Nagpur city is located in the central part of India. The region is known for Gond tribes. The food and delicacies are derived from Local tribes and nearby cities Like Indore, Bhopal and Hyderabad. Here in this article, you will be getting to know about the food of Nagpur as an Insider.
Santra Barfi:
This dessert is orange in color hence the name. Santra burfi is a kind of fudge made with orange pulp and flavor into condensed form and is readily available in most of the sweet shops in Nagpur. Also known as Orange barfi, it is the trademark delicacy of Haldiram. It’s the best pick for the sweet tooth. This is the must carry sweet to home while returning from Nagpur.
Recommended Places: Shree Heera Sweets, Haldiram’s Outlet.
Tarri Poha:
Yes, it is “Tarri” not “Tari”. Poha is a staple breakfast for Nagpur, and this savory is best enjoyed with pouring tarri on it. Its a dish with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, diced potatoes, and curry leaves. Lemon juice is used for garnishing this fine savory. There are numerous roadside shacks across the city, (what locals refer to as ‘tapri’), which serve tarri poha. Visiting Nagpur would be incomplete if you won’t try a plate of the iconic Nagpur Street Food.
Recommended Places: Ramji-Shyamji Pohewala, Keshav Pohawala, Rupam Sakhare’s stall in Kasturchand Park.
Samosas:
Samosa is widely accepted street food across the country and in Nagpur too. But what makes the Nagpuri samosa stand out amongst the rest is its technique and spices which enhances its flavor and give out an exquisite and delightful taste.
Recommended Places: Priti Corner, Samosawala Vayusena Nagar.
Patodi Rassa:
Another spicy item from this part of the world, this is a Vidarbha specialty made from gram flour (besan). The rassa or curry is the best part of the dish with oil and a lot of different spices. Relish this for a scrumptious lunch. Best recommended item for vegetarians.
Recommended Places: Varhadi Vyanjan, Shruti Foods, Swayampak Kitchen (Dial4Food)
Saoji Delicacies:
Saoji cuisine is pride in Vidharbha Region and hence a must-try food in Nagpur. Saoji Mutton & Saoji Chicken are famous dishes whereas for vegetarian and eggetarian people options are available in Saoji Cuisine. Its robust regional spices mixed very well. This dish can be tried at various shacks or bhojnalayas in and around Nagpur.
Recommended Places: Jagdish Saoji Bhojnalay, Rahi Saoji, Baba Saoji
Biryani:
A trip to any city would be incomplete without tasting its biryani. Every city has a different story to tell when it comes to Biryani. Nagpur serves one of the finest biryanis in the country. Every small restaurant, shack or small food stalls offer this delectable Biryani.
Recommended Places: Babbu’s, Al-Zam-Zam, Barbeque Kareem’s, Behrouz (Order Online)
Matka Roti/Laamb Roti (in Marathi)
Now just do not get confuse it with Rumali Roti. This one is different, the basic difference lies in the preparation method and ingredients. While Rumali Roti is made from Maida and is made over iron vessel over tandoor, Matka Roti is made from Full Atta and is made over a hot matka. Matka Roti has to be made using full forearms and its dough has to be beaten continuously to keep its elasticity. In short, a unique food originated from Central India. It’s best to try with spicy gravy dishes.
Recommended Places: Taj Matka Roti (also many local restaurants serves)
Chai:
Nagpur is a city of gourmets, who serenade food almost as a love interest. A Nagpurkar is very serious about where he has his daily dose of chai/tea, just like the Lannisters who are very serious about paying their debts; GOT fans will agree.
Recommended Places: Teavolution, Raavan Tea Stall, Go For Chai, Baba Chaiwala, Dolly Chaiwala, Arun Tea Centre
So this was my try for a short compilation of unique food items from Nagpur. If you know any I might have left, do share in the comments below.
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