This Navratri, take a break from the usual and try out some of the Upavasachi Thali (food meant for the period of fasting) in some of the known and unknown places of Pune. From Camp to Chinchwad, the nine days of Navratri can arguably be the best time to try out the age-old recipes.
Most food items, which are allowed during fasting, are carbohydrate rich which allows for the much-needed energy required for day-to-day functioning. Thus, the staples are made from sago (sabudana) or barnyard millet (varai), which are packed with carbohydrates. Sabudana Khichadi and wada are favourites and most places store them even during the normal days.
Pune Guest House
The first stop for an old fashioned Upavasache Thali has to be Pune Guest House on Laxmi Road. The thali at this place consists of barnyard millets, danyache amti, kakdi, potato chips etc. Priced at Rs 320/plate, rest assured you would have enough energy if you have this once a day. Tip: Be sure to reach in time as this place gets crowded more often than not.
Hindavi Swaraj
If you are looking for light snacks in the way of sadudana wada, do visit Hindavi Swaraj near Jangli Maharaj Road. Served hot with koshumbir, a plate of two wadas cost Rs 60/- and run out faster than the chef can fry them. These wadas are fried in desi ghee which adds the extra crunch and taste to these balls of delicacies.
Durvankur
During Navrati, if vegetarian thalis are your go to meal, then we have an interesting choice for you. Located on Tilak Road, Durvankur Thali is a simple non-pretentious place which serves staple Maharashtrian food in a very professional and hygienic setting. Aaloche patal bhaji, cabbage saabzi, amti, rice roti are the normal fares which change with the season. Durvankur is one of the few places in Pune which reward you if you do not leave any leftovers. A normal thali is priced at Rs 400 with the place having an upavas thali option also.
Maharaja Bhog
Nestled between the lanes of Senapati Bapat Road, Maharaja Bhog serves premium vegetarian thali in a royal ambience. Their pure vegetarian thali includes dal tadka, aloo tikki, velvety soft roti, paratha, rice, crunchy fried papad, two types of drool-worthy chutneys, and in desserts, they serve stupendous shrikhand and halwa. This Navratri, Maharaja Bhog is offering Navratri special upvas thali at just Rs 1400 for two people, and don’t forget to indulge in their sweet paan.
Dashmi Express
Another place for vegetarian thalis is the Dashmi Express in Akurdi. Here you have a choice of curries along with dry saabzis. Some of the must tries here are the vegetable cutlets and the sweet dishes that are freshly made.
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