Must Try Foods in
Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its natural beauty, viewpoints and hill station charm. But any traveller who has been here will tell you that the food experience is equally memorable. Here are the must try foods in Mahabaleshwar that you should not miss on any trip.

1. Fresh Strawberries and Strawberry Cream

This is THE food of Mahabaleshwar. The hill station produces over 85 percent of India's strawberries. The cool climate at 1372 metres and rich volcanic soil create the perfect growing conditions. Fresh strawberry cream which is strawberries served with fresh cream is the classic serving and you will find it everywhere. You will find strawberry stalls at Venna Lake boating, Mapro Garden strawberry farm, the main market and at virtually every corner of Mahabaleshwar. Season runs from November to May and peaks in March and April.

2. Strawberry Ice Cream and Mulberry Ice Cream

Mahabaleshwar makes the best strawberry ice cream in India from fresh local berries. But do not miss the mulberry ice cream. Mulberries also grow in abundance here and their dark sweet tart flavour makes for an ice cream that you simply cannot get anywhere else in India. Look for it at the main market stalls.

3. Corn Patties and Bhutta

Freshly roasted corn or bhutta and corn patties are a Mahabaleshwar tradition. The cool mountain air makes a piping hot corn snack irresistible. Roasted corn with lemon and masala is available at virtually every viewpoint. The corn patties which are thin crispy corn based patties are a unique local speciality.

4. Vada Pav and Poha

Maharashtra's most beloved street food Vada Pav or the Mumbai burger is everywhere in Mahabaleshwar. The quality is excellent and prices are very local and affordable. Start your morning sightseeing with fresh Poha at the local stalls. This is a flattened rice preparation with onions mustard and curry leaves. The perfect light breakfast before a day of viewpoints.

5. Fresh Sugarcane Juice

Freshly pressed sugarcane juice that is cold sweet and refreshing is the perfect Mahabaleshwar afternoon drink. The sugarcane grown in the Sahyadri foothills has a distinctive sweetness. Available at roadside stalls near all major viewpoints and the main market.

6. Chana Spiced Chickpeas

A popular Mahabaleshwar street snack is spiced chickpeas or chana served in a paper cone often with coconut and tamarind chutney. It is the perfect snack while walking between viewpoints or at the Venna Lake lakeside. Very filling and very affordable for families and groups.

7. Mapro Products

Mapro Garden is a must visit in Mahabaleshwar. Pick up jars of strawberry jam, strawberry crush, fruit chocolates, mixed fruit jams and mulberry products to bring home. The factory tour lets you see production and the Mapro restaurant serves strawberry based dishes, fresh sandwiches and the famous Mapro pizza.

8. Parsi and Chinese Cuisine

Mahabaleshwar has an old connection with Parsi culture and the town has some excellent Parsi restaurants. Also popular is authentic Chinese food at restaurants in the main market. Not just Indian cuisine. Mahabaleshwar offers a genuinely diverse food scene that will surprise you on your first visit.