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As the monsoon season sweeps across Maharashtra, the air is filled with the aroma of earthy spices and the sizzle of freshly fried delicacies. The state's culinary landscape transforms, embracing the flavours of the season and offering a delightful array of dishes that tantalise the taste buds. From the spicy warmth of Bombil Bhujna, a signature fish preparation, to the comforting embrace of Zunka Bhakri, a rustic dish from Pune, Maharashtra's monsoon cuisine is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
In Maharashtra, the rains aren't just a change in weather; they're a celebration of flavours. This season ushers in a unique array of dishes specially crafted to combat the chill and tantalise the taste buds. From piping hot fritters to soul-warming soups and comforting curries, Maharashtra's monsoon culinary delights are a feast for the senses. So, read on about the world of "Rains and Rasas," exploring the unique flavours and stories behind Maharashtra's monsoon cuisine.
1. Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a native spicy food that is well-known in the street food sectors all across Maharashtra. It consists of sprouted moth beans curry (misal), crunchy farsan, sliced onions, and lemon juice. What sets Misal Pav apart is its dynamic texture and taste profile: Finally, one is left with the spiciness of the curry, crisps of the farsan, a kind of chickpea flour, the tangy feeling of chopped onions, and the smell of lemon drops. The dish is preferred to be accompanied by buttered pav, a soft bread roll that has the unique quality to reduce the spiciness of misal.
Restaurant Recommendation: Bedekar Misal, Narayan Peth, Pune
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 250 for two people (approx.)
2. Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a Mumbai street food classic consisting of buttery, mashed vegetables (bhaji) cooked with aromatic spices and served with buttered pav. The dish features a buttery mash of mixed vegetables (bhaji) cooked with a medley of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and pav bhaji masala. These spices infuse the bhaji with a rich, complex flavour that blends perfectly with the creamy texture of the vegetables. Served alongside buttered pav, a soft bread roll toasted to perfection, Pav Bhaji offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Restaurant Recommendation: Sardar Pav Bhaji, Mumbai
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 250 for two people (approx.)
3. Vada Pav
Known as the "poor man's burger," Vada Pav features a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched in a pav, garnished with spicy chutneys. This delicious vada is then sandwiched between a pav, a soft bread roll that's typically toasted with butter. What elevates Vada Pav to iconic status is its accompaniments: spicy green chutney and tangy tamarind chutney, which add layers of flavour and heat to the snack.
Restaurant Recommendation: Ashok Vada Pav, near Kirti College, Dadar
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 100 for two people (approx.)
4. Kanda Bhaji
Kanda Bhaji, or onion fritters, are a popular monsoon snack in Maharashtra. Sliced onions are dipped in spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The key to its appeal lies in the contrast between the sweet, caramelised onions and the crunchy, flavourful exterior provided by the spiced batter.
Restaurant Recommendation: Bagicha Corner, Mahabaleshwar
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 140 for two people (approx.)
5. Mutton Rassa
Mutton Rassa, a quintessential Maharashtrian dish, is a hearty and flavourful curry made from tender mutton pieces simmered in a rich, spicy gravy. This dish, known for its robust taste, combines a medley of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, enhanced by the depth of onions, tomatoes, and coconut. A favourite in Kolhapur and other parts of Maharashtra, Mutton Rassa is best enjoyed with steamed rice or bhakri, providing a comforting and satisfying meal that reflects the region's culinary heritage.
Restaurant Recommendation: Padma Guest House, Royal Talkies Road, Laxmipuri, Kolhapur
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 400-800 for two people (approx.)
6. Spicy Malvani Chicken Curry
Spicy Malvani Chicken Curry in Thane is a popular dish known for its bold and fiery flavours, which are characteristic of Malvani cuisine. This dish typically features tender chicken cooked in a coconut-based curry infused with a blend of aromatic spices such as coriander, cumin, and red chillies. Served with rice or bhakri, this curry promises a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Malvani flavours, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike in Thane.
Restaurant Recommendation: Malvan Cha Kalvan, Naupada, Thane West
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 500 for two people (approx.)
7. Bombil Fry
The bombil fry at Gomantak in Dadar will showcase the best coastal Maharashtra cuisine to you. This small restaurant specialises in Malvani food and serves delicious, crunchy fresh fried bombil, often known as Bombay duck. This meal, which is served with a wedge of lime and a spicy green chutney on the side, embodies Bombay's seafood culture.
Restaurant Recommendation: Gomantak, Dadar
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 600 for two people (approx.)
8. Poha
Poha, a beloved breakfast staple in Maharashtra, is made from flattened rice flakes sautéed with onions, mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chillies. Often garnished with fresh coriander, grated coconut, and a squeeze of lemon, Poha is light yet flavourful, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Nutritious and quick to prepare, this dish is cherished for its simplicity and versatility, making it a popular choice for a wholesome start to the day.
Restaurant Recommendation: Shri Krishna Bhuvan, Budhwar Peth
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 80 for two people (approx.)
9. Pithla Bhakri
Pithla Bhakri is a beloved rustic dish from Maharashtra, known for its simplicity and robust flavours. Pithla is a thick, spiced gram flour curry cooked with garlic, green chillies, and turmeric, resulting in a creamy, hearty texture. It is typically served with Bhakri, a type of flatbread made from jowar or bajra flour, which perfectly complements the rich, earthy flavours of the Pithla. This combination is often enjoyed with raw onions and a hint of lemon, making it a staple comfort food, especially in rural Maharashtra.
Restaurant Recommendation: Sinhagad Fort, Pune
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 100 for two people (approx.)
10. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a quintessential Maharashtrian delicacy, especially favoured during fasting periods. Made from soaked tapioca pearls, it's cooked with roasted peanuts, cumin seeds, green chillies, and potatoes, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavours. Garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon, Sabudana Khichdi is not only light and nutritious but also imbued with a subtle, comforting spice. Its unique, chewy texture and nutty taste make it a beloved breakfast or snack option across Maharashtra.
Restaurant Recommendation: Shree Datta Snacks, Raigad
Type: Vegetarian
Price Range: Rs. 100 for two people (approx.)
