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Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with every region offering its unique specialities. From the spicy curries of the south to the aromatic biryanis of the north, and the street food of bustling cities, every corner of India has its own speciality dishes. Recently, Tasteatlas, a trusted online guide for traditional cuisine, shared the top-rated Maharashtrian snacks. At the top of this list is the iconic ‘Misal Pav’, a spicy medley of sprouted legumes garnished with farsan and served with pav. But the delights don't end there – other highly regarded snacks include Pav Bhaji to Dahi Puri. Let's explore the snacks that made it to the ranking.
Misal pav
Misal Pav, a traditional Indian dish hailing from Maharashtra, comprises two key elements: misal, a spiced moth bean curry garnished with chivda, onions, chilis, and potatoes, and pav, served to soak up the flavorful gravy. Misal pav is a versatile dish enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a hearty main course. You'll commonly encounter it at roadside stalls, breakfast eateries, and near workplace cafeterias.
Vada pav
Vada pav is a popular sandwich in Mumbai. It gets its name from the two main parts of the sandwich: vada, which is hot mashed potatoes deep-fried in chickpea batter, and pav, which are soft white bread rolls. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ashok Vaidya sold this famous street food near the Dadar train stop. He made vada pav because he wanted to give hungry workers a quick, compact, and cheap snack. Since then, this popular snack can be found at every corner and sold at food carts, coffee shops, beachside and more.
Pav bhaji
Pav Bhaji, a cherished snack, holds the esteemed position of number 3 on the list of top 7 Maharashtrian snacks. This delectable dish features a flavourful vegetable curry served with soft bread rolls (pav). Originating in Maharashtra, it has captured hearts with its spicy and tangy flavours. Often enjoyed at roadside stalls, it's a delightful culinary experience that continues to win over food enthusiasts across India.
Sabudana vada
Sabudana vada, crispy Indian fritters are made from soaked tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, and an array of spices including turmeric, chilli, ginger, and fresh coriander. These vegetarian fritters are widely available in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, and are a preferred choice during fasting periods due to their meat-free composition. They are usually served hot, accompanied by yoghurt or chutney.
Batata vada
Batata vada, a popular vegetarian street food, originates from Maharashtra, India. Made with mashed potatoes and spices shaped into balls, coated in thick besan, and deep-fried. Often served with a chutney made with shredded coconut, tamarind, and garlic, it also features in the famous Indian sandwich known as vada pav. Vada pav includes batata vada and chutney sandwiched between soft pav buns, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is a beloved Indian street snack originating from Mumbai. This delightful mixture combines puffed rice with a medley of ingredients like chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves. It's seasoned with tangy tamarind and spicy chutneys, offering a burst of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. Bhelpuri is a popular and refreshing choice, often enjoyed as a light and flavorful snack on bustling streets and beachfront across India.
Dahi puri
Dahi Puri, a variation of the well-known Indian street snack, panipuri, gets its name from dahi (thick yoghurt) and puri (crispy-fried, puffy bread). The filling can be customized with additions like sprouted mung beans or boiled black chickpeas, offering a diverse and flavorful twist on this classic dish.
