Pune isnโt just the land of misal pav and mastani โ itโs a paradise for traditional Maharashtrian sweets. Whether itโs puran poli during Holi, modaks during Ganeshotsav, or chirote for Diwali, these sweet treats are deeply woven into the culture (and cravings) of the city.
Hereโs your curated list of the best Maharashtrian sweets in Pune โ along with where to find the most authentic, freshest versions.
1. Puran Poli โ Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale
๐ Deccan Gymkhana / Kothrud / Multiple branches
Why: Sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread with a dollop of ghee โ soft, rich, and perfectly balanced. Chitale’s puran poli is festival-favorite and freezer-friendly.
Pro Tip: Ask for warm ghee on the side. Heaven.
2. Ukadiche Modak โ Kaka Halwai
๐ Budhwar Peth / Aundh
Why: Steamed rice flour dumplings filled with jaggery-coconut stuffing. Kaka Halwaiโs modaks are among the best youโll find outside of a Maharashtrian home.
Pro Tip: Available mostly during Ganeshotsav โ pre-order early!
3. Anarsa โ Purohit Sweets
๐ Laxmi Road
Why: Crispy, sweet rice-flour discs rolled in poppy seeds, best during Diwali. Purohitโs version is flaky yet firm.
Pro Tip: Pair with a cup of strong tea or have it with shrikhand.
4. Shrikhand & Amrakhand โ Joshi Budhakaka Sweets
๐ Sadashiv Peth
Why: Thick, creamy hung-curd dessert, flavored with saffron, cardamom, and mango (Amrakhand). Joshi’s version is both indulgent and traditional.
Pro Tip: Grab a pack of bhakri or puri from a local shop to go with it.
5. Chirote โ Kaka Halwai / Kayani Bakery (seasonal)
๐ Camp / Deccan
Why: Layered, deep-fried, sugar-dusted puff pastries โ Diwali essential. Kayani gives it an English twist, Kaka keeps it classic.
Pro Tip: Best eaten warm with a drizzle of ghee.
6. Basundi โ Shree Krishna Sweets
๐ Sadashiv Peth / Kothrud
Why: Slow-cooked milk sweetened and flavored with cardamom and saffron. Thick, rich, and indulgent.
Pro Tip: Ask for dry fruit topping.
7. Kharvas โ Bhavnagari Sweets (Erandwane)
๐ Erandwane
Why: A steamed milk pudding made from colostrum milk โ rare, nostalgic, and incredibly delicate.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to check availability โ it sells out fast.
8. Dink (Gond) Ladoo โ Amrutulya Sweets
๐ Karve Nagar
Why: Power-packed winter laddoos made with edible gum, jaggery, nuts, and dry coconut. Traditionally made for strength and warmth.
Pro Tip: Best during winter; eat warm with ghee.
9. Tilgul โ Any Local Mithai Shop (Jan-Makar Sankranti)
๐ All Over Pune in January
Why: Sesame-jaggery ladoos given during Sankranti with the saying: โTilgul ghya, god god bola!โ (Have this sweet and speak sweetly).
Pro Tip: Look for handmade versions in peth areas.
10. Kaju Katli & Barfi โ Chitale & Purohit
๐ Citywide
Why: While not strictly Maharashtrian, kaju katli is a Diwali staple. Puneโs top sweet shops add saffron or rose to make it extra festive.
Pro Tip: Avoid buying last-minute during Diwali โ shops are mobbed.
๐ Zomefy Sweet Trail Suggestions:
- Do a sweet walk through Laxmi Road or Sadashiv Peth during Diwali or Holi
- Pair shrikhanda with puri at Joshi Budhakaka or Shreyas Thali
- Visit Kaka Halwai during Ganesh festival for the full modak lineup
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