From the association of the city with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to serving as the Maratha princely state during the era of British Rule in India, the royal influence of Kolhapur is effectively depicted in its rich cuisine, especially the delectable meat preparations. While the local cuisine of Kolhapur is believed to be relatively spicy, it is not as hot as they say in comparison to the food of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
The cuisines and dishes of Kolhapur are significantly influenced by its landscape, the vegetation of the region, and the communities of the area, including Gujaratis, Marathis, Brahmins, Muslims, and so on. As you visit Kolhapur, you can be assured of a lovely feast not only because of the strong zest and subtle variety of the local cuisine but also because of the unmatched hospitality of the local people.
What is the Most Famous Food of Kolhapur?
The food landscape of Kolhapur is quite special due to its unique scrumptiousness, rich history, and the perfect blend of piquant spices. The food of Kolhapur is quite influential and popular in Maharashtrian cuisine and is a major part of the city’s rich history. The food culture here also serves to be a great way to satiate the culinary aspirations of tourists from all parts of the nation and the globe.
If you are visiting Kolhapur, the food items here are a must-try, especially if you love spicy and savoury scrumptiousness. Here are some of the must-have items in Kolhapur:
1. Kolhapuri Chicken
As the name of the dish implies, it is an authentic delicacy of the city famed for its rich savour and divine aroma. Kolhapuri Chicken is famed for its aromatic blend of flavours and rich spices. As a matter of fact, it is one of the spiciest variations of chicken curry prepared in any part of India. Therefore, gear up your taste buds and indulge in the divine world of this spicy delight.
If you are fond of spicy food, this delicious preparation is assured to surprise you. With its origins in the native Kolhapuri cuisine, this dish features succulent chicken pieces that are well-marinated in coconut and freshly ground spices. Later, tender chicken pieces are simmered to perfection until all the flavours and spices are absorbed effectively. Kolhapuri Chicken Curry is best served with steamed rice or Roti, Bhakri, or Naan.
2. Kolhapuri Kat Wada
Kolhapuri Kat Wada is yet another traditional dish with its origins in Kolhapur. The dish is immensely cherished by the locals of the city due to its rich taste and fulfilling aroma. Standing in alignment with Batata Vada, this delicacy is typically loved by those who are fond of piping hot flavours. To enhance the overall flavours, the local delicacy is served with a myriad of pungent sauces.
The primary ingredient of the dish is potatoes. To prepare the dish, potatoes are shaped into small balls. Further, these potato balls are dipped in a rich batter of gram flour and an assortment of delicious spices. Later on, these balls are deep-fried to bring out the best flavours. Leading eateries and street food stalls of the city top the dish with chopped onions, sev, coriander, and a spicy chutney while serving. You can get access to delicious food by searching for the best ‘food restaurant near me’ on Swiggy.
3. Kolhapuri Bhel
Featuring an aromatic and fiery twist to the standard bhel recipe, Kolhapuri Bhel is a highly sought-after evening snack that is best enjoyed with a cup of piping hot tea or some other beverage. The bhel is typically consumed across all parts of the nation. However, this unique Kolhapuri version will make you crave for more.
The popular snack is prepared by tossing puffed rice in a bowl along with other spicy and flavour-rich ingredients like farsan, chopped tomatoes, onions, and two variants of chutneys, sweet red and spicy green. Sev and crunchy masala lentils are used as garnishing to make the taste more defined. With an amalgamation of delicious ingredients, this snack item is an acquired pleasure for all the food lovers out there.
4. Tambadda Rassa
Tambadda Rassa is also known as Red Curry. This spicy delicacy is a famous starter item in Kolhapur. The spicy curry is prepared by using fresh red chilliesto impart the characteristic red colour. The dish features succulent mutton pieces dipped in spicy, coconut-rich flavours. The tender mutton pieces are further cooked to perfection by mixing onions and tomatoes to enhance the overall essence.
The dish is readily available across leading restaurants and eateries in the city. It is a lengthy process to prepare the dish and, hence, the acquired tang. The dish is best served with bakrhi or roti for the best-ever experience.
5. Misal Pav
When you are in Maharashtra, you cannot miss out on the divine zest of Misal Pav anywhere you go. Misal Pav in Kolhapur is no exception, only heightened with the addition of spices. In Kolhapur, a typical plate of Misal Pav features the goodness of tangy and spicy boiled Matki beans along with soft, buttery Pav. The dish is best served with the sides of chopped onions and tomatoes.
In Kolhapur, the dish is quite popular as a breakfast meal. The tangy and spicy Matki beans are blended effectively with mashed potatoes to bring out the best zests. The mixture is further cooked with onions, garam masala, ginger, garlic, coconut, and tomatoes to prepare this thick, spicy gravy. The rich curry is served with hot Pav or Bread to satisfy your cravings.
Conclusion
Kolhapur, one of the most popular cities of Maharashtra, holds immense significance in terms of its rich history and cultural background. In addition to its cultural importance, the city also holds culinary significance as it serves to be the birthplace of a number of delectable dishes in Maharashtra.
Taking cues from ancient recipes and unique cooking methods, the food items of Kolhapur are a must-try. You can now order food online in Kolhapur from Swiggy to enhance your experience. Right from vegetarian delights to non-veg delicacies, the ingredients and piquant spices used in the food of Kolhapur will tantalise your taste buds like never before.
