Maharashtra is truly one of India’s henchman states, its culture of food is broad and rich, influenced by geography, history, farming, and local ingredients. Here are just a few phenomenal and authentic Maharashtra dishes so that you can enjoy Maharashtra’s Epic culinary legacy:
1. Pithla Bhakri
Pithla is a rustic dish made with gram flour and savory spices. This comforting dish is often eaten with Bhakri, a thick flatbread made with jowar or bajra. Pithla Bhakri is often branded as a farmer’s meal, as it is easily digestible. Pithla is best eaten with “typical” accompaniments, such as raw onion and the spicy, flavorful thecha chutney.
2. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is made with tapioca pearls and is a light meal. It is a spicy dish made with peanuts, potatoes and spices but is often treated as a breakfast item and a significant favorite for snacking across the state!! Traditionally eaten on days where fasting (or called ‘upvas’) is observed.
3. Misal Pav
Although Misal Pav is a spicy sprouts curry with layers of crispy fried crunchy stuff (called farsan), it is best when soaking with melting butter inside the buttery bread of Pav. This dish is a classic Mumbai street food and definite must-try for spice lovers!!
4. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is usually served on festivals like Holi or Ganesh Chaturthi is a type of slightly sweet but traditional flour flat bread stuffed with a filling of jaggery, split chickpea lentils, cardamom nutmeg and other spices.
5. Modak
Modaks are steamed or fried dumplings with sweet coconut and jaggery filling, modaks are well known as beautifully made food in honor of Lord Ganesha who is famous for having one favorite food on or prior to special events/holidays like Ganesh Chaturthi. Modaks are also very famous for being filled with coconut jaggery and also we have traditionally fed some with the steamed version known formally as the “ukadiche modak”.
6. Vada Pav
Vada Pav, also called, “the Indian burger,” is one of the most popular street food items in the world. It will generally consist of a spicy fried mashed potato fritter in-between a pav (bun) and served with chutneys and fried green chilies for good measure.
7. Rassa (Kolhapuri Curry)
Kolhapuri curry is famous for its spiciness and great flavors served with bread or rice. Rassa is particularly famous due to the incredible blending of aromatic spices layered with serious chili heat, capsules irreverently associated with Kolhapur.
8. Poha
Poha is a terrific breakfast option that is fun and healthy! It is essentially flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilis, onions, and peas, and finished with coriander, grated coconut and peanuts.
9. Thalipeeth
This spicy multigrain pancake dish is made from a flour mixture of flour, onions, chilies, and spices, and served sizzling hot with yogurt or butter on top. Thalipeeth is wholesome and filling.
10. Sol Kadhi & Bombil Fry
Sol Kadhi (a spicy coconut drink flavored with kokum) and Bombil Fry (crispy fried Bombay duck fish) show some of the influence of the coastal region of Maharashtra and is a must for anyone who enjoys seafood.
Maharashtra’s food embodies its diversity, history and warmth, whether you like hearty curries, fast snacks or good sweets. The best way to experience the state’s food heritage is by trying their traditional foods.
This article is for informational purposes and cultural appreciation. Availability and preparation of dishes may vary regionally. For dietary concerns, consult a nutrition expert before consumption.
Vani Verma is a content writer with over 2 years of experience in lifestyle, entertainment, health and digital media. She has a knack for creating engaging and research-driven content that resonates with readers, blending creativity with clarity. Passionate about media trends, culture, and storytelling, she strives to craft content that informs, inspires, and connects.
