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Indian Express

Pune on my plate: 5 must-try Misal spots after TasteAtlas global recognition

Misal Pav was ranked 18th in TasteAtlas's recent list of the world's 50 best breakfasts, bringing a global spotlight to this beloved Maharashtrian dish. This spicy, flavourful street food has been winning hearts across Pune for decades. From century-old establishments to modern joints, these five spots represent one of Pune's authentic misals, each offering a unique take on this beloved breakfast dish. Ramdas Misal Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Shaniwar Peth, this 90-year-old establishment has been serving authentic misal to generations of Pune residents with just four tables and a dedicated following that doesn't mind waiting for their turn. Its uniqueness is that the owner personally takes orders, serves customers, and handles billing – a rare sight in today's commercial food landscape. Operating from 7 am to 7 pm, this spot serves much more than misal, with batata bhaji and tarri pohe being equally popular among regulars. 'Misal is all about the tarri, and we have kept it optimally spicy with a secret homemade masala recipe that has been passed down through generations,' explained Manish Jadhav, the third-generation owner. 'Our misal contains batata bhaaji, kande pohe, and lentils like chawli, matki, and vatana, topped with pohe chivda, shev, onion, and lemon. We serve it with ladi pav or regular bread, depending on what the customer prefers,' he added. Bedekar Misal What began as a humble tea stall in 1948 has evolved into one of Pune's beloved misal destinations. Bedekar Misal in Narayan Peth started serving tea and pakoras under Dattaray Bedekar's vision, but it was only after 13 years that misal joined the menu. Unlike many places that focus solely on spiciness, Bedekar creates a balanced flavour, resulting in a misal that's both spicy and sweet. 'We don't follow the misconception that misal has to be extremely spicy. Our rassa is cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, onions, bottle gourd, and jaggery, creating a tangy taste with sweet undertones. This makes it healthy and suitable for both children and adults. We also use homemade shev and chivda instead of store-bought farsan. And the establishment has grown so popular that the ready-to-eat packets are even exported abroad,' said Anil Bedekar, the third-generation owner. Ramnath Misal Located near SP College on Tilak Road, Ramnath Misal is one of the spiciest misals on the list. This 80-year-old establishment has witnessed Pune's transformation while maintaining its authentic Kolhapur-style preparation that attracts spice lovers from across the city. The restaurant operates from 8 am to 8.30 pm and has adapted to modern times by offering online delivery options to manage space constraints. Despite the challenges of running a decades-old business, including labour shortages, Ramnath Misal has maintained its consistency through dedicated staff. 'We started with misal priced at just one rupee and tea for 35 paisa. Our customers were mainly from the Sahitya Parishad, SP College, and Prabhat Talkies then. What sets us apart is having the same chef for the last 45 years, which ensures consistency in taste. The misal here features vatanyachi usal, kande poha, nylon chivda, and shev, with a spicy tarri that reflects the Kolhapuri tradition. Apart from misal, our Kolhapur-style jumbo vadapav and gol bhaji are equally popular,' said manager Rakesh Khatri. Malhar Misal Located near Kokane Chowk, Malhar Misal has been known for serving spicy and flavourful misal that pairs perfectly with buttermilk. This establishment focuses on quality, with fresh ingredients like ladi pav and vegetables sourced daily, while the masalas, chivda and other essentials are prepared in-house. It is also available on food delivery apps. 'We maintain consistency in taste by having the same chef since the eatery was established, and our staff provides cordial and fast service,' shared owner Nitin Kokane. 'Misal is made of matki usal, potato, poha base and covered with shev. Each misal plate is served with additional ladi pav and a generous portion of cut onion. The customers have been loyal, and so we are planning for a bigger space adjacent to our current location,' he added. Shrimant Misal The Shrimant Misal opened its Ravet branch in November last year. What sets this place apart is its unique ambience, the brass utensils that give diners a royal feeling, justifying the name 'Shrimant'. Located in Ravet, this branch serves as a convenient option for residents of Pimpri Chinchwad. The restaurant offers a milder spice level, but customers can request extra tarri for more heat. Beyond misal, they serve items not commonly found at other misal joints, including kadhi vada, shengdana ladu, and cucumber. 'The Ravet branch caters to those living in Pimpri Chinchwad who want a closer option,' explained Vitthal Ingale, owner of the Ravet branch. 'Our misal uses matki usal and homemade masala, served with ladi pav. While we offer online delivery, customers prefer visiting to experience our unique ambience with brass utensils that create a royal dining experience,' he said.