Pune on my Plate: How Pune is reinventing the traditional puran poli
Puran poli is a traditional Maharashtrian flatbread filled with a sweet, rich mixture of jaggery and lentils, spiced with cardamom and topped with dollops of ghee. Once a dish reserved for festivals, puran poli has slowly made its way into everyday menus across Pune. Today, it is being reimagined with various new flavours and creative twists, adding a modern touch to this classic treat.
One of the most popular spots in the city where this delicacy can be savoured is Puran Poli Ghar, which has franchises across Pune. It offers over 15 varieties featuring both traditional recipes and experimental twists. While the lentil filling is a classic, their menu has unique pairings with jackfruit, pineapple, chocolate, and carrot fillings, including decadent options like dry fruits, coconut and many more.
'We have a lot of people coming in for puran poli every day. It gets busier during festivals, but locals enjoy puran poli almost regularly. The classic one sells the most, but almond puran poli is a close second. That said, all the flavours are unique and worth a try,' says Jitendra Kore, who runs the Narayan Peth outlet along with wife, Saijyoti.
For those looking for a taste of home cooking, Kanchan Foods Homemade Puran Poli might be the answer. 'The puran polis I make are very soft, not hard, or oily like the ones you get at restaurants. My recipe is close to what I grew up eating, with a few personal touches and hence tastes homely,' shares Kanchan Marutrao Buchade. She makes two types, classic lentil and saffron flavoured, available on order and delivered to your doorstep.
A lesser-known regional variety, Khapar Puran Poli, is made by Hotel Anura Khandeshi in Pimple Gurav. The version is native to northern Maharashtra and stands out because of the size; they are very large, light and paper-thin. Owner Anura Khandeshi says, 'I am from the region this variety comes from, and you will not find it at most restaurants. I make it the traditional way, just like we do back home, so it is authentic and worth trying.'
Kiga, a well-known ice cream chain, has turned puran poli into a frozen treat, blending innovation with classic Maharashtrian flavours. Rutuja Gosavi, the store manager at the FC Road outlet, explains, 'The flavour was launched in 2018 and has been a crowd favourite ever since. The ice cream is made at the factory using just the sweet puran filling, not the whole puran poli and tastes very similar to the actual dish.'
Restaurants across the city are also reimagining this traditional dish by serving puran poli thalis, a platter with the popular flatbread and a mix of savoury dishes. These typically include aamti (a tangy-spicy lentil curry), bhaat (steamed rice), pakoras (crispy fritters), and sabzi (a vegetable preparation), along with classic sides like salad and pickle. You can find such thalis at places like AHF Menu on Sinhgad Road, Akshar Brahma in Katraj, Anita Mess in Karve Nagar, and more.
For those with a deep appreciation for this Maharashtrian staple, Miss Parbhani Puranpoli and Snacks offer an unlimited puran poli thali, a spread that lets diners savour as many helpings as they desire.
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