Best Food In Kolhapur: Taste The Flavoursome Dishes

A traditional Maharashtrian thali, inclusive of Marathi dishes, served in copper utensils.

As you stroll down the vibrant and bustling streets of the city, the delectable, spicy and rich aroma of the best food in Kolhapur suddenly engulfs you. It reveals a new culinary delight with every next step. Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is a meeting point of tradition and innovation, where recipes are passed through generations to reflect its rich cultural tapestry. The best dishes here range from its world-renowned Kolhapuri Misal to Tambda and Pandhra Rassa. The place offers a glimpse of a delicious journey from mouth-watering street snacks to gourmet delicacies that will make your taste happy.

10 Best Food In Kolhapur

The best food in Kolhapur offers a glimpse into its authentic flavours and spicy heritage. Here are some of the places that you must explore.

1. Bawada Misal

 Misal Pav, a traditional snack of Maharashtra, served on a plate with chilled buttermilk.

Photo: Ankushkr2020 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

To explore the authentic and diverse gastronomic Kolhapuri landscape, you must visit Bawada Misal. This family-friendly and economically priced joint is situated approximately 6-8 km away from the city centre. It offers a variety of traditional Kolhapuri dishes including iconic Bawada Missal, Special Shevchivda, Lemongrass Special Tea, Khawa Barfi, Matki Bowl, Potato Chivda and much more. Established in 1923, they have a team of local and passionate food enthusiasts who offer authentic Kolhapuri flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Location: E ward, Main Road, Kasaba Bawada
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹200-400

2. Hotel Padma

Mutton Fry, a meat delicacy, is served on a plate along with onions, lemons and chilli.

Photo: Xinyi W. / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Hotel Padma is a must-visit for those who want to explore both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine specialities like Tambda and Pandhra Rassa, Mutton Fry, Mutton Lonche, Maharashtrian Vegetarian Thali, Rakti Mundi Thali, and others. It is easily accessible as it is situated with 2-3 km proximity to the city centre. It is a family-friendly eatery situated within the guesthouse and is nice and spacious with good ambience. Satisfactory service and consistent quality make it a favoured destination among locals and tourists.

Location: Near Dhairyaprasad Sanskruti Bhavan, Tarabai Park
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM; 7 PM- 11 PM
Cost/Person: ₹500-700

3. Dehaati

Mutton Masala, served on a banana leaf with veg biryani in traditional Bengali style.

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Dehaati is among one of the best places to explore authentic Kolhapuri food. It showcases a wide range of the best food in Kolhapur, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like Kolhapuri Special mutton masala thali, biryani, and Punjabi. Despite being slightly distant (Approx. 8-10 km), it is a popular eatery among locals as well as visitors due to its traditional flavours and attractive ambience. The restaurant offers prompt service, as the staff here is friendly, accommodating, and efficient.

Location: Ayodhya Park, Tarani Chowk, Old Pune Bangalore Hwy,
Timings: 12:15 PM – 3 PM; 7:30 PM -10:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹500-800

4. Rajabhau Bhel

Bhelpuri, an Indian chaat made of puffed rice, garnished with cilantro, sev, and chilli.

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Rajabhau Bhel is one of the famous Bhel eateries of Mahalaxmi Nagar. If you want to try some classic street food and you are near the city centre, treat your taste buds with the tangy and spicy flavour from this joint, which is located just 2-3 km away. It is famous for its unique flavours and varieties of Bhel. This eatery specialises in dishes like Oli Bhel, Tea Time Bhel, Jain Bhel, Special Lehsun Bhel, Special Liquid Bhel, and others.

Location: S.T, colony, Mahalaxminagar, Rajarampuri
Timings: 5 PM – 11 PM (closed on Thursdays)
Cost/Person: ₹50-200

5. Hotel Parakh

Tambda Pandhara, a typical Kolhapuri delicacy served with red curry and chicken fry.

Photo: Nitinberlekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hotel Parakh is well known for serving various traditional Kolhapuri cuisine. The speciality of this restaurant is Tambda Pandhra Rassa, which is a spicy mutton curry prepared with red chillies, coconut, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and other spices. It also offers other delicacies like Kolhapuri Mutton, Solkadi, Sukha Mutton, Biryani rice, Andakari thali, Special Veg Thali, Chicken Thali, Mutton Thali, and many others. This hotel is near both the city centre and Kolhapur Railway station with a 2-4 km range.

Location: E Ward, Patole Wadi, Near SM Ghatge Automobiles,
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM; 7:30 PM – 11 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300-700

6. Opal Restaurant

A glimpse of Tandoori Chicken Sizzler, the best food in Kolhapur is a non-veg delicacy.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This restaurant serves a wide range of iconic and authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from Maharashtra with rich flavours that will blow your mind. Established in 1968, this restaurant is also awarded with the Times Foodie Award for Best Local Cuisine 2012. This restaurant, located just 2 km away from the city centre, offers the best food in Kolhapur through some famous delicacies like Kolhapuri Mutton Thalli, Mutton Sukka, Tambda Rassa, Veg Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka, and most prominent opal’s mutton specialities.

Location: E Ward, old Pune Bangalore Road, Opp. MAI Hyundai Showroom
Timings: 12 PM – 4 PM; 7:30 PM – 11 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300-600

7. Chorge Misal

Missal Pav, the best food in Kolhapur is a Marathi dish, garnished with sev and onions.

Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located in the heart of Kolhapur near Mahawar Road, Chorge Misal is popular for its spicy and flavorful Kolhapuri Misal, which is loved by both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant has not lost its charm since its inception in 1959 due to its USP of using local fresh ingredients that provide enhanced and consistent quality. It includes an array of flavorful dishes like Chorage Special Missal, Kolhapuri Misal, Solkadi, and Missal Curry. This outlet is also known for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

Location: Gujari Corner Mahadwar Road, near Mahalaxmi Temple
Timings: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹100-300

8. Moon Tree Café

An image of pizza, the best food in Kolhapur is topped with sauces and vegetables.

Photo: Ivan Torres / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Well known for its quality and unique flavour, this restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts to experience the best food in Kolhapur to have an unforgettable experience. It offers the best fusion food ranging from traditional prawns to wood-fired pizzas, including veg thali, and a variety of non-vegetarian selections. It also offers mocktails, cocktails, wine and other alcohol options. This place is photo-worthy with a good ambience and relaxing vibe, perfect for casual outings. It is located just 2-3 away from the city centre.

Location: In Sayaji Hotel, Old Pune Bangalore Hwy, Shahpuri
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Cost/Person: ₹500-100

9. Madhuri Bakery

An image of a bakery shop which offers different varieties of the best food in Kolhapur.

Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you have a sweet tooth or have a strong passion for good cake and pastry, try Madhuri Bakery, located just a kilometre away from the city centre in Kolhapur. The friendly service, cost-relevant, and mouth-watering food will amaze you here. The bakery caters for options such as red velvet cheesecake, almond mango chocolate cake, Afghan dry fruit cake, and freshly baked pastry and biscuits. You can have a fulfilling and satisfying desert experience here that doesn’t break the bank.

Location: C Ward, Bindu Chowk, Near Shri Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple
Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM
Cost/Person: ₹200-500

10. Hotel Waman Guest House

Fish curry, the best food in Kolhapur, consists of fish fry, curry, gravy, and pickles.

Photo: Abhik Paul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Close to the city centre, Hotel Waman Guest House is a haven for seafood lovers. This place is well known among locals for its Konkani-style fish dishes. You can also taste finger-licking Malvani cuisine here at affordable rates. Their USP is that they use fresh fish instead of frozen alternatives, which multiplies the flavour many times. Some popular dishes here include bangda fish thali with prawns, surmai fry, bombil fry and others. The rich flavours and freshness will surely win your heart.

Location: 1st Lane, Shahpuri, Kolhapur
Timings: 11:30 AM -3:30 PM; 7 – 10:30 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300-500

The food in Kolhapur is a paradise for food lovers; from iconic street food joints for a quick bite a hearty traditional meal, Kolhapur captures the region’s bold and flavorful cuisine. The best food in Kolhapur includes a variety of fiery authentic Kolhapuri dishes and tangy street food that satisfies the palate and soul. Plan a trip with TripXL and don’t miss the chance to savour the city’s unique taste.

Cover Photo: Shakti Rajpurohit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

You can try local markets around Shivaji Park, Rankala Lake area, Mahalaxmi Temple area, Tararani Chowk, and Sakkardara Chowk to try different authentic and budget-friendly meals.
You must try Basundi, Puran Poli, Gulab Jamun, Kharwas, Rava Ladoo, Chiroti, and Karanji.
It includes a variety of dishes like Bhakri, Rice, Kolhapuri Chicken Mutton, Vegetable Curry, Missal, Pithla, Koshimbir, Sol kadi, Achar, Papad, Sweet dish, and Chutney.
When visiting Kolhapur, you must experience the best food in Kolhapur like Missal Pav, Kolhapuri thali, Tambda Rassa, Pandhra Rassa, and Pithla Bhakri.
October to February is the best time to visit Kolhapur as the temperature is mild and pleasing, and most comfortable for exploring delicacies.

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