8 Most Popular Sweets of Pune You Must Try

Pune, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, has a special place in the heart of Maharashtrian food lovers. Beyond its scenic landscapes and bustling markets, Pune is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. The city offers a variety of traditional sweets that have been cherished for generations, each telling a story of local tradition and culinary expertise. To truly experience the city's rich culinary heritage, you must try the famous Pune sweets that locals cherish. In this blog, we will take you on a sugary journey through some of the most popular sweets in Pune that you absolutely must try.

Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a classic Maharashtrian sweet with a special place in Pune's culinary traditions. This sweet flatbread, stuffed with jaggery and chana dal (split Bengal gram), is a staple during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi. The dough from wheat flour is rolled out and filled with the sweet mixture before being cooked on a hot griddle. The result is a golden-brown, slightly crispy bread with a soft, sweet centre. What makes Puran Poli particularly famous in Pune is its unique flavour, which balances jaggery's sweetness with chana dal's mild earthiness. It's not just a dessert; it's a symbol of the city's festive spirit and a must-try for anyone visiting Pune.

Chirote

Chirote is another Maharashtrian delicacy that has a special connection to Pune. This flaky, deep-fried pastry is made from a dough of refined flour and ghee, which is rolled out thin and layered before being folded and cut into shapes. The pieces are then deep-fried until golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar, giving them a delightful crunch and a sweet finish. The intricate preparation process and the melt-in-the-mouth experience of Chirote have made it a sought-after sweet in Pune, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a creamy, yogurt-based dessert that is immensely popular in Pune. Made by straining yogurt to remove the whey, the thickened yogurt is then sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes fruits like mango or berries. The result is a smooth, rich dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. In Pune, Shrikhand is often enjoyed as part of a traditional Maharashtrian meal, especially during festivals and special occasions.

Modak

Modak is a quintessential sweet that is synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to have a particular fondness for this sweet. Modak is made from rice flour or wheat flour dough, filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and sometimes nuts and cardamom. The filled dough is shaped into a modak, resembling a small dumpling, and then steamed or fried. Families meticulously prepare the sweet during Ganesh Chaturthi, and you can also find it in many sweet shops around the city, especially during the festival season.

Gavhale Kheer

Gavhale Kheer, also known as Sevai Kheer, is a popular dessert in Pune made from roasted vermicelli, milk, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. This creamy and comforting dessert is often garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. Its rich, creamy texture and the warm flavours of cardamom and saffron make it a comforting treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed hot or chilled, Gavhale Kheer is a classic sweet that showcases the culinary traditions of Pune.

Mava Jalebi

Jalebi, a popular sweet across India, takes on a special form in Pune with the Mava Jalebi. Unlike the traditional jalebi, made from fermented batter and soaked in sugar syrup, Mava Jalebi is made from a mixture of mawa (reduced milk solids), flour, and a little yoghurt. The batter is shaped into spirals, deep-fried, and then soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a rich, dense, and incredibly sweet treat. The sweet is often garnished with slivers of pistachios or almonds, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance.

Amba Poli

Amba Poli, or mango poli, is a unique sweet from Pune that captures the essence of the region's love for mangoes. This sweet is made by drying mango pulp on large sheets, which is then rolled up and cut into pieces. The result is a chewy, tangy-sweet treat bursting with the flavour of ripe mangoes. Amba Poli is typically made during the mango season and is a popular snack among Puneites. The concentrated mango flavour and the chewy texture make it a delightful treat for mango lovers.

Dharwadi Pedas

Dharwadi Pedas are a famous sweet from the nearby town of Dharwad, but they have also found a special place in Pune's culinary landscape. These soft, melt-in-the-mouth pedas are made from milk, sugar, and a hint of cardamom, giving them a rich, creamy texture and a delicate flavour. The sweet is known for its distinctive caramelised flavour, which comes from the slow cooking of milk and sugar. Dharwadi Pedas are a testament to the rich dairy tradition of the region and are a must-try for anyone who appreciates the simplicity and elegance of traditional Indian sweets.

Pune's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavours, and its sweets are no exception. From the festival favourite Modak to the rich and creamy Shrikhand, the city's sweets offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Each sweet has its unique story and place in Pune's culinary traditions, making them an essential part of the city's identity. However, the city offers a delightful fusion of the old and the new when it comes to desserts. While traditional sweets like Modak and Shrikhand carry the essence of the city’s rich heritage, the growing popularity of cakes in Pune adds a modern twist to the local dessert scene. These sweets are not just desserts; they celebrate Pune's rich culinary heritage, and each bite is a taste of the city's soul.