If you go to Sangli (Maharashtra), here are Top 10 Foods & Drinks to Try — complete with what they are, why they matter, and when to eat them.
1. Puran Poli
- What it is: A sweet flatbread made from wheat‑flour dough stuffed with a mixture of chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery and cardamom. The stuffed dough is rolled into thin discs and cooked on a griddle with ghee.
- Why try: It’s a classic Marathi sweet — soft, aromatic and rich — often made during festivals or special occasions. In Sangli, it’s a must‑have for a “real local breakfast or dessert” experience.
- When: Great for breakfast, a sweet evening treat, or dessert with a cup of tea / coffee.
2. Bharli Vangi (Stuffed Eggplant)
- What it is: Small brinjals (eggplants) stuffed with a mixture of grated coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds and spices — cooked in a tangy‑sweet tamarind‑jaggery gravy.
- Why try: It exemplifies rustic Maharashtrian cooking — turning simple vegetables into a richly flavored dish. In Sangli, it’s a household favourite and a signature vegetarian entrée.
- When: Best enjoyed at lunch or dinner — especially with jowar bhakri or rice.
3. Jowar Bhakri (Sorghum Flatbread)
- What it is: A flatbread made from jowar (sorghum) flour — rustic, gluten‑free and wholesome.
- Why try: It’s a staple of rural Maharashtra and offers a taste of traditional, down‑to‑earth cuisine. In Sangli, you’ll often find it served with curries like pithla or with spicy chutneys.
- When: Ideal for lunch or dinner — especially if you want authentic local flavour.
4. Zhunka Bhakri (Chickpea‑Flour Curry with Bhakri)
- What it is: “Zhunka” is a curry made from gram flour (besan), onions, green chilies, mustard seeds and spices; paired traditionally with bhakri (flatbread).
- Why try: A rustic, hearty meal that gives insight into how rural Maharashtra eats. It’s simple, filling and full of comforting flavours.
- When: Excellent for lunch — especially if you want something local and satisfying without heavy spices.
5. Solkadhi (Refreshing Kokum‑Coconut Drink)
- What it is: A cool, pink‑hued drink made from kokum and coconut milk — mildly tangy, refreshing and slightly sweet.
- Why try: Especially after a spicy meal — Solkadhi helps with digestion and cleanses the palate. It’s a soothing local favourite.
- When: Ideal after lunch or dinner — or on hot afternoons.
6. Kanda Poha (Flattened‑Rice Breakfast Dish)
- What it is: A light, comforting breakfast dish made from flattened rice (poha), onions, spices — often garnished with fresh coriander, grated coconut and a squeeze of lemon.
- Why try: Simple and quick — a popular local breakfast that gives a nice start to the day without being heavy.
- When: Early morning — with chai/coffee — before you head out to explore.
7. Misal Pav (Spicy Lentil Curry with Bread)
- What it is: A spicy, flavorful curry — often made from lentils or sprouted beans — served with pav (bread), topped with farsan or crunchy snack mix and garnished with onions, coriander and lemon. Common Maharashtrian street‑food.
- Why try: If you enjoy hearty, spicy breakfasts or snacks — Misal Pav offers a bold burst of flavours and gives you a taste of local street‑food culture.
- When: Breakfast or mid‑day snack.
8. Vada Pav / Street‑Food Snacks
- What it is: A deep‑fried potato patty (vada) sandwiched in a bun (pav), served with spicy garlic or peanut chutney — a quintessential Maharashtrian street snack.
- Why try: Great for quick bites — widely available across Sangli’s food stalls and eateries. A must‑try if you’re exploring the city’s street‑food scene.
- When: Evening snack, or any time when you are out exploring and hungry.
9. Bhadang (Local Snack / Rice Puff Mix)
- What it is: A regional snack popular around Sangli — puffed rice mixed with spices and other flavourful ingredients; often sold as a take‑home snack or street‑food munch.
- Why try: It’s a local specialty — light, crunchy and perfect as a quick snack or evening munch while exploring the city. Gives you a taste of everyday local life.
- When: Any time — ideal for in‑between meals, travel snacks or tea‑time.
10. Modak (Sweet Dumpling)
- What it is: A sweet dumpling made from rice flour outer shell, stuffed with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery. It can be steamed (traditional) or fried.
- Why try: A traditional Maharashtrian dessert — soft, sweet, comforting. Great for those with sweet tooth or curious about local festive foods.
- When: Dessert after a meal, or as a treat during festivals / special occasions.
Tips for Tourists & First‑time Visitors
- Meal timings: Typical breakfast between ~8–10 AM (try Poha, Misal Pav, Puran Poli); lunch around 1–3 PM (bhakri with curry / stuffed vegetable / rice‑based meals); dinner similar to lunch.
- Street‑food & snacks: For quick bites while exploring — try Vada Pav, Bhadang or Misal Pav from local stalls. The street‑food culture gives a real flavour of local life.
- Vegetarian‑friendly but also non‑veg available: If you prefer vegetarian meals — Sangli offers plenty. If you eat meat, look for local restaurants offering chicken / mutton curries.
- Don’t miss local specialties: Some dishes like Bhadang, Bharli Vangi, Jowar Bhakri are region-specific and give a taste of the agricultural heritage of Sangli.