Exploring authentic cuisine is an experience to understand the culture and tradition of the specific region and community. And when we speak of Maharashtrian cuisine, most people would think of vadapav and Modak, and the trail would end. Well, that's not the case; there’s a plethora of dishes that comprise Maharashtrian cuisine. In this blog, let's explore the cuisine’s essence and places where you can find the authentic taste in Mumbai. 

Flavors of Maharashtra: Exploring the Soul of Local Cuisine 

Living in a city like Mumbai, when Maharashtrian cuisine is thought of, the image of mouthwatering Vadapao comes ahead. Including that, going ahead, it is an amalgamation of distinct attributes and varied spices that include a wide range of tastes across the changing regions of Maharashtra. Being a Maharashtrian, I would say that though it includes staple foods like jowar, bajri, rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits, the preparation varies as the region changes, changing the taste and essence of the dish. 

In most regions of Maharashtra, a non-vegetarian diet, including chicken and fish, is famous; yet among the Brahmin and Varkari communities,  a Lacto-vegetarian diet is popular. When you say Maharashtrain delicacies, there are a few dishes like Kombadi-vade, Jhunka Bhakar, Kolambi-Bhakar, Vangyacha Thecha, Mirchi thecha, Misal, Kothimbir Wadi, Modak, Puranpoli, and Solkadi that start roaming in my mind. Well, just naming them brings water to my mouth, and if you want to taste the authentic flavours, and you don’t have a close Maharastrain friend to crash with for a meal. Here are a few restaurants you can try, if you want to indulge in the heaven of this culinary art. 

10 Restaurants To Taste True Maharashtrian Cuisine:

1. Gomantak

A famous restaurant in Dadar, if you want to try the authentic Malvani/Kokani dishes, which opened in 1947. The name, Gomantak, itself suggests a land like paradise or refers to the Goan region, and here you would find the food heaven for authentic culinary experiences.

2. Gajalee

This is one of our to-go places when mom is bored with cooking, but we want to eat authentic Kokani fish. The Gajalee restaurant chain was incorporated in 1995, and the Vile Parle flagship is famous for its coastal seafood. The Bombil fry, Solkadi, and crab dishes here are a must-try. 

3. Hotel Mauli 

A multicuisine place in Wadala with a touch of authentic Maharashtrian food, having the Malvani kombadi vade and Kolhapuri tambda Pandhra, one must try. And for starters, they have a wide range of veg and non-veg tandoori, and their famous crab lollipop.

4. Aaswaad

This is a small family-run restaurant in Dadar that was founded in 1986, though their seating is not elaborate, their preparation art is such that if you visit here on weekends, you would find long waits. This is memorable as for once I got to taste the authentic Thalipeeth with loni over here, with vangaycha bharit and pithla bhakari. So if you are craving the vegetarian spread of Maharastrain culinary, this place is a must-visit.

5. Mama Kane Swachh Upahar Gruh

If you are in Mumbai and don't know Dadar’s Mama Kane, you are missing out on the best and authentic taste of Maharashtra. This is a century-old restaurant established in 1910. This is no fancy place, but it gives you the taste of traditional home-cooked Maharastrian food. This place is most famous for its Batavada and Aluvadi in snacks, but I would suggest not missing out on their simple homestyle thalis and the Kokam sarbat. This place feels like a walk back in time to early Bombay, and the dishes retain their classic taste that would keep you coming back. 

6. Purepur Kolhapur

This is a popular Kolhapuri chain of restaurants that was established in Mumbai in 2010, yet it has much older roots in Pune, where it originated. Well, I haven't personally visited this restaurant, but one of my Kolhapuri friends says he found the taste of Tambda/Pandhra unforgettable over here. The most recent franchise in Thane and Worli is getting a lot of attention for its extensive and inclusive veg and non-veg thali. So if you are looking for a fledgling meal, do visit here.

7. Panshikar

Another over 100 years old gem of Mumbai that was established in the early 20th century. It is one of Mumbai’s oldest sweet and snack houses, famous for its Modak and faral with deep neighborhood roots. They don't have elaborate seating arrangements or a menu, but this simple menu comprises heartwarming and tummy-filling dishes that one must not miss when it comes to exploring authentic Maharashtrian taste. The butter Thalipeeth, Kothimbir wadi, Masale Bhat, Kanda Bhaji, and Kharwas are my personal favourites. 

8. Diva Maharashtracha

This is a relatively new restrobar opened in 2007. The founders' idea was to celebrate the regional dishes from across Maharashtra. If you want to enjoy a great ambiance and an elaborately crafted culinary menu, with a mix of Kokani, Malwani, Goan, and a few South Indian delicacies, this is your stop. 

9. Prakash Shakahari Uphaar Kendra

This is a famous and legendary vegetarian snack house at Dadar that has been prominent since 1971. Their menu is not elaborate, mostly focused on snacks or breakfast menu, and the Thali option for a meal, but if you had something here, your heart and tummy would be full with the warm and homely food. If you are here, then definitely try their Bhajni Vada, Shrikhand Puri, Thalipeeth, Aluwadi, and Mattha Misal. 

10. Chaitanya

This is included owing to one random discovery we made while we were getting back to Mumbai with friends, and we stopped at Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojngruh at Prabhadevi for a meal at around 11 at night. Mostly, we ordered thalis for a complete meal, and it was worth it. They have a wide range of fish thalis, along with Chicken and Mutton thalis. I ordered their Usal of the Day with traditional Amboli, Kothimbir wadi, and my all-time favourite Modak.  And in non-veg, you can try their Bombil fry, crab lollipop, Chicken kaleji fry, and don't forget the classic soal kadi. All the delicacies they made were scrumptious and flavourful.

Additional Local Maharatrain Eatery You Cannot Miss. 

Well, as I always believe, the more places, the more to explore, so here are a few I have tried and you must visit. The first would be Ladu Samrat, which is like ‘The Famous’ for its nostalgic street-food legacy, founded in the year 1967 with a long-standing tradition. And if you are at Ladu Samrat, you must try their Kothimbir vadi, Misal, Vadapav, Sabudana Vada, Puranpoli with milk, and Piyush. 

Then comes the Shree Datta Boarding house, functional since 1975, famous for its thalis, and Martand Misal, as the name suggests, famous for its varied missal menu along with special tea. This is a Frenchies having its roots in Pune and is famous all over Maharashtra, with branches at several places. 

Then, just beside the Prakash Uphaar Kendra is Tambe Arogya Bhavan, famous for its Dahi Misal and Dinkache Ladu. And this one Instagram trending place, Samai, in Lower Parel, is famous for its great ambiance, taking you to a traditional setting, with extensive and delectable Maharashtrian cuisine. 

That was it for today. Stay connected with me if you want to explore more authentic cuisine. If you wish to learn how to make authentic Maharastrain food, recipes are coming for you, so stay tuned. 

FAQs

1. What is the most famous khahugalli in Mumbai?

Ans) The most famous Khau Galli (food lane) in Mumbai is Ghatkopar’s Khau Galli, also known as Juhu Chowpatty and Mohammed Ali Road in some areas. These lanes are bustling with street food vendors offering Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, and Frankie, giving locals and tourists a diverse and flavorful street food experience.

2. What is the famous food in Mumbai, Maharashtra?

Ans) Mumbai’s famous foods reflect its diverse cultural mix. Iconic dishes include Vada Pav (spicy potato fritter in a bun), Pav Bhaji (vegetable mash with buttered bread), Bhel Puri (crispy puffed rice snack), Bombil Fry (Bombay duck fried), and Sev Puri. These dishes are widely available across street vendors and local eateries.

3. What is the best Maharashtrian street food?

Ans) Some of the best Maharashtrian street foods are Vada Pav, Misal Pav (spicy lentil curry with bread), Pav Bhaji, Sabudana Khichdi, Bhakarwadi, and Puran Poli during festivals. These dishes are spicy, flavorful, and quick to serve, making them perfect for street-side snacking and an authentic Maharashtrian experience.

4. What are some unique Marathi dishes?

Ans) Unique Marathi dishes include Puran Poli (sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread), Zunka Bhakri (gram flour curry with millet bread), Vangi Bharit (spiced mashed eggplant), Sabudana Khichdi (tapioca pearls with peanuts), and Sol Kadhi (kokum and coconut milk drink). These dishes reflect regional flavors, local ingredients, and festival traditions.

5. What is Marathi cuisine called?

Ans) Marathi cuisine, commonly referred to as Maharashtrian cuisine, is the traditional food of Maharashtra. It is characterized by bold flavors, a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes, and the use of ingredients like millets, rice, coconut, jaggery, and regional spices. It combines coastal, tribal, and urban influences.

6. Name 5 traditional Maharashtrian foods?

Ans) There are many dishes made in Maharashtrian cuisine, yet the 5 that have traditional importance in Maharashtrian cuisine are:

• Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread with lentil filling

• Misal Pav, spicy lentil curry with bread

• Vada Pav, a potato fritter sandwich

• Bhakri with Zunka, millet bread with gram flour curry

• Poha, flattened rice cooked with onions, turmeric, and curry leaves

7. What are the most popular Maharashtrian foods?

Ans) The most popular Maharashtrian foods include Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav, Puran Poli, Sabudana Khichdi, Poha, and Bhakarwadi. These dishes are widely loved for their flavors, simplicity, and cultural significance, making them staples for breakfast, snacks, and festival celebrations across Maharashtra.

– P. Manika (Performist’s Content Writer)

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