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The city of Satara occupies a historic position in the state of Maharashtra as it was the erstwhile capital of the illustrious Maratha kingdom. Therefore, naturally, the cuisine of Satara reflects several Maratha influences. For instance, Maharashtrian classics, namely, the comforting batata bhaaji and the lip-smacking kanda bhajiya are savoured across the city. Satara is also known for its flavour-packed misal pav offering; to get a taste of authentic Satara misal pav, drop by the local joint Sarkar Misal.
Overall, the cuisine of Satara is defined by an extensive use of fragrant spices, such as red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander, and ginger. Ingredients, including jaggery, tamarind, and peanuts also feature prominently in the local dishes of this city. As agricultural practices reign supreme in Satara, the locals are known to consume lots of fresh homegrown produce like lentils, grains, and vegetables. That’s also a reason why a host of Satara delicacies are vegetarian.
Check out top 7 must-have dishes of Satara.
Misal Pav
Image Credits: Freepik
Misal pav is a flavourful and tangy gravy-based dish that’s prepared using sprouted lentils. The delectable street food is typically garnished with sev, chopped onions, and coriander to imbue it with crunch and added bursts of spice, vibrancy, and textural complexity. Eaten in accompaniment with a fluffy bread called “pav,” misal pav is popular breakfast item across Maharashtra; the filling dish can also be savoured as an evening snack or as a full-fledged meal.
Recommendations: Sarkar Misal
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹250, approx.
Kothimbir Vadi
Image Credits: By Hrishikesh - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Like misal pav, kothimbir vadi is a treasured street food snack of Satara that is ubiquitous throughout Maharashtra. The dish derives its name from its hero ingredient, coriander, with coriander meaning “kothimbir” in Marathi. This crispy delicacy is prepared by combining coriander leaves with besan and sesame seeds, and resembles soft savoury cakes in appearance. Being versatile, kothimbir vadi can be consumed fried or steamed; it is typically served with a smoky chutney.
Recommendations: Delish Meals
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹400, approx.
Batata Bhaaji
Batata bhaaji is a soulful Maharashtrian potato curry-based dish that’s cherished in Satara. Typically eaten as breakfast, this delicacy is usually accompanied by fluffy puris, crunchy papad, chopped onions, and green chillies, helping craft a wholesome meal. The dish draws its appeal from the seamless manner in which it combines the tanginess of the gravy with the crispiness of the puris and the crunchiness of the papad, making it an instant favourite among culinary enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Recommendations: Nananchi Puri Bhaji
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
Thalipeeth
Image Credits: By Satyajit Dhawale (Satyajit888) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Thalipeeth is a savoury pancake that’s relished throughout Maharashtra, including in Satara, as a substitute to regular flatbreads, such as rotis and parathas. This flavour-packed delicacy is prepared with a special flour, called “bhajanee,” which comprises roasted grains like rice, legumes, such as chana and urad dal, and spices, including cumin and coriander. The dish is typically enjoyed as breakfast or as lunch, and is usually served with curd, pickle, butter, or a spicy chutney called “thecha.”
Recommendations: Vasant Bhojanalay
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹250, approx.
Bharli Vangi
Image Credits: By Nilekha - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Bharli vangi, which literally translates to “stuffed brinjal,” is a quintessential Maharashtrian dish. This specialty is crafted by cooking baby brinjals in a robust curry preparation that is typically made from varied ingredients, such as coconut, peanuts, onions, tomatoes, sesame seeds, and spices, including ginger and garlic. This rich and pungent dish is typically eaten for lunch, and is Maharashtra’s answer to other brinjal-based regional specialties, such as baigan ka bharta and baigan aloo.
Recommendations: Maratha Chapati House
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
Puran Poli
Image Credits: Freepik
One of the crown jewels of Maharashtrian cuisine, puran poli is beloved throughout India for its enticing flavour. This flatbread dish is primarily made from chana dal as well as jaggery, which lends the flatbread its signature dulcet undertones. Puran poli is also a festive favourite, with many Maharashtrian households preparing this specialty to mark the occasions of Gudi Padwa, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and more. The dish is typically eaten with a generous helping of ghee.
Recommendations: The Chapati House
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
Amrakhand
Image Credits: Freepik
Also referred to as “mango shrikhand,” amrakhand is a creamy seasonal delight of Maharashtra. To prepare this delicacy, fresh mangoes are combined with strained yoghurt, sugar, and a touch of cardamom and saffron. The dish is usually topped off with crushed nuts, including almonds and pistachios to enrich its texture with some crunch. The dish can be savoured by itself like a sort of ice cream or it can be consumed in accompaniment with hot puris.
Recommendations: Bharka Devi Ice Cream
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
