11 Maharashtrian Cuisine Specialties to Try Now

Wrapping Up: Where to Start and How to Explore More

These eleven dishes offer a rounded introduction to Maharashtrian food — from quick breakfasts and crunchy street snacks to coastal curries and festival sweets. Start with something approachable, like kande poha or shrikhand, to get comfortable with signature textures and flavor balances. If you’re eager for heat and spice, misal pav or Malvani fish curry will show how Marathi cooks layer chilies, kokum, and roasted spices. For special-occasion cooking, try puran poli or ukadiche modak; both reward the time with deeply satisfying flavors and cultural stories. In North America, local Indian grocery stores and online retailers will be your best allies for ingredients such as jaggery, kokum, and specific flours. Many cities now have Maharashtrian or regional Indian restaurants where you can taste authentic versions before attempting them at home. When you cook, focus on technique more than exact replication; toasting spices, balancing sweet and tangy, and controlling heat will get you much of the way there. Treat these recipes as invitations rather than rules — honor the traditions behind them while adapting to what’s available in your kitchen. Try one dish this week and invite a friend over; food is a great way to share a little of Maharashtra’s warmth and resourcefulness with your own table.