Think about Nagpur, one of the biggest and busiest cities in the state of Maharashtra, and perhaps the first food-related words to pop into your mind will be oranges! And it’s true, Nagpur is known as the orange hub of India so much so that it has also earned the nickname of Orange City. But if you thought fresh, citrusy, refreshing and seasonal oranges are the best foods to come out of this region, think again. Nagpur is believed to be the centre of Vidarbha’s vibrant and historic political and cultural scene, so naturally, the food here goes well beyond just oranges.
In fact, ruled by the Marathas, the Mughals and many other small dynasties before and after, Nagpur—as the capital of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra—has become quite the melting pot of cuisines and cultures over time. From typical Maharashtrian cuisine staples to those innovated by later settlers like Saoji cuisine, Nagpur’s most famous and iconic foods have a rich and vibrant history and a very popular presence. In recent years, Nagpur’s food scene has scene a huge boost thanks to foodies and experts highlighting everything from the popular street foods of the city, like Tarri Poha, to unique specialities that aren’t found anywhere else.
So, if you are visiting Nagpur or plan to do so in the near future, here is a comprehensive list of famous and iconic foods of Nagpur that you must try at least once.
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Top 7 Famous And Iconic Foods Of Nagpur
1. Tarri Poha
Spicy, filling and the perfect breakfast food, Tarri Poha from Nagpur is a delicious take on the popular Indian dish called Poha. The Poha for this dish is simply prepared with flattened rice and mild spices, but the Tarri of black chickpeas gravy is rich, spicy and sometimes too hot to handle for those who aren’t bonafide locals. Usually topped with chopped onions, tomatoes and mixed farsaan on top, the Tarri Poha at Nagpur’s famous places like Ramji Shyamji and Shankar Nagar should simply never be missed.
2. Santra Barfi
If there is one dish that captures the essence of Nagpur’s most famous product, oranges, then it is clearly Santra Barfi. Fudgy and creamy in texture, citrusy and sweet in taste, and made appealing by its bright orange look, Santra Barfi is a unique Nagpur creation that is immensely popular among those who have a sweet tooth. The best Santra Barfi in town may be found at Heera Sweets, Shree Sawariya Sweets and Bhave and Company.
3. Samosa
You might wonder what could possibly be so amazing about Nagpur’s Samosas that they should make it to this list, especially since Samosas are found across India. The answer to that is, like the Bengali Shingara, the Nagpuri Samosa has certain elements that make it one of the most famous and iconic foods of the city. Nagpuri Samosas are definitely spicier and are often served with a spicy Tarri similar to that found in Tarri Poha instead of chutney. The samosas at Gangaur and Telangkhadi, for example, should not be missed.
4. Saoji Cuisine
In the 1870s, the Halba Koshtis of Madhya Pradesh migrated to Nagpur and brought with them Saoji cuisine which is now synonymous to Nagpur’s culinary heritage. Infused with a unique spice blend of over 32 ingredients and jute oil, Saoji dishes like mutton, chicken and even paneer are must-haves. Of course, as one of the spiciest cuisines of the country, Nagpur’s Saoji cuisine is perhaps not for everyone, but trying it at least once when you are in town is a must. After all, you can always have some yoghurt, lassi or thandai on the side, but this iconic food from Nagpur is unmissable.
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5. Matka Roti
Also known as Lambi Roti, Matka Roti from Nagpur is one of those largely unknown dishes that have now become quite the viral sensation on the internet. Made with an incredibly thin dough expertly spread onto an upturned and hot matka or earthen pot by both hands, Matka Roti is as thin as Rumali Roti (some would say thinner) though not as soft. Apart from being an internet sensation, this famous and iconic food of Nagpur is enjoyed with non-vegetarian dishes.
6. Misal Pav
Yes, Misal Pav is quite a popular street food across Maharashtra, but did you know that Pune, Kolhapur and Nagpur have an eternal rivalry about who served the spiciest plates of the dish? Going by how spicy Nagpur’s food, especially Saoji food is, it is quite likely that the elaborate Misal Pav plates and thalis found in this city will blow off your socks with the ultimate heat punch. Don’t forget to try out Misal Pav in Nagpur’s famous Manu’s Misal and Misal Darbar when in town.
7. Kadhi Patodi
Another iconic food from Nagpur is Kadhi Patodi, a breakfast dish that is, quite unlike other Nagpuri dishes, not as spicy as it is mellow and heartwarming. The Patodi or Patwadi is basically a steamed dumpling made with gram flour dough stuffed with a blend of fresh coriander and coconut. Occasionally, the Patodi is also deep-fried for texture and more flavour. Patodi is usually served with the yoghurt-based Kadhi, though some places also serve it with a fiery Tarri. When in Nagpur, don’t miss out on the Kadhi Patodi served at the iconic Patodi Bhandar.