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Pune on My Plate: From crunch to flavour, exploring city’s top samosa spots

A golden triangle of happiness, the samosa is a beloved staple in Pune. With a Rajasthani twist here and a paneer filling there, the crispy snack remains a crowd favourite across the city.

3 min read
As loyal customers and word-of-mouth publicity keep these eateries afloat, a look at why the samosa remains Pune’s ultimate comfort food, uniting the city one bite at a time.As loyal customers and word-of-mouth publicity keep these eateries afloat, a look at why the samosa remains Pune’s ultimate comfort food, uniting the city one bite at a time. (Express)

Written by Viraj Paranjape

The samosa, though not a Maharashtrian native, is a beloved staple in Pune. On any rainy evening, its irresistible aroma wafts through the city’s chowks, lanes and tea stalls, drawing in students, workers, professionals, and retirees alike.

This golden triangle of joy is a unifier, and Pune’s samosa hotspots—Tilak Tea House (Tilak Road), Rajpurohit Samosa (Shaniwar Peth), Tapadiya Samosa (Karve Road), Sagar Sweets (Dahanukar Colony), and smaller joints like Chaturshrungi KHS and City Samosa—are defined by two constants: fragrance and crowds.

As loyal customers and word-of-mouth publicity keep these eateries afloat, a look at why the samosa remains Pune’s ultimate comfort food, uniting the city one bite at a time.

Tilak Tea House (Tilak Road)

Timings: 6 am to 9.30 pm

Samosa cost: ₹20

Founded in 1989 by the late Narottam Oza, this iconic spot is now run by third-generation brothers. Their Maharashtrian-style samosas, paired with robust tea, are a favourite among nearby offices and schools. “Pune moves fast, but it slows down for chai and samosa,” says owner Vipul Oza. The shop has sourced its Indore potatoes and refined oil from a trusted Mandai dealer since its inception, ensuring consistency.

Tapadiya Samosa (Karve Road)

Timings: 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (Closed Sundays)

Samosa Cost: ₹15

Revived in 2019 by Suresh Tapadia and now managed by his son, Sanket, this spot near Garware College is famous for its paneer samosa, a hit with the crowds. A student, the story goes, once devoured 18 samosas in a single sitting here. Freshness is key, with potatoes sourced from Market Yard every other day.

Rajpurohit Samosa (Shaniwar Peth)

Timings: 9 am to 11 pm

Samosa cost: ₹20

A longstanding favourite, this bustling shop sees peak crowds at 3.30 pm, with orders drowning out conversations amid the hum of online transactions. “The crunch and consistent flavour keep me coming back,” a regular told The Indian Express. Their high-quality potatoes and refined oil ensure a reliable taste that has drawn patrons for years.

Sagar Sweets (Dahanukar Colony)

Timings: 7.30 am to 10 pm

Samosa cost: ₹15

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Established in 1987 by Shesharam Chaudhary and now run by Sunil Sharma, Sagar Sweets infuses its samosas with a Rajasthani flair. Fresh batches are fried every 20 minutes and are served with a tangy green chutney that is nearly as famous. Ingredients like Indore potatoes and refined oil have been sourced daily from the same dealer since 1989. In almost four decades, the outlet has never shut shop even for a single day.

Chaturshrungi KHS and City Samosa

Around colleges, these smaller outlets specialise in ‘samosa shev pav’—budget-friendly and perfect for students. While they lack the legacy of older establishments, they serve hundreds daily with quick, satisfying bites.

Viraj Paranjape is an intern with The Indian Express.

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