12 Street Foods in Maharashtra: A Tasty Adventure

The Maharashtrian street foods offer a unique experience of flavours. You can't get enough of it, from rich to tangy to spicy to curry-like.

From bustling cities like Mumbai to smaller towns, the street foods in Maharashtra will surprise your palate with every new dish.

We have a list for you so you do not miss out on the top Maharashtrian street foods.

Street Foods in Maharashtra

1. Vada Pav
2. Pav Bhaji
3. Misal Pav
4. Bhel Puri
5. Pani Puri
6. Ragda Pattice
7. Kanda Bhaji
8. Sabudana Vada
9. Kothimbir Vadi
10. Dabeli
11. Frankie
12. Poha

• Vada Pav

Often dubbed the "Indian Burger," vada pav is a beloved local food of Maharashtra, especially Mumbai. It consists of a spiced potato fritter (vada) encased in a soft bread bun (pav). The vada is typically flavoured with garlic, ginger, and mustard seeds and is accompanied by sweet and spicy chutneys, as well as a fried green chilli for an extra kick. Vada pav is a convenient and affordable snack enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

• Pav Bhaji

One of the most loved street foods in Maharashtra, pav bhaji is a spicy and buttery blend of mashed vegetables cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy. The bhaji is paired with buttered pav (bread rolls), often toasted on the same griddle used to cook the bhaji. This dish is garnished with cilantro, chopped onions, and lemon, offering a perfect balance of flavours and textures. It's a popular choice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

• Misal Pav

Misal pav is one of the famous Maharashtrian street foods known for its spicy and tangy flavour profile. It consists of misal, a spicy curry cooked with sprouted lentils, mixed with farsan (a mix of fried savoury snacks), chopped onions, and tomatoes. The dish is paired with pav and soft bread rolls on the side. Misal pav is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, and its heat level can vary from mild to extremely spicy.

• Bhel Puri

A popular street snack, bhel puri is a comforting mix of puffed rice, sev (thin crunchy noodles), chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, and a combination of sweet and spicy chutneys. Tamarind sauce adds a tangy flavour, while green chutney brings heat. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bhel puri is cherished for its crunchy texture and a burst of flavours.

• Pani Puri

Also known as golgappa, pani puri is a local food of Maharashtra and across India. It consists of small, hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy tamarind water, along with a mixture of boiled potatoes and chickpeas. The puris are eaten whole, bursting in the mouth to release a flavourful explosion. Pani Puri is celebrated for its unique eating experience and the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours.

• Ragda Pattice

One of the famous street foods in Maharashtra, ragda pattice is a dish comprising two main components: ragda, a spicy curry made from white peas, and pattice, which are shallow-fried patties of mashed potatoes. The dish is typically served with various chutneys, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of sev and coriander. Ragda pattice is enjoyed for its combination of soft and crispy textures and its balance of spicy and tangy flavours.

• Kanda Bhaji

Kanda bhaji, also known as onion fritters, is a loved snack in Maharashtra. It becomes even more famous during the monsoon season. Sliced onions are mixed with a batter made from chickpea flour (besan) and spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and carom seeds, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Kanda bhaji is often served with green chutney or tamarind sauce and is cherished for its crispy texture and flavourful taste.

• Sabudana Vada

Sabudana vada is a popular snack in Maharashtra, especially during fasting days like Navratri. It is made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, peanuts, and spices, formed into patties and deep-fried. The vadas are crispy from the outside and soft inside, often served with yoghurt or green chutney. Sabudana vada is appreciated for its unique texture and mildly spiced flavour.

• Kothimbir Vadi

Among the traditional Maharashtrian street foods, kothimbir vadi is made from a batter of chickpea flour (besan), fresh coriander leaves (kothimbir), and spices, which is steamed and then sliced into pieces. These pieces are either served as is or fried for a crispy texture. Kothimbir vadi is known for its aromatic flavour, thanks to the generous use of coriander, and is often enjoyed with tea or chutney.

• Dabeli

Originating from Kutch, Gujarat, dabeli has gained popularity in Maharashtra as a delicious street food snack. It consists of a pav (bread roll) stuffed with a sweet and spicy potato filling garnished with pomegranate seeds, roasted peanuts, sev, and fresh coriander. Dabeli is served with various chutneys, including tamarind and garlic chutneys, and is loved for its mix of flavours and textures.

• Frankie

A famous local food of Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Frankie is a wrap made with a soft, thin roti or paratha filled with a variety of ingredients such as spiced vegetables, chicken, mutton, or paneer. The filling is flavoured with Indian spices and complemented by onions, green chillies, and sauces or chutneys. The Frankie is rolled up and served as a convenient and flavourful handheld meal enjoyed by people of all ages.

• Poha

Poha is a Maharashtrian street food known for its light and flavourful taste. It's made from flattened rice, which is seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chillies and often garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sometimes, it's topped with sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) or freshly grated coconut. Poha is not only a beloved street food but also a common breakfast dish in Maharashtrian households.

We hope this list of the local food of Maharashtra has made you hungry. Be sure to try these delicious dishes on your next trip to the state. Enjoy your culinary adventure!