🍽️ Introduction
When you visit Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), you don’t just explore monuments—you experience a rich tapestry of flavors, spices, and culinary heritage.
From Mughal-inspired meat curries to Maharashtrian street food, Aurangabad is a paradise for food lovers. Here are the Top 7 local foods that you must try when visiting the city in 2025.
🥇 1. Naan Qalia – The Signature Dish of Aurangabad
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🍛 A traditional mutton curry (Qalia) served with soft, fluffy naan
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Origins trace back to the Tughlaq era, popularized during Aurangzeb’s time
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Rich in spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron
Where to Eat: Roshan Gate, Naan Qalia Point, or local Muslim eateries
💡 Must-try for meat lovers and history buffs alike!
🥈 2. Aurangabadi Paithani Pulao
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🍚 A fragrant rice dish cooked with nuts, dry fruits, and mild spices
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Often served during weddings and festivals
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Named after the Paithani saree for its colorful ingredients
Where to Try: Local wedding caterers or authentic restaurants in CIDCO
🥉 3. Shev Bhaji (शेव भाजी)
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🍲 A spicy Maharashtrian curry made from crispy gram flour noodles (shev)
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Served with bhakri or chapati
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Comfort food for locals
Where to Try: Bhoj Thali, local messes in Kranti Chowk and Station Road
🏅 4. Patodi Bhaji with Jowar Bhakri
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🌾 Spiced besan (gram flour) cakes in a tangy, spicy gravy
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Paired with soft jowar bhakri and thecha (green chili chutney)
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Traditional meal of the Marathwada region
Where to Eat: Local dhabas or thali joints like Bhoj or Lokseva Mess
🎖️ 5. Aurangabadi Mutton Biryani
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🍖 Cooked in dum style with caramelized onions and mild spices
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Different from Hyderabadi biryani – milder but aromatic
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Served with raita or spicy curry
Where to Try: Yalla Yalla, Green Leaf, Mughal Darbar
🏆 6. Kharvas – A Local Dessert Favorite
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🍮 Milk-based pudding made from colostrum milk (first milk of cow)
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Flavored with cardamom and saffron
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Soft, creamy, and traditional
Where to Find: Sweet shops near Gulmandi and Aurangapura
🥇 7. Panipuri & Street Chaat at Connaught and Nirala Bazaar
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🌮 Tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors that define local street culture
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Must try: Ragda Pattice, Dahi Puri, and Masala Puri
Best Time: Evenings (4 PM–9 PM)
Top Spots: Chat Bazaar near Cannought, Central Naka
🍵 Bonus: Aurangabadi Special Chai (Irani Tea)
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Strong, creamy, and best paired with Osmania biscuits
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Available at tea stalls near Roshan Gate and Osmanpura
📍 Food Map – Where to Go
| Area | Must-Try Food |
|---|---|
| Roshan Gate | Naan Qalia, Irani Tea |
| CIDCO | Paithani Pulao, Mutton Biryani |
| Gulmandi | Kharvas, Shev Bhaji |
| Connaught | Panipuri, Street Chaat |
| Kranti Chowk | Thali Meals, Local Maharashtrian Food |
🧭 Tips for Food Lovers
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Prefer local eateries for authentic taste
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Inform about spice level if you’re not used to spicy food
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Vegetarian options are available in every dish variant
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Try thali meals for a full traditional experience
🍱 Plan a Food Tour with Mauli Tours & Travel
Let your trip to Sambhaji Nagar be a feast for all your senses!
We offer:
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🚖 Custom city + food tours
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🍛 Lunch stops at hand-picked restaurants
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📷 Foodie photo experiences
🧳 Final Thoughts
Aurangabad’s food is as rich as its history. From royal Naan Qalia to spicy Shev Bhaji, from soulful biryani to sweet Kharvas – each dish tells a story.
So when you visit Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, don’t just tour the monuments—taste the culture too.