Maharashtra, a coastal state, has grown from a tiny trading hub to become the nation’s commercial hub. The shifts in the state’s food can reveal a lot about the journey. The food of Maharashtra has a very global taste. Despite the diversity of Maharashtra’s cuisine, tamarind, coconut, kokum, and spices are often used ingredients. Enjoy the delicious dishes for a fantastic gastronomic excursion and to get a flavour of Maharashtra, whether you are visiting the state for business or pleasure. Let’s look at the top 5 delicacies without which Maharashtra is incomplete.
1. Vada Pav
One food that comes to mind after hearing Maharashtra is surely Vada Pav. It is frequently referred to as the burger of India. A substantial piece of bread, resembling a burger bun, is sandwiched between a delectable, fiery, deep-fried potato patty. A hot mixture of spices and salt is placed between the vada (patty) and pav (bread), and a fried, salted green chilli is used as a garnish. It seems ideal, doesn’t it? It is a staple meal and a huge hit with Maharashtrians. It is very affordable, filling, and convenient. The Bhajiya Pav is another well-known variation that uses batter-fried onions in place of the patties.
2. Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a popular breakfast/ snack/ brunch in Maharashtra. It is one of the common street snack in Mumbai. Served with pav bread, and accompanied with a moth bean-based spicy and sour lentil curry, misal pav is occasionally eaten with yoghurt to tone down the spice. Despite being a breakfast meal, Maharashtrians eat it at other times of the day as well. Misal comes in many varieties, some of which are extremely hot, such as Puneri Missal, Nagpuri Missal, Kolhapuri Missal, and Mumbai Missal.
3. Pav Bhaji
Without this Pav Bhaji, Amchi Maharashtra cuisine is insufficient! The delicacy consist of fresh, thick pieces of bread slathered in butter and served with a delectable assortment of vegetables that have been moderately seasoned.
4. Bombay duck
In the coastal parts of Maharashtra, bombil, or Bombay duck, is a common fish dish. Typically, this fish is served butter-fried and topped with onions and lime juice. People mostly have this during rainy season. During British rule, Bombay duck was outlawed by the British because of its strong odour.
5. Sreekhand
Sreekhand is one of the popular dessert of Maharashtra. It is a type of sweet yoghurt dish that is flavorful with saffron and cardamom powder, served at weddings and during the Dushera festival. It is another well-known Maharashtrian culinary item that is typically served with sizzling, hot puris.