Before you correct us saying that pav bhaji is best had in Mumbai, let us tell you that the beloved Mumbai street food has become a street food favorite across the country! The humble pav bhaji consists of just two main elements – a spicy vegetable gravy consisting of potato, tomato, onion, capsicum, and peas, and lightly buttered and toasted pav breads. The bhaji is served with a generous dollop of butter and chopped onions on the side and without the onions, no pav bhaji is complete.
If you happen to explore Pune and crave for pav bhaji, here are 5 spots you must visit for the best pav bhaji in Pune!
Best Pav Bhaji In Pune: Our Top 5 Recommendations
Kirti Juice Center
Fergusson College Road or FC Road is one of Pune’s most happening areas when it comes to budget-friendly street food. The area is popular among college students and office workers alike and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and eateries lined up here. One of them is the Kirti Juice Center – one of the oldest establishments here established in 1973.
A striking feature of this establishment is that the menu is limited. You have just pav bhaji, tawa pulao, and fruit juices. However, there is ample variety to choose from – in fact, their pav bhaji is available in more than 10 variants! From the classic pav bhaji and paneer pav bhaji to Jain pav bhaji and cheesy pav bhaji, there are enough options. Try the original (OG) pav bhaji (INR 120) or go for the other varieties – we guarantee that you’ll experience a burst of flavor in every single bite!
The bhaji is not colored or seasoned with artificial coloring to make it look ‘appealing’. Plus, the pav is perfectly toasted and they serve generous amounts of onion and lemon to go with your dish. Overall, for a decent price, you’ll get to experience one of the most famous pav bhaji in Pune.
Address: 917/19B, Fergusson College Rd, near British Library, opposite Hotel Vaishali, Ganeshwadi, Deccan Gymkhana – 411004
Timings: 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM (Tuesdays closed)
Price for two: INR 300
Hotel Surabhi
In search of the best pav bhaji in Pune, we landed up at Hotel Surabhi. The restaurant serves a variety of foods, from Indo-Chinese dishes and sandwiches, to fruit juices, light snacks, and rice, there is something for everyone. But a major standout item here is their pav bhaji.
With lightly toasted pav and a hearty plate of bhaji, the OG pav bhaji (INR 90) is comparatively affordable here than the one at Kirti Juice Center. Tastewise, the consistency of the bhaji is impressive and the food tastes fresh in every bite. If you are not a fan of the OG Pav Bhaji, you can try other varieties like Cheese Pav Bhaji (INR 110) or the Khada Pav Bhaji (INR 100). We’re sure you’ll love either of these, but a visit to this place is a must when in Pune!
Address: Laxmi Balwant Chambers, 1170/3, Jangali Maharaj Rd, Shivajinagar – 411005
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Price for two: INR 300
Supreme Corner
The next stop on our list is also in Shivajinagar – Supreme Corner. The establishment has been in Pune since 1979 and is in fact credited with being India’s first pizza outlet! Yes, you heard it right. People from all over Pune flock to this eatery to try out their two star offerings – pav bhaji and pizza. The menu is limited, but don’t let the limited menu fool you. The taste, the flavors, and the experience at this eatery is truly unmatched.
While you’re here, make sure to try out their famous Pav Bhaji priced at INR 180. You can opt for their Cheese Pav Bhaji (INR 200) or the Jain Pav Bhaji (INR 190). While you’re here, we’ll recommend that you also try out their much talked about pizzas. Though they do not replicate authentic Italian flavors the pizzas here are worth your money. Coming back to the pav bhaji, the food and the presentation here is truly irresistible. We won’t say more about it – try Supreme Pav Bhaji Pune yourself and you’ll know!
Address: 1206 B-1, Buttepatil Chambers, Jangli Maharaj Road – 411005
Timings: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Price for two: INR 400
Girija Juice Bar
Located in the bustling Sadashiv Peth, Girija Juice Bar is the ultimate comfort place to go to when you’re craving a generous plate of pav bhaji, priced at INR 150. The pav is neither too buttery nor too dry, just the perfect amount of soft and crisp. The bhaji on the other hand boasts of a considerable amount of velvety butter. Take a spoonful of the bhaji and prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors. Also, this is one of the best spots to try authentic Maharashtrian food like Jhunka Bhakri, Alu Wadi, Pithla Bhakri, and others.
The rich flavor of the mashed vegetables and the spices effortlessly glides on your tongue and the pav only makes the experience better. Plus, they serve cucumber slices and pickle to go with your food. The sour pickle and the refreshing cucumber accompany your pav bhaji well, and in fact enhance its flavor. So, when are you gobbling up the pav bhaji here?
Address: Vijayanagar Colony, Sadashiv Peth – 411030
Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Price for two: INR 400
MH 12 Pav Bhaji
How can we not include one of Pune’s most famous joints – MH 12 Pav Bhaji! The establishment began operations in 2012 and has several outlets in Pune today. While they served plenty of diverse food when they initially launched, it was their Pav Bhaji (INR 120) that shot them to fame. As their pav bhaji became increasingly popular, they decided to shift their focus on this humble dish.
View this post on Instagram
Today, they serve dishes like a variety of masala pav, pulao, and of course their signature pav bhaji. It is available in different varieties like Kolhapuri Pav Bhaji (INR 130), Special Pav Bhaji (INR 130), and Jain Pav Bhaji (INR 140). Overall, MH 12 is the place to go for delicious, affordable, and iconic pav bhaji in Pune!
Address: Multiple outlets in Pune
Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Price for two: INR 300
Summing Up
The next time you’re in Pune, make sure to try at least one (or all) pav bhaji in Pune. With different options throughout the city, you have plenty of options to choose from. From MH 12’s multiple outlets to Supreme Corner’s ‘supremely good’ pav bhaji, there’s endless options. So, the next time someone asks you about the best pav bhaji in Pune, make sure to show them this article. Thanks in advance!
