Apr 12, 2025
Kolhapur, a lively city in Maharashtra, is famous for its rich history, culture, and especially its bold, spicy cuisine. The food here is full of flavours that will excite your taste buds. If you’re a foodie or love bold spices, Kolhapuri dishes are a must-try. From fiery gravies to tangy snacks, the food here is unforgettable. Let’s explore some of the most delicious dishes that you can’t miss!
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Kolhapuri chicken curry is a spicy, delicious dish that will have you coming back for more. Made with tender chicken cooked in a rich, spicy gravy, it’s packed with roasted spices and freshly ground masalas. The curry’s heat is perfectly balanced by the depth of spices, making it a satisfying and bold dish. It’s best enjoyed with chapati or rice for a complete meal.
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If you’re looking for something to snack on, vade is a crispy, deep-fried treat that you can’t miss. Made from a mixture of rice flour, these vades are served with spicy chutney or tangy yogurt. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and pack a savoury punch. A perfect bite for your tea time!
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Pithla is a simple, yet flavourful dish made from chickpea flour, turmeric, and spices, cooked into a thick, creamy gravy. It’s usually enjoyed with bhakri, a rustic flatbread made from jowar or bajra flour. This dish is comfort food at its best, with a perfect balance of earthiness and spice.
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Kolhapuri mutton is a must-try for all meat lovers. Tender chunks of mutton are slow-cooked in a spicy, rich gravy made with roasted spices, garlic, and ginger. The robust flavour of the meat combined with the heat from the spices makes this dish unforgettable.
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For fans of spicy broth, Tambda Rassa is a must-try! It’s a spicy mutton soup made with a flavorful mix of spices, tomatoes, and red chilli powder, giving it a deep, rich red colour. Tambda Rassa is often served as a starter before the main course, and it’s guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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Kolhapuri misal pav is a delicious mix of spice and crunch. It features a spicy bean sprout curry topped with crunchy sev, onions, and a squeeze of lime, served with pav (bread rolls). The bold flavours offer a satisfying balance of spicy, tangy, and crunchy. It’s a popular street food, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
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While batata vada is popular across India, Kolhapur has its own special twist. A spicy potato filling is encased in a crispy batter, then deep-fried to perfection. Often served with tangy tamarind chutney or mint chutney, these vadas are a delicious treat.
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Bhakri is a type of flatbread that’s a staple in Kolhapur. It’s often paired with lasoon chutney, a fiery garlic chutney that packs a punch. The combination of the earthy bhakri and the spicy chutney is a match made in heaven, making it a must-try meal when in Kolhapur.
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Kolhapur is known for its spicy seafood dishes, and kolhapuri fried fish is one of the most popular. Fish is marinated in a blend of red chilli powder, turmeric, and other spices, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is spicy, flavourful, and pairs well with a cold drink or some rice.
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No meal in Kolhapur is complete without a sweet ending. Shrikhand is a traditional dessert made from strained yoghurt, sugar, and cardamom. It’s rich, creamy, and subtly sweet, offering a perfect contrast to the spicy dishes you’ve enjoyed. A dollop of shrikhand is the perfect way to cool down after a delicious meal.
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