NH7 Weekender Munchies: 22 Of Pune’s Best Meals For Every Kind Of Budget

The horror that was 2016 is finally drawing to a close and what better way to round it out than a trip to India’s Happiest Music Festival – NH7 Weekender! This weekend, the Pune edition will kick off its seventh rollicking edition with a more star-studded line up than ever before. With names like DJ Premier, Anoushka Shankar and Jose Gonzalez taking to the stage, this year promises to be a weekend to remember. But while we can live and breathe music, sometimes you just have to suck it up and realise you need to eat, if only to keep you dancing longer.
The food arena always promises a tasty treat but the prices will have you questioning your need for a kidney, and there’s nothing worse than an empty stomach to distract you from a great gig. Plus, let’s face it NH7 comes with the promise of late night revelries that need to be dealt with before heading back into the breach so fill up on some nice, comforting carbs to rid you of that mid-afternoon hangover headache.
Pune is known for its multitude of eateries so to save you the teary-eyed, frantic pre-fest searching we’ve compiled you a list of the best bites in the city. So follow your stomach, refuel for the day and head on with plenty of time to catch your favourite acts.

I. BURGER 

Chicken Sausage Surprise

Where: Next to ABC Farms, North Main Road, Koregaon Park

You’ve probably heard about most the popular burger at this boss of a burger institution – the steak burger has become a steakgasmic legend over the years, a messy little monster of buffalo beef. So we decided to suggest an alternative that’s equally delicious – give the chicken sausage surprise a shot. Hot dog bread stuffed with four chicken sausages, scrambled eggs and mayo, it’s filling and delicious as hell. Reach for the Fram’s (stick to the green apple) or the cold coffee that has seen many a student through weeks of exams. If it’s way too crowded and the waiters are refusing to make eye contact, walk down the road over to the corner, near the High Spirits parking lot – the beef pav (seekh kababs with chutney in pav) are delicious and should keep you going till it’s your turn at Burger. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Insider Tips: Don’t order the fries here, they generally come refried and cold. Besides that, this is a good place to pack from while pre-gaming.

Price: Rs 200 for 2 is why we love Poona prices.

Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM

Other Things We Love Here: The beef burger and the no-frills environment, which makes it a great place for people-watching.

II. BURGER BARN

Barbeque Chicken Burger + Chocolate Shake

Where: 393, Sanas Corner, Lane 5, Off South Main Road,Koregaon Park

We love places that are generous with cheese, and each item at Burger Barn comes at you like a peace offering. And they do us one better by making sure the Oreo shake is crunchy. Nicely done. The menu will draw you in with the array of options and the BBQ Chicken Plate is a good call if a fried chicken fillet covered with a BBQ sauce sounds good to you (the tanginess of the sauce is balanced just right by the fries and the garlic bread that are served on the side).

Insider Tips: Try any of their shakes, or check out the peppermint latte. Go straight to the counter and place your order or you’ll get lost in the vortex of the menu. They’ll get your order to the table.

Price: Try this one towards the beginning of the festival when you’ll probably have your priorities sorted better @ Rs 650 for 2

Timings: 9AM to 11:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: This is one of those places that oozes characteristic Pune lazy-afternoon vibe and it’s nice for some grub & down time with your gig buddies.

III. CAFÉ GOOD LUCK

Bun Maska + Chai

Where: 759/75, Goodluck Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana

You haven’t truly lived Pune until you’ve tried the creamy, soft bun maska dotted with little treasures of tooty fruity on FC Road here. An Irani café that’s been parked at the corner of FC road since 1935, Good Luck’s that old-timer that’ll have you coming back every time you’re in the city. It’s a great breakfast place to kick off your day at, with bun maska, omelette and kheema pav coming out on top. For lunch & dinner, you’re going to be spoilt for choice with the bheja fry, biryani, mutton fried in eggs, plus they make the roomali rotis on the tandoor in front of you, which is strangely hypnotic to watch. A meal here isn’t complete without dessert – the chocolate soufflé will have you in tears with its rich darkness, and the fruit funny is layered too generously with cream, even by our standards.

Insider Tips: Get there ten minutes early because Good Luck is always, ALWAYS crowded. Don’t go here on a full bladder. Smile at the waiters–you’ll make new friends who’ll remember you the next time you’re in the city.

Price: Keep the chai coming @ Rs. 400 for 2.

Timings: 7AM-11:30 PM

Other Things We Love Here: Good Luck is the best! We really love the service which, even if it is sometimes delayed because of the crowd, is always genuine & helpful.

IV. DARIO’S 

Pizza (Pick whichever you like, they’re all fabulous)

Where: Sundarban Hotel, Lane 1, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune

Hidden deep inside Pune’s Koregaon Park, Dario’s is a quaint little Italian haven with a calm, soothing ambience. Hailing from Sicily, their Italian Chef crafts authentic pizzas with crusts so thin, you’ll never look at another pizza again. Dario’s is completely vegetarian, but even meat-lovers will surrender to the deliciously rich pizza sauce and fresh ingredient toppings. Pick any pizza on the menu, and you won’t be disappointed.

Insider’s Tip: Try getting a seat outside. With pleasant December weather, their outdoor candle-lit tables are perfect. 

Price: Authentic Italian delicacies at Rs. 1,800 for 2

Timings: 8AM to 11:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: If your sweet tooth craving kicks in, the chocolate crepe is to die for.

V. FLOUR WORKS

Stuffed Omelettes

Where: Commercial 3, Nirvana, North Avenue, Between Jogger’s Park and ICICI Bank, Kalyani Nagar

Flour Works is one of those places that has been making waves amongst foodies in the city for the full-power breakfast options it offers – their stuffed omelettes are divine and literally melt in your mouth (we suggest you go with bell peppers, ham & cheese), and they are served with toast, potatoes and grilled tomatoes/fresh fruit/yoghurt. Lots of decisions to be made, people! No need to dawdle over going for their American-style pancakes and any of the hot teas, which are delicious especially during chilly Poona mornings. The hot chocolate here is literally melted chocolate so if that’s your kind of thing – we know it’s ours – don’t think twice. The service can get annoying sometimes, but keep your eyes on the prize and you’ll be just fine.

Insider’s Tip: If you get here early enough in the morning, you’re in for a lovely, quiet breakfast before the adrenaline of the day kicks in. 

Price: Start your day off on the right note @ Rs. 1300 for 2

Timings: 7AM to 12:30AM

Other Things We Love Here:  Quiet and elegant, Flour Works is always consistent when it comes to the quality of food.

VI. GERMAN BAKERY

Spinach and Mushroom Omelette

Where: 291, North Main Road, Koregaon Park

The reinstated German Bakery is a leafy eatery tucked at the corner across from ‘O’ Hotel on North Main Road, and – although quite unlike the old one – has a stream of regulars that swear by its fare and ambiance. The kheema pav and lamb chilli burger with jalapeños are always good bets, and the creamy chocolate mousse is absolutely heavenly. If it’s lunch you’re looking for, you should definitely go for the crispy thin crust pizzas, which come absolutely loaded with meat.

Insider Tips: Try and take a rickshaw instead of your vehicle here, because parking’s a real pain.

Price: Rs 600 for 2 for a happy belly.

Timings: 7:45 AM to 11:45 PM

Other Things We Love Here: The mushroom risotto is authentic and laced with mushroom stock, and the rosemary ice cream with apple pie is a love story waiting to happen.

VII. HIGH SPIRITS

Red Devil Pizza

Where: 35, A 1, Near ABC Farms, KP Annexe, Mundhwa Road

Even if you’ve never been to the city there’s a damn good chance you’ve heard of this legendary spot. Currently the hub of Pune’s music and nightlife scene, High is the place to see and be seen. They’ve perfected the balance between a club vibe and a chilled cafe and even if you only drop by for a beer there’s a chance you’ll end up staying all night. Anyone who’s ever eaten there will swear by their pizzas, somehow they’ve perfected the crust to base ratio and every topping is uniquely fabulous. One of the best is the Red Devil, with beef (or more accurately, buff) onions and peppers it’s the peak of minimalist perfection.

Insider Tips: Get here as early as you can, High fills up at the speed of light, especially around festival season. So plan ahead if this is a place you want to try.

Price: A slightly pricy Rs. 1,500 for two but that’s with alcohol so the investment will pay off in the end.

Timings: 8PM to 11:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: Their motto ‘Come home to da High’ is ridiculously accurate. You’ll almost always run in to a familiar face and leave with new friends.

VIII. JJ GARDEN WADA PAV CENTRE

Wada Pav­­­­­­­­­

Where: 948 & 949, Boottee Street, Camp Cantonment, Camp

This powerhouse means business, averaging 200-300 vada pavs an hour, with an upswing on the weekends. Served in a fluffy, fresh, white pav, the vadas are fried till crispy and golden brown, and the mint chutney to go with it has hints of lime and tamarind. Top this off with a masala tak that’s sinfully good, and you’ll have the perfect any-time-of-the-day pick up meal. Take one for the drive!

Insider Tips: Call the guy serving you the vada pav ‘kaka’ and him for ‘chura’ (crispy bits!) and the fried & salted green chillies. Then feel guilty when you order 3 more.

Price: One gigantic vada pav is @ Rs 14, so this one’s definitely going to your b-o-o-t-y.

Timings: 9AM – 10PM

Other Things We Love Here: The quality never, ever wavers. We like that in our vada pavs.

IX. KAPILA KATHI KEBAB

Chicken Kathi Kabab Roll

Where: 153/1, Dhole Patil Road

This unassuming little stall outside Hotel Kapila is great when you’re in a rush (a.k.a always, during a music fest) and goes easy on the hangovers as well (a.k.a always, during a music fest). Their limited menu is enough to keep the patrons coming all day long while the flavour of the meat and the spicy mint chutney are both spot on, so make sure you do it right and get the succulent chicken kathi kabab roll with double filling.

Insider Tips: Go here when you’re running late for the festival, and you need a quick bite on the go. Plus, it’ll make the traffic seem way more tolerable.

Price: Rs. 120. Welcome to Pune.

Other Things We Love Here: That you can ask for extra egg to go with the roll.

Timings: 11AM-11:30 PM

X. KAYANI BAKERY

Shrewsbury Biscuits + Mawa Cake

Where: 6, Opposite Victory Theatre, East Street, Camp

Shrewsbury biscuits, thanks to this Raj-era institution, have become synonymous with Poona, with frequent requests streaming in from Bombay during long weekends. There’s no fighting the crowd in this mother of all bakeries, just roll up your sleeves and keep your eyes on the prize. Have some choco-walnut cake if it seems like things are getting too intense in there, you won’t regret it.

Insider Tips: Mawa cakes fly off their shelves, so try and get here by 11:30 tops, or you’ll miss out.  The Madeira cake is light and wonderful and the coffee crunch & peanut butter bread is delicious as well.

Price: Rs 320 for 1kg of Shrewsbury. If you’re just going there to get some cake, it’s not going to come up to more than Rs 100.

Timings: 7:30 AM to 1 PM, 3:30 PM to 8 PM

Other Things We Love Here: Those wine biscuits. Drool, Crunch, Tears.

XI. LE PLAISIR PATISSERIE & BISTRO  

Espresso Pannacotta

Where: 4B, Lane 6 Intersection, Bhandarkar Road, Deccan Gymkhana

An alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu, Sydney, Siddharth Mahadik has ensured that nothing on the menu is lacking, and that’s why this little eatery makes it to the list next to several other culinary institutions in the city. The innocent wobble of their pannacotta will have you falling in love. Adorned with granules of white chocolate and hazelnut this is one hell of a beautiful way to get your shot of coffee in the morning.

Insider Tips: The macaroons sell super fast, so get there earlier in the day to get some. It’s also kind of a small place, so chances are, it might be crowded this weekend.

Le prix du bonheur: Rs 600 for 2.

Timings: 9 AM to 9:45PM

Other Things We Love Here: Besides all the gorgeous desserts, this French bistro seems, initially, like a space & time warp; a welcome one on this side of the city.

XII. MALAKA SPICE

Thai Curry and Basil Chilli Rice

Where: Lane 5, Opposite Oxford Properties, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune

With Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and Asian cuisines, Malaka Spice spoils your for choice. A gorgeously aromatic and perfectly spiced Thai curry drenches your flavoursome basil chilli rice, with all those ingredients coming together in perfect synergy. Crunchy yet light lotus stem chips top off this dish, making it a definite must-have.

Insider’s Tip: Monday to Friday, happy hours are from 4pm to 7pm, so grab that three-hour window. 

Price: Rs. 2000 for two people, and a pint of beer costs Rs. 200

Timings: 11AM to 11:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: The 11:30AM to 4PM lunch buffet for Rs. 599 plus tax is absolutely worth it–perfect hangover recovery food, too.

XIII. MARZ-O-RIN

Brown Chicken Zoom Burger + Cold Coffee

Where: 6, Bakthiar Plaza, MG Road, Camp

Pune’s oldest fast food establishment welcomes you into the century-old heritage building like an old friend, with its rustic interiors, all shafts of sunlight on wooden floor in the afternoons. The chutney sandwiches are an age-old across generations, and the zoom sauce used in the sandwiches and bakes is like a spicier, creamier 1000 Islands dressing – which can only be a good thing. The baked bean cheese bake is constituted of a layer of baked beans, zoom sauce, then a layer of cheese sprinkled with capsicum which are then baked into crunchy perfection into the melting cheese. Yes, please.

Insider Tips: Try and go upstairs if you have some time, it’s really nice to sit out in the afternoons.

Price: Yes, yes, yes @ Rs 250 for 2

Timings: 9:30AM to 9:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: The rose milk is really nice, and we love their range of chillers.

XIV. PETER’S PAN

Blueberry Waffles

Where: Shop 10, Konark Arcade, Viman Nagar

Your seemingly never-ending hunt for hangover remedies will have you reaching for the extra dollop of cream at Peter’s Pan to go with the waffles. If the sun is too bright and you want to feel ‘like a king’, get the royal combo and you’ll have a grilled chicken omelette, blueberry waffle, choco-chip pan cake, coffee and a hash brown at your disposal.

Insider Tips: The coffee – which is important for your ultimate hangover remedy – might be too milky for some so try and figure it out with the waiters as you place the order.

Price: Why can’t we have Pune prices in Bombay? @ Rs 300 for all your whims & fancies.

Timings: 11AM-11PM

Other Things We Love Here: The dollop of cream (not cold, rock-hard butter, thankfully) comes half-melted on both the waffles and the pancakes.

 XV. PREM’S

Butter Chicken/Ginger Chicken

Where: 28/2, SBI Training Centre, North Main Road, Koregaon Park

Prem’s – another time capsule of lazy afternoons – is the kind of place you turn to when you just want some really good Indian food. The ginger chicken (tender chicken cooked with ginger, garlic, chilli powder, half the coriander, lime juice) or creamy butter chicken & tandoori rotis here are great for the munchies, and a chilled beer never hurts. Tucked away behind Swig, the large seating area is relatively quiet and the valet parking here makes life easier. Prem’s makes for a great place to hang out with large groups, and everyone’s looking for some decent grub.

Insider’s Tip: Late afternoon lunches with the occasional beer here make for some quality down time with some wholesome Indian food.

Price: Only if you’re really feeling butter chicken but the brunch seems more worth it @ Rs. 1400 for food & alcohol

Timings: 8 AM to 11PM

Other Things We Love Here: How it hasn’t changed in years, and has always been a little quaint. Also, how good the cheese garlic naan tastes with the butter chicken.

XVI. PUREPUR KOLHAPUR

Maharashtrian Mutton Fry Thali

Where: 7, 8 & 9, Sai Pride Building 1, Preet Nagar Housing Society, Old Kharadi Mundva Road, Kharadi

If this place had been in Mumbai, it would definitely have featured at the top of our best thalis list but luckily for us, Pune isn’t too far out. This is definitely one of the places you go to for the food, not to marvel at the interior design. The thali that we speak of comes with one katori of succulent and spicy, fried pieces of mutton cooked in traditional Kolhapuri style, a mini-katori of kheema, one katori of tambda rassa (a tasty, spicy Kolhapuri dish prepared by using mutton stock) one katori of pandhra rassa (perfectly spiced mutton broth cooked with coconut milk), egg curry, 2 large chapattis, onion, and a katori of plain steamed rice (you can opt for jeera rice). Kolhapuri food is not for the weak-stomached – and the food here is as aunthentic as it gets in the city.

Insider Tips: Don’t forget the sol kadhi, traditional kokam and coconut milk drink that’ll soothe your tastebuds after this fiery meal. This would make for a great lunch to keep you going full power till late evening, although you’re probably going to nap on the way to the venue.

Price: You’re not going to be able to move for a while @ Rs 500 for 2.

Timings: 12:30 PM to 4 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM

Other Things We Love Here: The value for money, and the anticipation before the food coma.

XVII. STREET MEAT

Thai Chicken Gol Gappas

Where: Shop 5, Vrindavan Garden, Lane 6, Opposite Cosmos Bank, Koregaon Park

In typical Koregaon Park style they took the simple food truck and turned it gourmet. Now a cute bistro and café they have become the go-to place for everything from breakfast to dinner they are definitely worth dropping in on for a light snack. Serving everything from Japanese to Mexican food they’ve taken the all time favourites and given them a sexy new spin. The Thai Chicken gol gappas are the best example of that magic, served DIY style with sweet chilli and tamarind sauce, lemongrass and key limes. It has all the makings of your standard roadside pani puri but with a tangy East-Asian twist.

Insider’s Tip: Koregaon Park is a great area for street shopping, especially the iconic Osho slippers. Street Meat makes the perfect rest stop on an intensive retail therapy haul.

 Price: Rs 800 for two

 Timings: 12:30PM to 10:30PM

Other Things We Love Here: The mix of old favourites with new flavours is really exciting, never a dull dish to be found here!

XVIII. TERTTULIA

Karari Roti

Where: 393 Sanas Corner, Lane No. 5, South Main Road, Koregaon Park

Their breezy, elegant décor is an instant draw. Even in the middle of winter they manage to channel the laid back beachy vibes of Goa. Though known primarily for its Italian fare Terttulia is one of those rare gems that manages to excel in all areas. Their Karari roti is one of their standouts from the Indian menu, large and crispy doused with ghee, chilli and coriander it’s the perfect bar food that will come in handy during the inevitable pre-gaming sesh. They are well known for their carefully curated bar menu so this is definitely the place you want to hit for an indulgent Sunday Brunch.

Insider’s Tip: If you can’t make up your mind about your pizza toppings ask the waiter to give you a half and half. Ta da! The best of both worlds.

 Price: Rs 1800 for two

Timings: 9AM to 12:30AM

Other Things We Love Here: Their incredibly diverse menu makes it the perfect destination for large groups. There’s a little something for everyone so even the pickiest eater will be accounted for.

XIX. THE DECCAN EPICURE

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Where: Turning Point, Unit II/0I, Phoenix Boundary Road, Viman Nagar, Pune

 A really unique little joint tucked away in a Viman Nagar by-lane they manage to bring you delicious, elegant food at a price that’s surprisingly easy on the pocket. Their sandwich menu is particularly appealing because they let you build your own order and who doesn’t love the freedom to experiment? Our favourite is definitely the BBQ pulled pork, tender and loaded with sauce is comes with a side of crispy fries and a sriracha mayo that really ties it all together.

Insider Tip: This is a place that caters to your inner gourmand so if you’re on the hunt for something hearty perhaps pick again. Here there’s a definite date night atmosphere and the  

Price: Rs 800 for two

 Timings: 12PM to 10PM

 Other Things We Love Here: The extra detail to every dish makes every trip here feel like an occasion

XX. THE PLACE: TOUCHE THE SIZZLER

Chicken Peri Peri Shashlik

Where: 7, Clover Centre, Moledina Road, Camp

As the name suggests they pride themselves on their sizzlers, which come in every shape, size, meat and state of matter. (Ok, maybe not that last one) The entire ambience of the restaurant suggests old-school dining. From the décor to the menu it’s easy to see why it’s remained so popular over the years. The chicken peri peri chicken shashlik is a fan favourite with the spicy undertones and rich sauce winning hearts every time. They are also VERY generous with their portions so this would definitely be a dinner option, so you can stagger to your bed and sleep it off once you conquer the meat mountain.

 Insider’s Tip: Legend has it that The Place is the first ever sizzler joint in the city, a fact that they’re very proud of. Stop a waiter and you could get a quick history lesson while you wait for your meal.

Price: Rs 1000 for two

Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 10:30 PM

Other Things We Love Here:

XXI. VAISHALI

Mysore Cheese Masala Dosa + Filter Coffee

Where: 1218/1, FC Road, Pune

If you’re thinking Vaishali is too far out to drive for ‘some dosa’, we highly recommend you suck it up and buckle up because their filter coffee is worth driving anywhere for. The Mysore Cheese Masala is not just another dosa either, slathered on the inside with the masala and soft cheese, and comes with a sambar that’s been adapted to suit the Punekar’s palate and the best goddamn coconut chutney. The filter coffee is strong, and will definitely have you shaking off the previous night’s shenanigans to get ready for the new ones.

Insider Tips: Call the waiters ‘anna’, and order the coffee first, if picking from the menu seems to be harder than anticipated. Vaishali = waiting time, so make sure you take that into account.

Where: 1218/1, FC Road, Pune

Price: Say ‘Azun ek coffee, anna,’ @ Rs 500 for 2.

Timings: 7AM-11PM

Other Things We Love Here: That you can get bottomless bowls of that sublime coconut chutney.

XXII. ZAMU’S PLACE

Lamb Chops + Garlic Mushrooms

Where: 189, Nirmal Building, Dhole Patil Road, Pune

Marinated in spices til tender, the pork chops will have you from the get-go. The three-step sizzler making is fun and lets you pick exactly what you want – with the waiters proving to be incredibly helpful in case you try and combine chilly garlic noodles with chilly garlic sauce (you really need to mix it up). The cozy interiors will give you a sense of deja vu, and there’s nothing like dinner here on a chilly night, in the seating area outside. The garlic mushrooms are filled with flavour and unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in the city. Regulars and newcomers alike swear by the salli botti and dhansak – a typical Parsi mutton or chicken dish, with lentils and vegetables flavoured with spices including cumin and ginger, served with caramelised rice. If there’s too much, don’t fret – take it home, because rumour has it dhansak tastes better on the second day!

Insider Tips: Talk to the waiters – they’ll prove to be your biggest allies. Order a chilled beer or some iced tea to go with.

Price: Bawa power weighs in cheap @ Rs 600

Timings: 11 AM to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM

Other Things We Love Here: The beef cutlets, served with Russian salad and fries, are great if you just want a quick bite. The service here is a nice change from the disgruntled norm.