7 Popular Foods Of Ahmednagar, From Misal Pav To Bhakri

If you want the taste of true, seasonal Maharashtrian street food, you should probably head to Ahmednagar. The city is famed for its local, desi fast food but you can also find some traditional numbers which are hard to find in any other city. Many believe that Ahmednagar has some of the best farsan in the country which is also a major hit in the street food segment. 

The area behind Dargah Road especially is known for its shops which sell some of the most lips-smacking street food at modest rates. Bhel and lassi is one pairing which is quite famous in Ahmednagar and is a particular hit during the summers. If you want to explore some other famous delicacies of Ahmednagar, browse through some of these foods.

Kharvas

Though this traditional Maharashtrian dessert is usually made at home, you can get a taste of this at quite a few local sweet shops in Ahmednagar.  It’s a steamed milk pudding that is made from colostrum milk and flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and sugar, Kharvas has a silky-smooth texture and a delicate flavour that melts in your mouth. This luscious dessert is a festive favourite and is also quite healthy as it can boost immunity.

Shrikhand Puri

A tad more indulgent than your regular halwa puri, Shrikhand Puri is a heavenly combination of creamy Shrikhand and crispy puris which is a hit in Ahmednagar. Shrikhand is basically a sweetened creamy custard-like dessert made with strained yoghurt flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. The contrast of textures and flavours between the sweet and aromatic shrikhand and the savoury, ghee-fried puris is what makes this delicacy a hit. 

Misal Pav

Misal Pav is a quintessential Maharashtrian dish, and Ahmednagar boasts its own unique rendition. The local version you will find across street shops here features a spicy curry made of sprouted lentils, garnished with crunchy, crumbled farsan, chopped onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime, and is served with pav (bread rolls). It’s more filling than your regular misal pav and also more robust in terms of flavours.

Bhakri

Bhakri is a traditional flatbread made from millet or sorghum flour, and is a staple in Ahmednagar's cuisine. This unleavened bread, often cooked on a griddle, pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments such as spicy curries, chutneys, or simply a dollop of fresh butter. It has an earthy taste that reflects the best parts of Ahmednagar’s cuisine and it’s often paired with a dry, spicy curry.

Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting food, which is relished by the locals of Ahmednagar all year round. This wholesome dish, made from tapioca pearls, peanuts, and potatoes, and flavoured with cumin seeds and green chillies, is both nutritious and delicious. It’s typically made across households but during summers and early spring, this is available on menus of almost all vegetarian restaurants in the city.

Bharli Vangi

Bharli Vangi is a flavourful stuffed brinjal curry that says a lot about the flavours of Ahmednagar's kitchens. In this dish, tender brinjals are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices, coconut, peanuts, and tamarind, creating a dish that is rich in both taste and texture. They’re paired with piping hot Bhakris or steamed rice and have more than one rendition.

Solkadhi

One of the best things you’ll find in Ahmednagar’s streets, Solkadhi is a refreshing and tangy drink which provides the perfect antidote to Ahmednagar's scorching summers. Made from coconut milk, and kokum and flavoured with spices like garlic and green chillies, Solkadhi offers a cooling palate that calms your tastebuds but also engages them with the perfect pairing of seasonal flavours.