The cuisine for every region represents its culture, ingrown crops, and local spices. Kolhapur being a fertile land has a diverse cuisine to offer which is famous across the whole country. On one hand, it offers the famous spice “Lavang” Mirchi and on other hand, the Kolhapur Jaggery is famous for its unique characteristics and sweet profile. Over a period of time, Kolhapur is known for its Misal Pav, the spicy non-veg curries, and the PranPoli made from Kolhapuri Gur (jaggery). A wide range of authentic Kolhapur Gur (jaggery) is also available on the KolGold website.
While in a traditional Kolhapur household, the authentic thali or the meal consists of curries, rice, Rotis or Bhakris, and sweets in the same order. The meal is usually served in a metal thali and in Kolhapur, while serving food, a bowl of saffron-scented water is also given to guests to avoid mixing any flavors. While Kolhapur’s red meat preparation is famous for its taste and spice, the basic soul food for every Kolhapur household is Pithila Bhakri i.e. the gram flour-based curry served with Bhakri or roti.
There is also a famous tradition in Kolhapur for milkmen to sell their milk called “Dudhkatta”. Here during evenings, milkmen take their cows out and milk them in front of customers where they come out and buy milk fresh directly from the milkmen. In some rural or internal areas, milkmen also take their cows directly to people’s houses and sell them directly. This is a unique way of selling fresh milk and is a significant aspect of Kolhapur’s food culture.
From snacks to accompaniments and main courses, there are multiple dishes famous in Kolhapur. Some of the most famous dishes are :
Kolhapur cha Misal Pav: The spicy misal pav is an everyday food item consumed in Kolhapur made of boiled moat beans, boiled potato, onion, tomato, and Farsan prepared in a hot red gravy made from local spices, garlic, ginger, and coconut. This is usually served with pav or Ladi pav as they call it in Maharashtra. Misal is a synonym for spice for many people outside Kolhapur are not used to spicy food on a regular basis but it is definitely a must-try in Kolhapur and a delicacy famous around the country.
Kolhapur soups: “Tambra Rassa” and “Pandra Rassa”‘ are famous accompaniments of a traditional Kolhapuri meal served along with the main course. While “Tambra Rassa” is a spicy red soup made with hot spices and mutton stock, the “Pandra Rassa” is a mild and soothing white soup made with coconut milk and mutton stock. They both compliment each other’s flavor and enhance the overall food experience.
Mutton fry: With the curries or soups, the main course is usually fried mutton and people from Kolhapur swear by it. It is well-cooked roasted mutton or red meat usually served dry. On all occasions, this is a must on the menu and with different spices, the different versions of the same are cooked in various parts of Kolhapur. “Ghaati Mutton” is another delicacy of red meat very famous in Kolhapur usually made from roasted mutton in coconut and a secret Kolhapur spice mix.
Kolhapur Bhel: Bhelpuri is very famous all across Maharashtra and served in all regions, the Kolhapur Bhel is slightly different and a spicier and hotter version of the regular Mumbai Bhel. It’s people’s famous snack while taking a walk at the Rankara Chaupati. While Khasbag “Khau Gali” offers all the street food of Kolhapur including Bhel, If you ask locals, they will suggest “RajaBhau Bhel” without a doubt. The Bhel joint is extremely famous now and even the foreign tourists visit and enjoy the delight.
Kolhapur Veg: Although nonveg specialties are most popular in Kolhapur, there are a few vegetarian dishes that are also popular. One is, Veg Kolhapur which is made from different vegetables cooked in a mixed Kolhapuri masala mix and coconut flavors. Another popular dish is Stuffed eggplant called Bhara Varli. The vegetarian thali usually has this on the thali and vegetarians enjoy these delicacies with roti or Bhakri.
Pithala Bhakri: The soul food for every Maharashtrian is Pithla Bhakri where a curry made from besan flour is served with Jowar Bhakri, raw onions, and also the Kolhapuri mint coriander chutney.
Puran Poli: No occasion or festival is complete without Puran Poli in Maharashtra. It is basically a paratha wrapped with an exquisite filling made of Kolhapur Gur(Jaggery) and Chana pulse. On all major festivals in Maharashtra including Gudi Padwa(Maharashtrian New Year) and marriages, Puran Poli is served for sure and is a local sweet delicacy enjoyed by the locals as well as the tourists.
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