Best Places To Eat Misal Pav In Pune

By Shreya Goswami

Legend has it that Misal Pav was born in the Khandesh region of Maharashtra, which is basically where Nasik and Ahmednagar are situated. Today, three major Maharashtrian cities claim to serve the best Misal Pav in the state—Nasik, Kolhapur and Pune. But ask any true-blue Puneri foodie—and we did just that for your benefit—and they will tell you that Puneri Misal Pav is the best there is in the world! But where exactly in Pune can we get a bite of this iconic Misal Pav?

  • Appa Misal

    Located on the main signal junction of Nana Peth, which is also referred to as the “two-wheeler capital of Pune”, Appa Misal is a very busy place and is known by another iconic name. This place is also known locally as Bhiid Misal. Bhiid is a motivational word in Marathi, and the owner of Appa Misal yells out the word every time he serves a bowl of Misal! The Misal itself is very spicy, as it should be, and it is topped with matki, farsaan, boiled potatoes, pohe and another special rassa or gravy, which is optional. The quantity is quite sufficient and their Misal Pav makes for a sumptuous breakfast. It is usually paired with Masala Chaas.

  • Rupesh Misal

    A busy Misal Pav joint located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Rupesh Misal attracts a huge crowd of tourists and locals alike. Their Special Misal Pav is topped with sprouted beans and farsaan. The Misal here is perfectly spiced and has just the right amount of heat. The Pav is soft and fluffy and served fresh out of the oven. The dish is so flavourful and satisfying that it is highly recommended to anyone looking for an authentic Maharashtrian food experience. Plus, the staff is very friendly and attentive too.

  • Katakirr

    This one is another iconic Misal Pav place in Pune, and one of the oldest too. They have different Misal Pav plates based on the spice levels: Tikhat (red hot one recommended for locals and connoisseurs), Medium Tikhat (recommended for those who want a true taste), and Light Tikhat(the lowest possible spice level). This plate of Misal Pav at Katakirr is not the fanciest in the city but tastes the best. The place is always crowded, so you have to get a token first and then wait for your number to come up. With your preferred Misal Pav, you should definitely try the cold Mattha here.

  • Bappa Misal

    While some of the most famous Misal Pav places in Pune are local or roadside eateries, Bappa Misal is a bit fancier and offers an unusual take on the iconic Misal Pav. Apart from offering traditional tikhat Misal Pav, the guys at Bappa Misal also offer Bunny Chow Misal. 

    A large loaf of Pav is hollowed out and stuffed with Misal, farsaan, cheese, etc to make this unusual but delicious take on Misal Pav. While Bappa Misal has two branches, one in Wakad and another in Tilak Nagar, it is recommended you try the latter branch.

  • Bhadait Misal

    One of the oldest Misal Pav places in Pune, Bhadait Misal serves extraordinarily delicious plates of the iconic dish. They have been around since 1991 and are one of the favourites. Their special Misal Pav has maintained such consistency in taste for years. Their Misal Pav boasts of a very homely and spicy rassa and it is also very pocket-friendly. They serve a Misal Thali for Rs 130 which has four pavs, Misal rassa, matki kanda (onions cooked with moth beans), shegdana cha laadu (peanut laddoos), taak (a summer drink) and plenty of farsaan.

  • Vaidhya Upahar Gruha

    Another one of the oldest Misal Pav places in Pune City, legend has it that this place has been running since British Colonial times when Pune was a cantonment. In fact, they don’t just serve Pav but also bread slices with their Misal for that colonial touch. One of the popular Misal here is the one made with green peas. This is a unique take on Misal Pav and tastes completely different from other versions.

  • Aabachi Misal

    This Misal Pav joint near Rasta Peth has been around for decades and should be your must-visit. Also known as Sreekala Misal, this is the most crowded Misal place in Rasta Peth area. The place is small and not fancy, but is famed for its quick service. Their Special Misal Pav is topped with poha chiwda, sev, chopped onions, sprouts and the Misal itself is medium spicy and delicious.

  • Nisarg Misal

    One of the oldest restaurants that offer Misal Pav in Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad area, Nisarg Misal is a favourite among suburban locals. It was started around 18-20 years ago and now they also have a few more outlets across the city. Their Misal is both hot and spicy and a must-have for spice lovers. Their Misal is topped with sev, onions and more toppings are added as per your preference. The dish here is simply amazing to taste.

  • Jogeshwari Misal

    Located on the main road, this Misal Pav place has comfy outdoor seating. They offer two types of Misal plates: the regular Misal plate and a Special Misal plate, which includes various add-ons such as buttermilk, extra Farsaan, yoghurt, boiled Matki, and more. The Misal served here strikes a remarkable balance of flavours. The spiciness and sweetness are perfectly harmonized, creating a delightful taste experience. Without a doubt, this place is a must-visit for Misal enthusiasts in the PCMC area.

  • Shree Samarth Krupa Matki Bhel & Matki Misal

    If you're gearing up for a short weekend drive, this place is an ideal destination, located near the Pimpri Chinchwad area on the scenic Old Mumbai Pune Highway. What sets this place apart from other Misal joints is its distinctive black Rassa with plentiful servings of Matki (moth beans). Just like other places, they generously add Farsaan on top, accompanied by their special Rassa, which is served with Pav (bread), along with a small bucket of the same flavorful Matki Rassa.