The festive season has started and we are sure everyone is excited about the holidays, celebrations and food! Bengali's away from Calcutta are eagerly waiting for this time of the year to head back home for Durga Pujo but there are quite a many who cant make it. Pune has a great Bengali community and Durga Pujas happen all over the city with huge pandals open to all. The main attraction at these pandals are obviously the idols but another big reason for people to visit these pandals is food! Caterers from all over the city and from Bengal set up stalls with delicious Bengali food. If you are going to be experiencing Durga Puja for the first time in Pune this year, here is a list of must have food items that you can try at different pandals all over the city.
A Guide To Eating At A Durga Pujo Pandal In Pune!
Fish Fry
This fried deliciousness is the pride of Bengalis! Relish a deep-fried piece of bhetki or basa fish, coated with a layer of some mixed spices and topped with a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs. At any puja pandal you will find a plate of two fish fries for less than INR 100 served with a tangy mustard dip called "kashondi". Try the fish fry at the Congress Bhavan Durga Puja.
Kathi Rolls
Calcutta is the mecca for kathi rolls. As legend says, it was invented there and since then the recipes have traveled all over the country. If you are at a Durga puja pandal then you have to try an egg roll or chicken roll. A chicken roll will have pieces of chicken kebabs wrapped in an egg paratha drizzled with tomato and chilly sauce. You can grab one roll for INR 100-120 at any pandal. You should definitely give the kathi rolls a shot at the khadki kalibari durga pujo mela.
Mutton Kosha and Luchi
How can you not have mutton kosha during pujo? This rich, savoury mutton curry is a favourite among all. With chunks of soft mutton and half-cut potatoes, mutton kosha is a treat to your taste buds. Team it up with some tasty luchis and your dinner is sorted. You can grab a plate for INR 200-250 at any pandal. Try the mutton kosha at Rohi Villa Palace in Koregaon Park.
Biryani
You really didn't think we are gonna skip biryani's did you? Kolkata biryanis are the all time favourite without a question. The fragrance of the rice, juicy pieces of mutton or chicken and the main attraction - a beautifully cooked and flavoured potato! You have to grab a plate of Kolkata style biryani during any pujo. It won't cost you more than INR 200 a plate. Even though you can get great biryani at all the pandals, try the one at the Hadapsar Kalibari Pujo.
Mishti and Sandesh
You cant go to a pujo pandal and not have sweets. Everyone knows roshogolla but try other Bengali sweets such as nolengurr sandesh, cham-chams, lengcha, chenar jalebi and much more for less than INR 50 each. You can grab your favourite sweets at all the pandals but try the ones at Paschim Bangya Parishad Durga Pujo on Baner Road.
