across Maharashtra and beyond. Aamti primarily uses lentils like toor or moong dal, cooked with a blend of spices, tamarind, jaggery, and occasionally coconut. Its adaptability allows you to alter the dish to suit varied tastes and preferences, making it a vital part of Maharashtrian cuisine.

Bhelpuri

Street food is a significant component of Maharashtra’s cuisine, and Bhelpuri is among the top choices. First, this snack blends puffed rice, vegetables, and tamarind sauce for a sour taste explosion. Initially a local favorite, it has turned into a nationwide success. Bhelpuri offers a texture and flavor party with crunchy puffed rice, soft veggies, and sweet, sour, and spicy chutneys. Additionally, topped with sev, cilantro, and a splash of lime, it’s a guilt-free, anytime snack that strikes all the right notes. Indeed, Maharashtra’s culinary magic strikes again, transforming a simple combination into a symphony of taste and texture.

Basundi

Basundi, a sweet dessert from Maharashtra, is like a milk miracle. Heat it until it becomes creamy and rich, then sprinkle with cardamom or saffron for added flavor. Then, slivered almonds and pistachios join the party on top. It’s a dessert superstar, especially during festivities. People even blend it with various fruits and sweets, such as custard apple Basundi or angoor Basundi (with micro rasgullas). Maharashtra clearly knows how to make basic milk into a dessert masterpiece!

Kairi Cha Panha

Kairi Cha Panha is a classic raw mango drink that refreshes during the summer. Prepared quickly with Alphonso or Salem Gundu mangoes, it’s a chilly delicacy that helps beat the heat. To begin with, people cook raw mangoes and combine the pulp with sugar, water, and spices such as cardamom, cumin, and black salt. Furthermore, serving it chilled, Kairi Cha Panha becomes a restorative beverage enjoyed across the state. Additionally, you can enjoy it by itself or pair it with the diverse dishes of Maharashtra.

Amaras

Aamrus, a summer treat of Maharashtra cuisine, is a crowd-pleaser during mango season. Featuring thick mango pulp, this dessert is a simple and wonderful treat enjoyed with puris or chapatis. Moreover, it bursts with sweet, zesty flavors and a sumptuous texture, evoking the essence of summer. Known as Amaras, it is a go-to dessert or snack for all ages, prepared with ripe, luscious mangoes. additionally, some enhance it with saffron, cardamom, or a drizzle of ghee. Ultimately, Amaras exemplifies Maharashtra’s love for mangoes, transforming the humble fruit into a delectable pleasure.

Kadhi

A classic meal of Maharashtra, Kadhi is a rich chickpea flour gravy with vegetarian pakoras, making it perfect with rice or khichdi. first, it’s a creamy blend of chickpea flour, yogurt, and spices like mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and green chilies. then, dip the veggie pakoras in seasoned chickpea flour batter and fry them to golden perfection—onion, spinach, or fenugreek leaves work their magic. Whether sweet or sour, Kadhi brings it all together, resulting in a hearty and cherished Maharashtrian dinner.

Bombil/Bombay Duck

Bombil, or Bombay Duck, is a seafood star in Maharashtra, featuring a Despite the funny name, it’s not a duck but a soft fish with a subtle sweetness. Marinated in spices like turmeric and chilli, it takes a dip in rice flour or semolina before a crispy deep-fry. The result? A crunchy surface with a soft, flaky middle — a seafood delicacy. whether in a stew or grilled with a squeeze of lemon, Bombay Duck is a must-try for seafood lovers, as it is one of the best delicacies of Maharashtra.