One of the most-loved Indian cities, Pune is nothing less than a paradise for true foodies. From iconic hole-in-the-wall eateries serving traditional Maharashtrian fare to chic cafes with impressive continental menus, the city leaves one spoilt for choice. In this article, we feature some of the best places to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Pune. By Karan Kaushik
Kickstart your day with a scrumptious breakfast in Pune at these iconic places
Puneri Misal, Shira, and Taak at Shri Krishna Bhuvan
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Established as a humble puri-bhaji shop by the late Yeshwant Joshi in 1941, Shri Krishna Bhuvan in Budhwar Peth is known for its unique version of misal. They serve sliced bread instead of pav with misal, which is served as a potato bhaji. This is served along with hot poha garnished with chivda sev and finely chopped onion, two bread slices, and their spicy tarri or gravy. Their Kanda Bhaaji, Onion Pakoras, Sheera, and Taak (buttermilk or chaas) come highly recommended too.
Where: 1164, Shanipar Mandai Road, Tulshibaug, Budhwar Peth, Pune
Sabudana Khichadi and Ladoos at New Sweet Home
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One of Pune’s oldest restaurants, New Sweet Home in Hotel Abhijat serves traditional Maharashtrian and South Indian fare. Most people flock to the restaurant for their lip-smacking Sabudana Khichadi. Their Matar Karanji, Upwas Kachori, Udidwada Sambar, and Thalipit are also popular among patrons. The restaurant also serves an impressive range of delicious laddoos. The must-try ones are peanut-gulkand laddoo, date laddoo, methi laddoo, multigrain laddoo, and besan laddoo.
Where: 765, RB Kumthekar Road, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Puran Poli, Thalipeeth, and Dadpe Pohe at Poona Guest House
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The legendary Poona Guest House was started by Nanasaheb Sarpotdar, a film producer and distributor more than 80 years ago. No wonder, the restaurant at the guest house has been popular among Marathi film stars. They serve delicious Thalipeeth, a kind of multigrain bread served with groundnut and garlic chutney, and white butter. Their signature dish is Dadpe Pohe, prepared with poha, onions, fried chillies, crushed papad, grated coconut, and sugar. Their Maharashtrian Thali and Gavran Thali are wholesome. They also serve yum Shrikhanda and Ukdiche Modaks.
Where: 100, Laxmi Road, Ganapati Chowk, New Nana Peth, Budhwar Peth, Pune
Mango Mastani at Sujata Mastani
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Pune is famous for its own version of mango milkshake called Mango Mastani. The shake is garnished with fruits, chopped dry fruits, and whipped cream. To enjoy the best Mango Mastani in Pune, head to Sujata Mastani in Sadashiv Peth. They have several outlets in the city. Their mastanis are adored and cherished by all Punekars. They serve several flavours like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Apart from their Mango Mastani, their Kesar Mastani is popular too.
Where: 1259, Rajivmama Kondhalkar Path, Near Nimbalkar Talim Chowk, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Irani Chai at Vohuman Cafe
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Nothing matches the charm of sipping a cup of hot Irani chai in a cosy cafe on a bright and sunny morning. The iconic Vohuman Cafe is an old favourite among early risers and college students, who arrive here in droves for their Irani chai, Bun Maska, and Cheese Omelette. Their Fried Eggs and Bournvita are amazing too. Established by the late Hormuz Irani in 1978, the charming little cafe opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Order their Cream Plate, which comes with fresh cream served with sugar if you are not watching your calories.
Where: Millenium Star, Dhole Patil Road, Near Ruby Hall, Sangamvadi, Pune
Vadapav and Taak at Garden Vadapav
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Is a food trail in Maharashtra even a food trail without the good old vadapav? To savour Pune’s best vadapav, head to Garden Vadapav in Camp Area. Be prepared to be a part of a massive queue of people lining up to sample their bona fide Vadapav. The bestsellers at this quaint little eatery include Butter Vadapav, Crispy Vada Pav, Vada Paavs, Aloo Vada, Vadapao, and Masala Taak.
Where:948, 949, Buttee Street, Camp Cantonment, Camp Area, Pune
Mutton Patties and Ardeshir’s Raspberry Soda at Dorabjee & Sons
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The truly iconic Parsi restaurant Dorabjee & Sons is over 141 years old. They have been serving mouthwatering and meaty Parsi delicacies since 1878. When here, begin with a plate of Mutton Patties or Mutton Cutlet, followed by a hearty serving of their Mutton Biryani. Other popular dishes here include Mutton Chilly Fry, Mutton Masala, and the classic Dhansak. Wash down your meal with a bottle of chilled Ardeshir Raspberry Soda. Their Caramel Custard deserves a special mention too.
Where: No. 845, Dastur Meher Road, Sharbatwalla Chowk, Pune
Salli Scrambled Eggs and Bun Maska at Café Yezdan
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Adorned with European-esque red brick walls, this 50-years-old Irani cafe is a must-visit when in Camp. Established in 1964, the legendary Irani eatery is known for its Bun Maska, Double Egg Omelette, and of course, Irani chai. Replete with old-school charm, Cafe Yezdan is all about good vibes and nostalgia. They also serve Ardeshir Soda and Sweet Lassi.
Where: 623, Sharbatwalla Chowk, Sachapir Street, Camp, Pune
Khari Biscuits and Coconut Cake at Husseny Bakery
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Husseny Bakery is one of the first established bakeries in Pune. The story of Husseny Bakery began in 1932 when the late Mirdehghan S Murteza started the bakery in Bhawani Peth. Later, it was shifted to Taboot Street, where it continues to operate today. Husseny Bakery has continued as a family business for more than 7 decades and their recipes have trickled down generations. Go there for their traditional baked products such as breads, broons, Irani naan, biscuits, cakes, plum cakes, jam rolls, pastries, pizza bases, croissants, French rolls, patties, and kharis, among others.
Where: 662, Taboot Street, Opposite Cakes ‘n’ Coffee, Camp, Pune
Dhokla Chat at Mahalaxmi Khaman Dhokla
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You may have savoured the classic Gujarati Khaman Dhokla many times for breakfast. In Pune, they do it with a twist. For instance, Mahalaxmi Khaman Dhokla in Camp is known for its Dhokla Chaat. They also serve the usual Khaman Dhokla, which is apparently the town’s best. They also serve delicious Dabeli and Dahi Bhalla Chaat.
Where: 320, MG Road, Opposite Wonderland Lane, Camp, Pune
Chicken Mayo and Vegetable Sandwich at Marz-O-Rin
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At Marzorin, the main items are sandwiches, rolls, and burgers, along with fruit drinks, milkshakes, and ice-creams. They also have a wide array of whole-wheat products. Marzorin Chutney sandwiches have been a benchmark for decades. The restaurant also serves yum Rose Milk, thick shakes, Chicken Roll, Spaghetti, and pastries.
Where: Bakthiar Plaza, 6, MG Road, Camp, Pune
English Breakfast at The Flour Works
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If you are looking for a nice space to work out of, The Flour Works comes recommended. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this kids, pet, and work-friendly cafe. From traditional and contemporary European cuisine to simple egg recipes, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, the cafe serves it all. Do visit their chocolate counter when you feel like taking a break from work. The thin-crust pizzas are nice too. Also on offer here is a great selection of teas, coffees, and beverages from iced teas to smoothies.
Where: No. 18, Nirvana Commercial, 3, North Avenue, Near ICICI Bank, Pune
Eggs at German Bakery
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Any food trail in Pune will be incomplete without the legendary German Bakery. It’s one of the oldest bakeries in Pune and remains filled with loyalists throughout the day. They are known for their delicious salads, cakes, teas, shakes, and authentic German and Italian fare. A classic breakfast at German Bakery would ideally include the Germany Bakery Special Salad, Strawberry Cheese Cakes, and Bun Maska. And not to forget, they also serve delicious egg-based dishes. The iconic eatery has three outlets in the city, with the one at Koregaon Park being the most famous.
Where: 291, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune
Donuts and Coffee at Cafe Peterdonuts
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One of the best places to enjoy breakfast in Pune, Cafe Peterdonuts serves delicious donuts, waffles, and cold coffee. Their menu features everything from pizzas and burgers to ramen and sizzlers. Their Hot Chocolate and Sizzler Truffle Donut are extremely popular. They specialise in egg-less hand-made donuts that are absolutely fresh. Cafe Peterdonuts also dishes out sumptuous Korean delicacies. The cafe chain opened its first outlet in 2010. They are mostly packed during late evening hours and weekends.
Where: 1221, Bapusaheb Gupte Marg, Shivajinagar, Pune
South Indian at Hotel Vaishali
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Fergusson College Road in Pune is lined with cafes and restaurants. One of the most popular of them all is Hotel Vaishali. This enduring eatery offers an impressive menu of South Indian classics. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant is chockablock with foodies at most times, and you must expect a wait of five to 10 minutes. Popular dishes include Sabudana Vada, Dahi Vada, Onion Uthappam, Cheese Masala Dosa, and Fried Idli. Their signature Vaishali Special Masala Dosa serves two.
Where: Fergusson College Road, Ganeshwadi, Shivajinagar, Pune
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