If you visit Akola (Maharashtra, India), these are 10 foods & dishes that any tourist or first‑time visitor should taste — from breakfast snacks to street‑food to sweets — to get a real flavour of the city’s culinary vibe.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
- Sabudana Khichdi — made from tapioca pearls (sabudana), peanuts, and spices — is a popular breakfast or snack item in Akola.
- Light yet satisfying — it’s a good choice for travellers looking for a simple, vegetarian meal (often paired with yogurt or chutney).
2. Pav Bhaji
- Pav Bhaji is a popular street-food dish in Akola — a rich, buttery mixed‑vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft pav (bread rolls).
- Originating elsewhere, it’s widely enjoyed in Akola and makes for a filling evening snack or casual meal.
3. Vada Pav
- A humble yet iconic snack — Vada Pav consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between soft bread (pav), often served with chutneys.
- It’s perfect for a quick bite — ideal for travellers exploring the town or those on the go.
4. Misal Pav
- Misal Pav is a spicy and flavourful dish of sprouted beans (usāl), spicy gravy (tarri), potatoes (batata bhaaji), farsan/sev or chivda, onions, coriander, and a wedge of lemon — served with soft “pav” (bread).
- It’s commonly eaten as breakfast or a mid‑day snack, but can also serve as a hearty meal.
- In Akola, this is a must-try, especially from local street-food stalls that serve it fresh and piping hot.
5. Bhakri with Amti/Kadhi or Vegetable Curry
- Bhakri — a flatbread usually made from local grains like jowar or bajra — is a traditional staple in the region.
- It’s often enjoyed with lentil-based curries (like amti or kadhi) or simple vegetable dishes — giving visitors a taste of everyday local eating.
6. Purani Poli & Other Traditional Sweets (e.g. Badam Halwa, Modak, Chakli, Tilgul)
- Local sweet dishes are an important part of Akola’s food culture. Purani Poli (a sweet flatbread), Badam Halwa (almond‑based sweet), Modak (traditional sweet dumpling), Chakli (crisp savory snack), and Tilgul are among those often enjoyed during festivals — but available year‑round as treats.
- These provide a sweet contrast to the spicy street food, and are great for dessert or as souvenirs from your food tour.
7. Meals at Local Restaurants — North Indian, Mughlai & Multi‑Cuisine
- For a change from traditional or street foods, Akola has restaurants offering North Indian, Mughlai, and multi‑cuisine meals — ideal if you prefer a more familiar or non‑spicy meal.
- These restaurants serve full meals — sometimes at budget-friendly prices — good for families, travellers from other parts of India, or those seeking variety.
8. Poha / Tomato Omelette (Tomato Dhirde) — Light & Quick Breakfasts
- Poha (flattened rice cooked with peanuts, spices, lemon) is a common breakfast option in Akola — light and easy, perfect before a day of sightseeing.
- Another similar option is Tomato Omelette (often called “Tomato Dhirde”) — a chickpea‑flour pancake with onions, tomatoes, green chillies. Good for vegetarians and quick breakfasts.
9. Local Bakery Items – Breads, Biscuits, Snacks
- Akola has local bakeries offering simple breads, biscuits, and snacks — useful for travellers who prefer quick eats or need something light during travel. Many local eateries and cafés cater to this.
- Great for breakfasts, evening snacks, or even for carrying along on train journeys.
10. Chaat & Street‑food (Pani Puri / Bhel Puri / Dahi Puri)
- Street‑food lovers will enjoy chaat varieties like Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Dahi Puri — crunchy, tangy, spicy snacks that reflect the local flavour.
- These are especially good for an evening snack or a quick bite while roaming around the city.
Some Tips for First-Time Visitors / Tourists in Akola
- Start Your Day Right: Have a light breakfast like Poha or Tomato Omelette, or go for Sabudana Khichdi — easy on the stomach and good fuel for a day’s travel.
- Embrace Street‑food Culture: Evening is a great time for chaat (Pani Puri, Bhel Puri) or a hot plate of Misal Pav / Pav Bhaji — street stalls usually offer fresh food and vibrant local vibes.
- Try Locals’ Sweet & Snack Culture: Don’t skip local sweets or snacks (Purani Poli, Badam Halwa, Chakli) — they reflect regional traditions and are often lighter compared to heavy meals.
- Mix It Up: Pair traditional Maharashtrian meals (Bhakri with curry) with occasional restaurant meals — to balance spice, comfort, and variety.
- When Short on Time / On the Move: Bakery items or quick snacks from local cafés/restaurants are handy, especially if you’re travelling by train or bus.