10 Delicious Maharashtrian Dishes that You Must Try

Maharashtra, a state in western India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. From spicy street food to traditional meals, Maharashtrian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and unique dishes that are a must-try for anyone visiting the state. Here are ten of the most delicious Maharashtrian dishes that you must try:

1. Vada Pav:

Vada Pav is a popular street food in Maharashtra, India, and is considered the state's answer to the burger. It is a sandwich made with a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between two slices of bread (pav) and served with various chutneys. The dish is simple, affordable, and filling, making it a popular choice among people of all ages.

The potato fritter is made by mashing boiled potatoes, adding spices and herbs, and shaping the mixture into small, round patties. The patties are then deep-fried until crispy and golden, and then placed between slices of pav (a soft, round bread roll) that has been lightly toasted and buttered. The sandwich is typically served with various chutneys, including a sweet and tangy tamarind chutney and a spicy coriander chutney.

Vada Pav has become a staple in Maharashtra and can be found at street food stalls, restaurants, and cafes across the state. In recent years, the dish has gained popularity beyond the state, and is now enjoyed by food lovers all over India and beyond.

2. Kolhapuri Mutton:

Kolhapuri Mutton is a traditional mutton dish from the Kolhapur region in Maharashtra, India. It is a spicy, flavorful, and aromatic preparation that is made with a blend of spices and ingredients like red chili powder, coriander powder, garlic, ginger, onion, and a mix of whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Mutton is slow-cooked in this spicy mixture to infuse the flavors and create a rich, delicious, and slightly tangy gravy. The dish is typically served with steamed rice or roti, and is known for its fiery taste and robust flavor. If you're a fan of spicy, flavorful, and aromatic Indian food, then you'll love Kolhapuri Mutton.

3. Puran Poli:

Puran Poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread that is popular in Maharashtra, as well as in other states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is made with a filling of chana dal (split Bengal gram) and jaggery (unrefined sugar), which is wrapped in a soft, flaky dough made from whole wheat flour, water, and ghee (clarified butter). The filled dough is then rolled out into a thin disc and cooked on a hot griddle until it's golden and crisp.

Puran Poli is usually served as a dessert and is a staple of many special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. It is often served with a dollop of ghee and sometimes accompanied by a bowl of yogurt or kheer (rice pudding). The combination of the sweet filling, soft dough, and crisp exterior make Puran Poli a delicious and satisfying treat.

4. Kothimbir Vadi:

Kothimbir Vadi is a popular snack from the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a type of steamed cake that is made from gram flour (chickpea flour), coriander leaves, and spices such as cumin, ginger, and green chilies. The mixture is formed into small, flat cakes and steamed until they are fully cooked.

Kothimbir Vadi is traditionally served as a snack or appetizer and is often accompanied by a chutney or a dip made from coconut, mint, or tamarind. They can also be served as a side dish with rice or lentils. The cakes have a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, and the combination of spices and coriander gives them a fresh, herbaceous flavor. They are a popular snack in Maharashtra and are known for their crunchy texture and delicious taste.

5. Solkadhi:

Solkadhi is a traditional drink from the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a cooling and refreshing drink that is made from coconut milk and kokum, a fruit native to India that has a sour and tangy flavor. The drink is flavored with fresh green chili, ginger, and cumin, and is often garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Solkadhi is commonly consumed as a digestive aid after a heavy meal, and is known for its soothing and calming properties. It is also often served as a thirst quencher during the hot summer months. The combination of coconut milk and kokum provides a rich, creamy texture and a sour, tangy flavor that is balanced by the spice and heat of the chili and ginger. If you're looking for a healthy and delicious drink to help you cool down and refresh, then you should definitely try Solkadhi.

6. Kanda Poha:

Kanda Poha is a popular dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a breakfast dish made from flattened rice (poha), onions (kanda), and a mix of spices and seasonings. The flattened rice is first washed and then stir-fried with chopped onions, green chilies, peanuts, and a mixture of spices such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. The dish is often served with a side of lemon wedges and a cup of tea.

Kanda Poha is a quick and easy dish that is commonly made in homes across Maharashtra. It is a staple breakfast dish that is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavor. The combination of the soft and fluffy poha with the crispy onions, crunchy peanuts, and tangy spices makes it a tasty and satisfying meal. If you're looking for a light and flavorful breakfast option, then Kanda Poha is definitely worth trying.

7. Bharli Vangi:

Bharli Vangi is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a type of stuffed eggplant dish that is made by stuffing baby eggplants with a mixture of spices, peanuts, and coconut. The stuffed eggplants are then cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce to create a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Bharli Vangi is typically served as a main course dish and is often paired with steamed rice or roti. The combination of the tender eggplants and the spicy filling makes it a delicious and satisfying meal. The dish is known for its bold flavors and is a staple of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine. If you're a fan of eggplants and spicy Indian food, then Bharli Vangi is definitely worth trying.

8. Bharwan Mirchi:

Bharwan Mirchi is a popular dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a type of stuffed chili dish that is made by stuffing whole green chili peppers with a mixture of spices, lentils, and sometimes, nuts. The stuffed chilies are then deep-fried until crispy, and served as a snack or appetizer.

Bharwan Mirchi is a spicy and flavorful dish that is loved by chili pepper fans. The combination of the spicy chili peppers and the flavorful filling makes it a delicious and satisfying snack. It is often served as a side dish with roti or rice, and is a staple of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine. If you're a fan of spicy food and enjoy bold flavors, then Bharwan Mirchi is definitely worth trying.

9. Amti:

Amti is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra, especially in the region of Konkan. It is a type of dal (lentil soup) that is made with tur dal (yellow lentils) and seasoned with a mixture of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and ginger. The dal is flavored with kokum, a sour fruit native to India, and sometimes with jaggery (unrefined sugar), to balance the sourness.

Amti is typically served with steamed rice, and is often accompanied by a side of vegetables, such as gourd or eggplant, or by a pickle. The dish is known for its light, sour flavor and its simple, yet satisfying taste. It is a staple of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine and is often served on special occasions, such as festivals and religious ceremonies. If you're looking for a light and flavorful dal dish, then Amti is definitely worth trying.

10. Mumbai Pav Bhaji:

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish from Mumbai, India. It is a hearty and filling meal made from a mixture of mashed vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and peas, flavored with a blend of spices. The vegetable mixture is served with a soft bread roll called pav, and is often accompanied by a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of chopped onions.

Pav Bhaji is a staple of Mumbai's street food scene and is loved for its bold flavors and filling nature. The dish is easy to make and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed any time of the day, but is particularly popular for lunch or dinner. If you're visiting Mumbai and want to try a classic local dish, then pav bhaji is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Maharashtrian cuisine is diverse, delicious, and full of flavor, with a wide range of dishes to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, Maharashtra has something to offer everyone. So be sure to try these ten delicious Maharashtrian dishes on your next visit to the state.