Pune’s Snack Culture

Pune’s street food and snack ecosystem blends Maratha heritage with cosmopolitan influences, thriving in historic lanes and bustling suburbs alike. Snack stalls often double as social hubs where generations gather over steaming bites and spirited chatter, reflecting the city’s warm, community-driven spirit. Modern cafés and bakeries now complement these traditions with creative takes on classics, ensuring Pune remains a haven for snack lovers in 2025.

2. Iconic Must-Eat Snacks

Vada Pav at JJ Garden

JJ Garden Vada Pav, established in the early 1970s near Shivaji Park, is arguably Pune’s most iconic vada pav destination, drawing long queues of devotees for its signature elongated potato fritters and tangy chutneys. The “Indian burger” experience here is marked by a perfect balance of spice, texture, and affordability, making it a compulsory stop for any visitor.

Misal Pav at Bedekar Tea Stall

Bedekar Tea Stall in Narayan Peth has served Puneri misal pav since 1954, building its reputation on a spicy sprouted lentil curry topped with crispy farsan and sweet-tangy chutney over soft pav. Its unique recipe omits sprouts unlike Mumbai versions, spotlighting local touches like bottle gourd and pumpkin in the usal.

Mastani at Sujata Mastani

Sujata Mastani on FC Road pioneered the mastani in 1966, crafting towering shakes of thick ice cream, fresh fruit pulp, and rabdi inspired by Peshwa-era romance. Flavors range from classic mango to indulgent chocolate, each crowned with nuts and cherries for a decadent, frothy treat that defines Pune’s summer indulgence.

Budhani Bros Waferwala

Since 1964, Budhani Brothers Waferwala has delighted snackers with an array of crisp wafers—from masala potato to banana and cornflakes—made in-house and sold by the kilo to nostalgic crowds. This family-run shop captures the joy of childhood treats and remains a testament to Pune’s enduring wafer culture.

Poha at Bipin Snacks

Bipin Snacks & Juice Bar, a TripAdvisor favorite, serves comforting poha sautéed with mustard seeds, turmeric, peanuts, and fresh coriander. Often paired with sabudana khichdi and a glass of cutting chai, this hearty breakfast option fuels mornings across Pune’s bustling neighborhoods.

3. Savory Hidden Gems

Pudachi Vadi at Chitale Bandhu

Pudachi vadi—also called sambarvadi—is a crisp, deep-fried snack folded like a packet and filled with coconut, coriander, chili, and poppy seeds. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale’s Kolhapuri-style pudachi vadi, available at Deccan Gymkhana and Laxmi Road outlets, is a must-try regional specialty Wikipedia.

Kachhi Dabeli at Sinhagad Road Stalls

At late-night carts on Sinhagad Road, mashed spiced potatoes mix with peanuts, pomegranate, and dabeli masala before being tucked into butter-toasted buns—a Sindhi-origin snack embraced by Pune’s nocturnal crowds .

Kothimbir Vadi at Mauli Misal

Kothimbir vadi—coriander-laden savory cakes—are a lesser-known Maharashtrian snack found at local stalls like Mauli Misal near Tulsi Baug. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these bite-sized treats highlight Pune’s affinity for coriander-infused flavors .

Kaka Halwai Namkeen

Kaka Halwai Sweets & Namkeen offers an eclectic mix of fried snacks—chakli, sev, dalmix—each seasoned to perfection and sold in nostalgic glass jars that evoke old-world charm.

4. Late-Night Snack Havens

Samosa and Cutlets at Pune Zarthosti Seva Mandal

This modest outlet on MG Road draws night owls with its crisp samosas, spring rolls, and cutlets, complemented by tangy chutneys. The chicken samosa here is a surprising star that breaks vegetarian expectations.

The Best Snacks Cart (TripAdvisor Top Pick)

TripAdvisor’s “The Best Snacks” cart—ranked among Pune’s top cheap eats—serves a rotating menu of pakoras, kebabs, and regional chaats, ensuring fresh, budget-friendly bites until the wee hours.

5. Contemporary and Fusion Bites

Artisanal Sandwiches at Pune Baking Company

Pune Baking Company’s gourmet sandwiches—such as smoked chicken with pesto aioli or paneer tikka with mint chutney—blend café elegance with street-food comfort, earning acclaim among cafe-goers and travelers alike.

Gourmet Rolls at Marzorin

Marzorin’s rolls and flatbreads, made with European techniques and Indian fillings, are a Marz o rin staple. Regulars praise the chicken tikka roll and cheesy veg roll for their flaky crusts and robust flavors.

6. Sweet Treats and Desserts

Jalebi at Joshi Upahar Gruh

Joshi Upahar Gruh, a Joshi Sweets offshoot, serves crisp jalebis soaked in cardamom-infused syrup alongside creamy misal pav—a unique sweet-spicy combo favored by Punekars.

Pohe and Sabudana Khichdi at Vohuman Cafe

Vohuman Cafe’s cheese omelettes and Irani chai may steal headlines, but their pohe, sabudana khichdi, and kande pohe draw early birds for perfectly spiced, comforting platters.

7. Exploring Pune’s Snack Trails

To fully experience Pune’s snack culture, map a day from Northern locales like Sangamwadi and FC Road (for vada pav and mastani) down to bustling peths around Shaniwar Wada (for misal pav and kothimbir vadi), then on to Sinhagad Road and MG Road for late-night delights. Engage with local food bloggers such as @adis_food_voyage and @streetfoodchaska for insider tips on newly discovered gems.

Pune’s snackscape in 2025 is a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation. Whether indulging in age-old favorites at historic stalls or discovering new café creations, snack enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. By following this guide—anchored in time-tested classics and hidden local treasures—you’ll taste the full spectrum of Pune’s culinary personality, one delicious bite at a time.