Pani puri, a beloved street food across India, is known for its burst of tangy, spicy, and savoury flavors. But as I discovered in Pune, even the most iconic dishes have regional twists that surprise and delight the palate. While I’m used to the Chennai-style pani puri with a familiar filling of channa (chickpeas) and boiled potato, Pune’s version features an unexpected star: ragda pattice.
In Chennai, the traditional pani puri filling consists of boiled potatoes and channa, seasoned with spices and a dash of tangy chutney. The crunchy puri shell, filled with this mixture, is then dunked in spicy, tamarind-based pani. The filling, though simple, adds a hearty texture that perfectly complements the burst of flavors from the pani, creating that satisfying explosion of spice and flavor.
But here in Pune, I found the pani puri experience entirely different, thanks to the ragda pattice filling. Ragda, a curried mixture of white peas, adds a velvety, slightly tangy base, which blends beautifully with the puri and pani. The warmth of the ragda, along with its mild spices, contrasts with the cold, minty pani that’s common in Maharashtra, giving a depth of flavor I hadn’t expected. It’s almost like a mini chaat inside every puri! The creamy consistency of the ragda feels rich, almost decadent, especially when paired with the slight crunch of sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) sprinkled on top.
This regional difference is a testament to India’s diverse food culture, where each city has its own way of interpreting even the simplest of dishes. For me, the Pune-style pani puri with ragda feels like a warm, comforting treat—especially on a chilly evening. In contrast, the Chennai version has a more robust, spicy kick that pairs well with Chennai’s often warmer climate.
Whether it’s the spicy, hearty version I’m accustomed to in Chennai or the warm, layered flavors of Pune’s ragda pattice, pani puri is a treat that never fails to thrill. So next time you’re in Pune or Chennai, don’t hesitate to try both versions. You might just discover a new favorite!