Pune's food scene thrives during Ramzan celebrations

In Pune, two areas, Kausarbaug and Camp, become vibrant food markets during Ramzan. As evening prayers begin, food stalls fill with tempting aromas, attracting many visitors. This month is not just about faith but also about enjoying a variety of delicious foods. Azim Gudakuwala runs a popular stall at Kausarbaug with his sons. They’ve been serving food since 1993, starting in Mominpura. After the pandemic, they moved to Kausarbaug. People come from as far as Pimpri-Chinchwad for their famous whole fried chicken and quail, known for its secret family marinade. Their menu also includes unique offal dishes like bheja fry and kaleji, which are hard to find at other times of the year. Deccan Drifts, an adventure company, recently hosted a food walk in Kausarbaug. Founder Randhir Naidu noted the vast selection of kebabs and non-vegetarian dishes. He mentioned that there are also wonderful desserts for vegetarians. Naidu enjoys a drink called tahura made with milk, dates, and nuts during Ramzan. He says desserts like shahi tukda, phirni, and malpua are often overlooked but should be tried. In Camp, many stalls near Ashirwad Hall also offer Ramzan delights. Navid Ansari, who owns Deccan Nawabs restaurant, shared that haleem is in high demand. He garnishes it with crispy onions and fresh herbs, adding ghee for flavor. His shahi tukda, a sweet bread pudding, is also popular. These food streets are welcoming to everyone, including those fasting and non-Muslim food lovers. Zubair Shaikh, a regular visitor, raves about the flavorful fried quail. Another customer, Santosh Gaikwad, loves the creamy and rich haleem. The food in these bustling areas reflects tradition and community spirit that make Ramzan special in Pune.