Where Spice Meets Flavour: Famous Street Food In Kolhapur

A man decoratively cutting a raw mango among colourful display of veggies in a food stall
Updated on
23

Famous street food in Kolhapur invites people towards diverse tastes for the enjoyment of richness in the city’s cuisine. The city has active cultures, historical landmarks, and a deep-rooted heritage, making Kolhapur a paradise for all foodies. The spicy and flavour-rich dishes, especially the street food of Kolhapur, are so delicious that every bite is remembered for a long time. A plate of misal with a rich, spicy rassa or a crunchy vada pav with tangy chutneys it is going to be an experience in every street corner of Kolhapur.

10 Places To Visit For Famous Street Food In Kolhapur

To help you experience the city’s boldest, spiciest flavours and explore Kolhapur’s energetic streets, here is a list of famous places serving street food in Kolhapur that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Phadtare Misal – A Spicy Legacy

The famous Phadtare Misal served with two slices of bread, sliced onions and lime wedge

Photo: JayanandS / Wikimedia Commons

Phadtare Misal has become the local icon for Kolhapuri misal, boasting its signature fiery “rassa” or spicy gravy for a memorable misal pav experience. The dish is a symphony of textures and flavours, fried savoury and crispy farsan on top of sprouts lavishly drenched in the super spicy, flavorful rassa served with freshly baked pav. A dollop of cooling mattha is served on the side to complement that spiciness, but the real joy lies in the piquancy of the spice that Kolhapur is known for.

Best Time To Visit: Morning and lunchtime
Famous For: Hot spicy misal, served with mattha
Nearest Bus Stop: Phadtare Misal Bus Stop

2. Bawda Misal – A True Kolhapuri Experience

Spicy Kolhapuri misal served with two slices of bread, chopped onions and lime wedge

Photo: Milind Bhadvankar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Known for its taste and pocket-friendly rates, the famous street food in Kolhapur for misal enthusiasts is the Bawda Misal. The hot piping misal here is marked by a distinct blend of masalas. At Bawda, it is the thick, spicy gravy poured over crunchy farsan that makes for a mouthwatering dish that bursts with flavour in each bite. The crunch of farsan, onion topping and the touch of lemon deserve a big thumbs up from the foodies. The misal at Bawda is a bit more sour, and its perfectly balanced heat draws people in who crave that iconic Kolhapuri kick.

Best Time To Visit: Breakfast time
Famous For: Kolhapuri misal
Nearest Bus Stop: Mahadwar Road Bus Stop

3. Rajabhau Bhelwale – Iconic Bhel Puri

Bhelpuri, puffed rice mixed with sev, onions and tomatoes with chutney served with a spoon

Photo: Rashmeet Kaur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Be it a visit to Kolhapur or a detour into this pristine city, Rajabhau Bhelwale is the destination everybody needs to visit to indulge in the authentic and best bhel puri of Kolhapur. Here, puffed rice is used as a base, followed by sev or crispy noodles mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes, a dash of spices, and some tangy-sweet tamarind chutney. Each spoonful is an explosion of textures and crunchy elements combined with tangy and sweet flavours, making it an excellent evening snack. Rajabhau Bhelwale is a decade old.

Best Time To Visit: Evening time
Famous For: Bhel puri, Sev puri, and Chaat
Nearest Bus Stop: Shahupuri Bus Stop

4. Chorage Vada Pav – The Maharashtrian Delight

Vada pav, stuffed with a potato vada and green chutney, served with a fried chilli

Photo: Rutvi Mistry / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Vada pav, also known as the “Indian burger,” gets a tasty face-lift at Chorage Vada Pav. The fluffy pav is stuffed with a spicy, deep-fried potato patty called vada, and complemented with fiery green chutney and a red, dry chutney that adds an extra layer of heat. The crispy outside of the vada contrasts wonderfully with the soft and spicy potato stuffing. Chorage Vada Pav stands out for its heavily spiced, bold chutneys. This has been a street food classic for ages, affordable, and perfect for grabbing on the go while exploring the historical sites in Kolhapur.

Best Time To Visit: Morning and Evening
Famous For: Vada Pav with spicy Kolhapuri chutney
Nearest Bus Stop: Rankala Lake Bus Stop

5. Shivaji Peth Pav Bhaji – A Flavoursome Treat

Buttery red bhaji served with buttery pav, chopped onions and lime wedge on a steel plate

Photo: SwingingUvula / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shivaji Peth Pav Bhaji is one of the most sought-after places for all the foodies for the most famous street food in Kolhapur, the pav bhaji. The rich, buttery bhaji is perfectly cooked and served with soft pav that soaks up the rich flavours. What sets this place apart is the Kolhapuri spin on pav bhaji, infusing it with more spices and a tang that is slightly sharper than its Mumbai version. Topped with a dollop of butter and served with chopped onions and lemon, this meal is comforting and flavorful, making it a favourite among locals and visitors.

Best Time To Visit: Evening onwards
Famous For: Pav Bhaji with extra butter and spicy bhaji
Nearest Bus Stop: Shivaji Peth Bus Stop

6. Dehati Misal – Spice Lovers’ Heaven

Fiery red Kolhapuri misal made with sprouted pulses, topped with farsan served with pav

Photo: Ankurkr2020 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The legendary Dehati Misal in Kolhapur is famous for the fiery spice and authenticity of the experience of having Kolhapuri misal. This place serves the spiciest version of misal, hence attracting those who like this real fire of the Kolhapuri recipe. This thick rassa is known to contain deep rich flavours along with crunchy farsan, onions, and fresh lemon. Another thing that makes Dehati Misal special is that it uses Kolhapuri traditional spices mixed together, which can provide a perfect mix of fiery yet balanced flavours.

Best Time To Visit: Breakfast and Lunch
Famous For: Fiery Kolhapuri Misal with crispy bread
Nearest Bus Stop: Dehati Bus Stop

7. Dairy Ice Cream – A Sweet Retreat

A person holding a cone of double scope of white and pink ice cream on a bright day

Photo: Byeznhpyxeuztibuo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Be in Kolhapur, and you will constantly crave the chill of dairy ice cream to ease the pungency of the street food. This famous street food in Kolhapur is famous for its home-made traditional flavours, especially Kesar Pista. The creamy and rich ice-creams with fresh flavours leave out all the fiery turmoil of the spicy street food of Kolhapur. Seasonal fruit flavours such as mango are also launched on summer days. Its popularity has grown with the locals and the tourists equally.

Best Time To Visit: Evening onwards
Famous For: Kesar Pista, Mango, and Chocolate Ice Cream
Nearest Bus Stop: Mahadwar Road Bus Stop

8. Kalamba Lassi – Cooling Off In Style

Yogurt-based rich and sweet lassi topped with a dollop of cream served in a clay glass

Photo: Vivekpat30 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kalamba Lassi is located conveniently near the busy Kalamba market, making it a perfect place for a thirst quencher with a delicious glass of the traditional lassi, which is thick and rich. It is topped with a generous layer of cream that feels fresh and revitalising at the same time, yet indulgent. The subtle sweetness of the lassi makes it an ideal drink after a spicy meal, and it is a favourite amongst Kolhapuri locals. A visit to Kalamba would be incomplete without trying this refreshing and famous street food in Kolhapur.

Best Time To Visit: Afternoon and Evening
Famous For: Traditional lassi with rich malai
Nearest Bus Stop: Kalamba Market Bus Stop

9. Bhogave Kachori – Crispy And Delicious

Crispy, golden kachoris served with chutneys, sweetened curd, pomegranate seeds and sev

Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bhogave Kachori has one of the yummiest snack options in Kolhapur: crispy, golden kachoris packed with spicy filling made from lentils, onions, and a blend of local spices. The kachoris are deep-fried, such that they are golden on the outside and soft, and flavoured inside. Each bite is a delight of texture, and with chutney, it becomes something you just can’t help but indulge in. This place is especially popular in the evenings when locals come here for a quick snack after work or while shopping in nearby markets.

Best Time To Visit: Evening
Famous For: Crispy Kachoris served with chutney
Nearest Bus Stop: Bhogave Bus Stop

10. Mahalaxmi Dosa – Southern Flair With A Kolhapuri Twist

Golden dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar served on a plate with banana leaf

Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mahalaxmi Dosa, a destination for one of the famous street foods in Kolhapur, is the perfect destination for all dosa enthusiasts. It offers an authentic South Indian dish with a touch of Kolhapur. The dosas here are golden, crispy, and filled with spicy potato filling. It is served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar, which is just perfect as a breakfast or even as an evening snack. The best is their Kolhapuri Masala Dosa, which is full of spices that usher in the sense of spice lovers.

Best Time To Visit: Morning and Evening
Famous For: Masala Dosa with spicy Kolhapuri flavours
Nearest Bus Stop: Mahalaxmi Temple Bus Stop

The streets of Kolhapur are like a treat for all the senses, especially for those who look forward to spicy flavours with bold characters. Take your time and explore these legendary food spots, allowing your taste buds to indulge in the unique culinary journey that Kolhapur has in store for you. Plan your Mumbai adventure with TripXL and taste the real street food of Kolhapur for yourself!

Cover Photo: Loic Schulé / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Kolhapur Misal has a notorious reputation for its spiciness although some vendors can make less spicy ones, you can ask the vendor to cut down on the spice level or best served with cooling beverages, such as buttermilk or lassi, that will tone down the spiciness.
Yes, there are a large number of street food stalls within walking distance of main tourist attractions like Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake, and Old Palace; thus, travellers can readily obtain a speedy, genuine meal while visiting.
Although Kolhapur mainly has vegetarian street food, some food stalls and joints supply non-vegetarian foods like mutton and chicken kebabs.
Since the food is spicy, buttermilk (mattha), lassi, or sugarcane juice are ideal for cooling down after a spiced meal. These are widely available at most street food stalls in the city.
Many vendors accept digital payment through mobile applications like Google Pay and Paytm. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash with you just in case.

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