23-05-2025
Come summer, it is raining Aamras thalis across Pune city. Here's where to check out
Written by Sakshi Prabhune
Mango season is wrapping up, making people flock to places still serving the aamras thalis across Pune, before the fruit bows out from the market. Aamras is made using Alphonso or Kesar mangoes and the pulp is served and served into bowls, often accompanied by puris, batata bhaji, shrikhand, and other treats that make the meal an indulgence.
From vegetarian Maharashtrian thalis to versions with mango-based dishes, the city's food scene is filled with mango. Whether it is a family outing or a first-timer's introduction to this tradition, the Aamras thali has become a ritual for Punekars, a reminder that summer isn't just about the heat, but also about flavours that define the season.
Sukhakarta
Sukhakarta Pure Veg Dining Hall was started by Nilesh Shirke from Satara in 2018. It has three branches in Pune, with the main branch located in Mayur Colony, Kothrud. The second branch in Wakad opened six months ago, and the third in Baner was started three years ago. It features an open kitchen. The thali includes three sweet options such as the famous Aamras, Ukdicha Modak, and Strawberry Halwa. For starters, it offers Khandvi, Sabudana Cutlet, or Palak Chaat. The vegetable options include Kaju Paneer, Green Vatana, or Cabbage Tomatoes. In the dal section, there is Mix Dal and Ekodi Dal. The breads served are Phulka, Puri, and Makai Rotla. The rice options are Plain Rice, Masale Bhat, and Dal Khichdi. The meal is served with 'khatta meetha jaljeera'. The restaurant operates from 11 am to 3.30 pm and again from 7 pm to 10.30 pm.
(Thali price: Rs 400 approximately)
Mathura Pure Veg
Mathura Pure Veg, located at Jangali Maharaj Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, was started almost 40 years ago and is currently run by Pune resident Abhijeet Chorge. Known for its thali offerings, Mathura serves a seasonal thali during mango season that includes Aamras along with five puris. The thali features a variety of items such as Chana masala, Paneer masala, Batata bhaji, Bhindi masala and Kurdai, Papad. For rice, the thali includes plain rice and Masale bhat. The meal is available daily during two time slots from 12 to 4 pm and again from 7 pm to 11 pm allowing customers to enjoy this spread at lunch or dinner.
(Thali price: Rs 390 approximately)
Naivedya Thali Restaurant
Naivedya Thali Restaurant, a well-loved pure vegetarian restaurant in Pune, was started by Bhaktobandhu Padhi in 2003. Located near Ghole Road, next to Balgandharva Chowk, Shivajinagar, Pune, it has become a go to place for those who enjoy a hearty and traditional Indian thali. The thali includes a delightful variety of dishes, starting with three types of sweets one of which is the seasonal favourite, Aamras. The chaat section offers popular items like chole tikki, dahi vada, and mini samosas. Rice lovers are treated to three options, including khichdi, steamed rice, and biryani. To accompany these are three types of Indian breads: phulka, puri, and paratha, along with four kinds of vegetables that change regularly. The thali also includes two types of dal, varan and dal tadka, as well as two kinds of kadhi, including a sweet version. Classic accompaniments like papad and achar complete the meal. Naivedya Thali is open for lunch from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm and for dinner from 7 pm to 11 pm, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fulfilling and authentic Indian meal.
(Thali price Rs 450-480 approximately)
Sukanta Thali
Sukanta Thali, located at Pulachi Wadi Road, Deccan Gymkhana, is owned by Upesh Marlecha and was started in 2003 to offer meals in a thali format. During mango season, Sukanta serves a thali that includes two sweets, one of which is Aamras. The thali also includes chaat options such as mini samosas and dahi vada. The meal includes four vegetable preparations, two types of dal, one sweet dal, and one dal tadka and a choice of Indian breads puri, phulka, or Bhakri. For rice, there is plain rice and Pulav. This thali is available daily from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10.30 pm.
(Thali price: Rs 500 approximately)
(Sakshi Prabhune is an intern with The Indian Express)
