Pune’s famous iftaar haunts

The cacophony at Kausar Baug is deafening but not as much as the aroma of haleem, phirnis and malpuas.
As the iftaar begins, Hotel Imdadi is flooded with guests waiting to try its kharbuja falooda, amongst other delicacies. And not to miss the samosas of Azam Campus, served with as much warmth by the owner of the makeshift eateries, which ensure that guests eat to their hearts’ content during the holy month of Ramzan.A month-long period of fasting and feasting turns many of the city areas to khau gallis. Here’s a lowdown on the most famous areas where you can gorge on Mughlai delicacies which are unique only to this month.
Hotel Imdadi - Synagogue Street, Camp With a seating area of almost 200 guests, Hotel Imdadi is a makeshift restaurant, which serves pure Ramzan delicacies, for an entire month. The restaurant has a token system, which ensures that you pay the exact amount. They also have a separate family room as well. The service is fast and the staff is warm. And if you are looking for the popular Chinese food, this isn’t the place to be. Clarified Bashir Khan Bargir, secretary of the organisation that runs the eatery, “For Ramzan, we concentrate mainly on Mughlai food.
It is the haleem, dalcha khana and shahi tukda that people crave for, after they break their fast. So, we do not have a Chinese menu.”
Must try dishes: The haleem, served with a generous garnishing of fried onions, dalcha khana, musk melon falooda and kesar phirni.
Sharif Caterers - Kausar Baug, Kondhwa None can miss the sight of this huge eatery on Kondhwa, erected specially for Ramzan. And the most inviting delicacies are kept on display, before the entrance to the eating area, which can house at least 300 guests at a time. While one can try the traditional haleem and dalcha here, the restaurant has also experimented with global dishes for the holy month. It includes the chicken chakori, more of a Chinese crispy fry concoction and chicken Goa roast, a side dish, which goes well with the biryani. “While haleem and dalcha can be made at home, these are the delicacies which our guests prefer when they come to eat out. We also serve traditional malpua, with rabdi and the shahi tukda, which is a must have during the month,” said Benson Varghese, manager.
Must try dishes: The non-veg cutlets, dalcha, chicken tandoor and shahi tukda.
Shalimar’s - Hidayatulla Road, Azam Campus The Azam Campus joints are famous for its chicken dishes. There isn’t much place to park your vehicle and sit at ease to enjoy a meal, but if you are looking at take aways, this is the place to be. We recommend the mutton Lakhnawi pulao and the chicken palak sesame toast. “We have tried to experiment with the non-vegetarian dishes and given a twist to the common chicken roll. The dragon roll is a must have, which has a sesame flavour to it and has also been a hit among our guests,” said Vakeel Khan, manager.
Must try dishes: Chicken palak sesame roll and mini faloodas.
Baba Jaan Dargah - Baba Jaan Chowk, Camp There are many makeshift eateries serving finger foods for the holy month at Baba Jaan Chowk. From quick bites including beef, chicken and mutton samosas, to haleem cooked for half a day, the area comes to life with the hustle bustle of people who come to break their fast with these tid bits served in this area. One can also get a wide variety of sewaiyan to choose from here. From the fine ones to the coloured ones, the area is must visit if you want to make vermicelli kheer during this month. “We make and supply sewai to different parts of the state and it is available at a cheaper rate here,” informed a shopkeeper from the area.
Must try dishes: Beef samosas and sewai.
Janaitul Qureshi Masjid - Centre Street, Jaan Mohammed Street The small area surrounding the Janaitul Qureshi Masjid at Centre Street is thronged by people post sunset during the holy month. While you can try the haleem and chicken tandooris also do indulge in the variety of dates are available. The most famous one available here are the Ajwa dates which are soft and dry and perfect to break your fast. further down the lane one discovers egg curries, kebab pavs and more. The area should be visited for its affordable price and quality.
Must try: Kebab pavs, egg curries and dates.
Shivaji Market - Camp On a regular day, the Shivaji Market area is the only place where you can get haleem, kebab and naan. But during Ramzaan, the area turns into a khau galli with a wide variety of non-veg food items to choose from. The chicken and mutton cutlets, kadhai gosht and crispy chicken are the most served items of the area. Moderately priced, the area is apt for take-aways as well. Also, try the variety of dates available in this area.
Must try dishes: Chicken and mutton cutlets.