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Once upon a time, the city of Pune was renowned for its frosty temperatures (which stood in stark contrast of its next door neighbour’s perpetual humidity), the revered Osho Ashram, and National Defence Academy. This is the Pune I grew up in – one that wasn’t quite as chaotic as Mumbai but close enough to make the switch if you ever wanted to. A decade later, the city has completely turned over a new leaf. The din of its traffic is very similar to that of India’s other metro cities and it’s no longer the verdant hill station-like escape from reality. Although, some might disagree. But as someone who has watched the city, in some ways, spread its wings and fly, it’s difficult to ignore the bits that have been lost out in the inevitable process of development.
Yet, what’s truly passed the test of time is Pune’s student community that only seems to grow with every passing year. From Symbiosis students emerging from unimaginable corners of the city to the abundance of engineering students lurking everywhere – Pune’s streets have sheltered its youth into the wee hours of the night. Moreover, with such a burgeoning community of young minds, comes an endless appetite and an urgent need for budget-friendly eateries that are well equipped to satiate those midnight hunger pangs, in case the situation ever calls for it.
As you read on, you’ll realise this isn’t an exhaustive list and is, most definitely, a little biased towards yours truly. However, the ‘universal’ favourites have been included, along with some newer ones for when you’ve skipped breakfast to (barely) make it in time for your 8:40 lecture or have an hour to kill between classes.
I. Vaishali
Where: 1218/1, FC Road.
For the residents of Pune, especially those who have grown up in the city, Vaishali restaurant on FC Road comes with a slice of fond nostalgia. An eatery known for its delicious south Indian fare and other quick snacks served at economical rates, Vaishali is the go-to breakfast place for natives in the city – especially college students who are constantly on a budget. From a warm mug of bournvita to a scrumptious Mysore Masala Dosa, there’s something here for everyone.
Cost: INR 500 for two.
II. Marz-O-Rin
Where: 6, Bakthiar Plaza, Camp, MG Road.
For an outsider, it might be difficult to believe but Marz-O-Rin on MG road is indeed the epitome of great food at unbelievably cheap prices. A place that has become a regular household name in the city, Marz-O-Rin sells everything from street food to macaroni to sandwiches and coffee. It has been hosting generations of college students year after year and continues to do so even today. Surprisingly, even today, the restaurant seems as ageless as ever. And the natives wholeheartedly believe it too.
Cost: INR 300 for two.
III. NCC Canteen
Where: Next to Symbiosis University, Senapati Bapat Road.
Located next to the Symbiosis College campus on SB road, the NCC canteen’s popularity is reflected in how famous the waiter ‘Chandu’ is amongst the students who frequent this restaurant. A favourite for unwinding after a long day of classes, NCC canteen serves a variety of snacks at extremely affordable rates that attract students from nearby areas.
Cost: INR 450 for two.
IV. Cafe Goodluck
Where: 59/75, Goodluck Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana.
One of the oldest Irani cafes in the city, Cafe Goodluck on FC road is forever flooded with college students. And why wouldn’t it be? Their Kheema Pav and Bun Maska with a cup of scalding tea/coffee make for the perfect lazy Sunday morning breakfast. Having been around for more than 7 decades, this restaurant is as much a part of the city’s heritage as Aga Khan Palace.
Cost: INR 600 for two.
V. Maushi’s Vada Pav
Where: Opposite SCMC, Viman Nagar.
This is not a place you’ll find listed on Zomato, it’s a local secret – and a very cherished one at that! Opposite Symbiosis Centre For Media And Communication, there’s a vada pav stall fondly known as ‘Maushi’s Vada Pav’ by everyone in the vicinity. At Maushi’s, mornings and evenings are extremely busy for their daily vada pav and chai. Maushi also serves a couple of other snacks, but it’s mostly her Vada Pav that sells like hotcakes.
Cost: INR 50 for two.
Where: JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Road.
Set in the lobby of one of Pune’s most luxurious hotels, Pune Baking Co is for one of those occasional splurges. From Italian Almond Tea to their signature ‘pbccino’ to their Red Cherry Chocolate Pastry, PBC’s crowd almost always consists of students and young people licking their plates clean. With an outdoor seating area to attract people and a little bookshelf to make them stay, PBC’s food is something you shouldn’t wait too long to dig into.
Cost: INR 700 for two.
VII. Cafe Old Skool
Where: C 1, Chaitraban Residency, Off ITI Road, Aundh.
Appropriately named, Cafe Old Skool is a small, cosy cafe situated right opposite Croma in Aundh. The whole place has a very laid back vibe to it, with people dropping by, bumping into people they already know, and making new friends along the way. The food is here is basic; there’s sandwiches, coffee, pasta and other quick snacks – but delicious and worth the money nevertheless. Try their chicken double-decker sandwich and chicken maggi paired perfectly with their cold coffee.
Cost: INR 350 for two.
VIII. German Bakery Wunderbar
Where: 153/A, Varun Complex, Near Demech House, Law College Road.
Frequented by college students catching up over beers, cocktails, and other delectable dishes, German Bakery Wunderbar is located on the Law College Road. Their menu features cocktails that come with very interesting names like Garden of Eden and ‘Mingoolicious’. From authentic Italian pasta to German delicacies, the food here is exceptional and even more so when complimented by good company and quick service. Don’t forget to try their Kheema pav!
Cost: INR 1000 for two.
Where: 11 East Street Galleria Virwani plaza, Camp.
Known for its Instagram-worthy London-themed ambience, 11 East Street Cafe is every college student’s den because of its location in camp – an area that is known for its street shopping. You’ll find many people visiting this restaurant to grab a quick bite before heading back to their shopping spree. At the entrance, prepare to be welcomed by London’s iconic Double Decker bus. From scrumptious mutton preparations to sandwiches and pizzas, this eatery is built to suit the millennial’s palette and has also been featured in the Bollywood film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’ before.
Cost: INR 1800 for two.
Where: Villa 18, Gulmohar Galaxy, Near Marvel Sonnet, Road Opposite Kailash Super Market Crossing, Viman Nagar.
Viman’s first and only pet-friendly cafe, Where Else Cafe serves up the best breakfast meals and hangover cures and is perfect for feasting on delicious continental dishes with a couple of cats giving you company. They even have special student combos and discount offers that cater perfectly to their customers. Try their hot chocolate which comes in two varieties – dark and white, and the thickness can also be customised to your taste!
Cost: INR 800 for two.
Where: Shop 2, Turning Point Unit 2, Opposite Rosary School, Viman Nagar.
Even though Viman Nagar is full of inexpensive eateries and cafes, there’s none quite like Irani Cafe. Nestled in a narrow bylane close to the Phoenix Marketcity, Irani Cafe opens up at 6 am in the morning and makes for a great breakfast stop for the early risers. Away from the chaotic din of the traffic, the Kheema Pav here steals the show. So does the Irani chai.
Cost: INR 300 for two.
XII. Largo’s
Where: Bungalow 1, Kalpana Villa, Opposite Kailash Supermarket, Viman Nagar.
Largo’s finger-licking 20’ thin-crust pizzas are exactly what carb-dreams are made of! They’re value for money, economical, and can be bought by the slice as well. The pizzas are beautifully complemented by their shakes and other non-alcoholic beverages served here – which are great to sip on while you wait for your pizza to get ready (as that is often the case because Largo’s is almost always filled with Viman Nagar’s student crowd).
Cost: INR 600 for two.
Feature Image Courtesy: ekplate.com
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