Chinese Samosa

Spicy mix of hakka noodles and veg. manchurian wrapped in crispy samosa is Chinese Samosa at "Narayan Khaman", Maharaja complex, Paud road, Pune. Chinese food around is as such Indian-ised Chinese anyway...& is taken further to stuff this inside very desi dish like Samosa.

I think there are many variants around or attempts to stuff different fillings inside Samosa or Dosa. Very few have lasted the interest of people. Below one seems to be here to stay,,,at least for a while.

Taste is crunchy, spice of Chinese mix inside is moderate. At times, it is bit oily, but manageable with 2 pieces of Samosa followed by a tea. 

Sudarshan Misal

Last weekend I was in Nasik. Have heard about this Misal at Makhmalabad, a small village near Nasik. People drive 15-20kms in morning, stand in queue and sit on small benches brushing shoulders with one another only to satisfy their taste buds. I can tell you from my experience; it is worth it! Place is opposite of Ram Mandir as you take left exit from state highway.

Ingredients are very basic, Matki Usal (pulse curry), Sev with fried peanuts and finely chopped raw onion, coriander.  If you need extra hot, there is sample served. Otherwise Misal is not very hot. Taste is of authentic matki usal. Served with bun bread and Papad.

I have seen owner turning down take away requests, mainly due to the crowd at the shop and limited stock. It is small outlet with 5-6 tables and inside there is a room with “Indian sitting”, where families take “sataranji” (carpet ) & enjoy their breakfast.

Farasaan Bhel at Kalyan Bhel

Weekend snacking at Kalyan Bhel on Canal road outlet. Farasaan Bhel is their specialty & comes in huge quantity. Kurmure, which is usually very prominent ingredient, is not at all felt in this Bhel. Farasaan, peanuts and other ingredients like onion, coriander are bound together with mixed sauces/Chutney - the key ingredient & trade secret of this Bhel.

Place can be easily found on usually calm road connecting Prabhat road and Law College road. One can see lot of youngsters crowding around a small footpath outlet & crowd spilling over the road especially on weekend evenings. They offer many other chat items and Bhel variations. Even the Malai Kulfi is good desert after Farasaan Bhel meal!

Prabha Sabudana Vada

Though it is a fast special, Sabudana Vada is also otherwise enjoyed Maharashtrian dish. Made diligently at hotel Prabha in the heart of Pune city. Small eatery opposite Kesari Wada (Tilak Wada) at Narayan Peth. Started as a small time family business by lady named Paranjape with capital of Rs9/- ONLY! It draws good amount of crowd for Vada (Potato Vada & Sabudana Vada). Potato Vada, being a staple food, is served by every corner eateries. Sabudana Vada is a sticky business, for most of others who have not mastered this art...
Vada here is big, a plate with two is meal. Though stout, it is thoroughly cooked (fried) without getting burnt. Taste is good, bit more spicey and crispy. I enjoyed this delicacy at Prabha while monsoon was pouring outside, it was awesome! One flip side, as you can see below, is " It is not served with any fingure licking chutney :-("
A Puneri Pati for the conclusion: Sunday closed!grrr...

Nachos & Momos

Tried this at City Pride, Kothrud. It’s a small outlet started in few multiplexes in Pune serving Nachos with cheese and Momos. Nachos are very Desi, have some masala variation instead of plain Nachos usually served with cheese. These Nachos are served with cheese by side (not on top) and Salsa sauce.  Momos are spicy veg dumplings served with very hot sauce/chutney.  Wikipedia  tells me that Momos are native to Tibet & Nepal. I have not tasted authentic Momos of Nepal but these are bit spicy especially with the sauce served.

Salient point is availability of such different munching food while watching a movie. As such Nachos are not very commonly available in Pune (I wonder why? I think they deserve better than burgers & pizzas). Little Italy in Pune serves good Nachos, but as a starters before mail course meal. There is no Taco Bell yet  in Pune :(

Daal Baati

I do not think I ate Daal Baati at enough places to comment on this dish with authority. However, this Daal Baati drew me there couple of times in spite of the place being over crowed and not as great food to motivate myself driving down 15kms even on the weekend.

The place is Hotel Village in Amanora township, Hadapsar.  Its buffet with all kinds of food stalls. Daal Baati is classic Baati socked in desi Ghee. The helper crushes the Baati in a steel bowl pouring warm Daal and couple of spoonful of desi Ghee over it. Sprinkle some Churma over it & taste is awesome! It’s funny to see this counter placed between Zunka Bhakar counter at one side and Hakka noodle-Manchurian counter on other side with 1 attendant for all 3! But then I was very focused with my goal & had emptied 9-10 bowls of Daal Baati. 

Bedekar Misal

After writing about few Misals around, I ought to write about this one. Has been pride of downtown Pune for few decades now. I can’t wait in long queue especially on holiday mornings here, take away is preferred (queue is smaller!) and parcel is given at backdoor. Location is Mujabacha Bol, Narayan Peth, Pune. Location link below will help you. It is very near to Ranka Jeweler shop on Laxmi road.

Out of Misals I have written about, I feel this one is richer in terms of number of ingredients.  It has mixture of pulses, potato subzi, roasted rice flakes, Sev, onion & coriander as a base. Curry added on top (Tarri) has very unique hot & sweet taste. Tarri also have pieces of pumpkin. This bit is unique (can also be seen as odd) I met few people who don’t like this missal as there is a trace of sweet taste. It is different and I like it! Misal is not a sweet curry for sure but bearable hot so one can enjoy taste of ingredients.  I feel the variety comes together well to make it popular Puneri Misal.