Mutton thali.........

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

When you talk about Kolhapur, on thing that comes to any non vegetarian's mind is Kolhapuri mutton, Tamda rassa, Pandhra rassa. Pandhara rassa can be loosely translated to white curry, is a soup-like dish made from mutton/chicken stock and coconut/ cashew nut milk infused with spices like cinnamon, coriander, ginger, and garlic. Tambda rassa, red curry, is a spicier form of the dish made by substituting coconut/cashew nut milk with red chilies.This blog is about best mutton thalis in Kolhapur. I'm sure it will leave you tempting after reading the blog.

HOTEL OPAL......

When Kolhapur was transforming from a small town to a city, a certain group of friends started Hotel Opal on old Pune-Bangalore highway. There were many homely Kolhapuri mutton thali hotels at that time, but Opal was built with a special modern ambiance which would not only please local people but also tourists from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. Even though there is seating arrangement for about 150-200 people, many people are at waiting during rush hours. This hotel has successfully maintained its taste over many decades. Most demanded item here is Mutton thali (includes mutton bowl, tamda rassa, pandhra rassa, keema gravy, chapati, onion, lemon). Along with mutton items, chicken items and fish items are also tasty here. Taste is medium spicy. Vegetarian food/ thali is also good especially the koshimbir.

Rush hours are between 12:00 p.m. and 2 p.m. in afternoon 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in evening. Comfortable seating arrangement is present for about 200 people. Ample parking is available. Rickshaws are available on main road. Parcel facility is also available.

Open hours : 12:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/kv9QFTrDyBnXZgqZ6

Score card

Ambiance : 9/10

Time for delivery : 9/10

Cleanliness : 8/10

Taste : 9/10

Value for money : 8/10

HOTEL PARAKH......

This hotel has been winning hearts since two decades. It is was started by Mr. Patole on the way of entrance to Kolhapur. Its bhakari, mutton had rural flavor which became popular in no time. Most popular items served here include mutton thali (includes mutton plate, tamda rassa, pandhra rassa, gravy, chapati/bhakari, onion, pulav rice). chicken thali. Taste is slightly more spicy than Opal hotel, yet mouth watering. Prompt service. Separate sitting arrangement for families. Indoor & outdoor, both seating arrangement is present. Rush hours are between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Make sure you book a table before going there, otherwise you have to wait for half an hour especially on weekends.

Comfortable seating arrangement is present. Ample parking is available. Rickshaws are available on main road. Parcel facility is also available.

Open hours : 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/qC9j5Ub33ryoMYkj8

Score card

Ambiance : 7/10

Time for delivery : 7/10

Cleanliness : 5/10

Taste : 9/10

Value for money : 9/10

HOTEL PAHUNCHAR......

This is located in newly developed Rajarampuri area. Shahi taste is maintained here. Homemade masala is used for cooking. Service is quick with great hospitality. Most popular items include mutton thali(includes mutton masala,gravy,tambda rassa, andhra rassa,chapati,onion, lemon), mutton masala, mutton loncha, chicken thali, chicken masala, fish thali, prawns. However, seafood items and cocktails are costly.

Rush hours are between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Comfortable seating arrangement is present with separate family section & bar. If you are with family, cocktails can be ordered in family section as well. Ample parking is available. Rickshaws and buses are available on main road. Parcel facility is also available.

Open hours : 11:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/Bvwipc96KUoVExGo7

Score card

Ambiance : 9/10

Time for delivery : 7/10

Cleanliness : 8/10

Taste : 8/10

Value for money : 7/10

Khandoli Nitin's Canteen.........

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Based on what humans consume, there are many classifications of vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This blog is for 'Lacto-ovo-vegetarians' (Eat plant-based foods, dairy products, and eggs, and exclude meat, poultry, and fish.), 'Ovo-vegetarians' (Eat plant-based foods and eggs, and exclude meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.), 'Semi-vegetarians' (may eat dairy products or eggs, as well as a little fish and chicken, and generally exclude meat) and of course the 'Non-vegetarians'. In short it is delightful for 'Eggetarians'. When you are too tired or bored to cook anything, first thing comes to your mind is 'Why not make a quick omelette? ' You often eat egg bhurji, omelette, curry; but ever tried to experiment more with eggs? I am sure for most of you answer would be a 'NO'. This unique place would really surprise you and increase your love for eggs!!!

Vegetarians don't feel bad as veg dishes are also available here. Besides these, chicken items are also served here.

There are a total three branches in Kolhapur namely in 'Shivaji Udyamnagar', 'Tarabai park', 'Mahanagar Palika'. Let us discuss about original, main branch (Shivaji Udyamnagar). This place serves various types of Khandoli, sandwiches. Among the most popular items include Khandoli, Double Khandoli, Hollywood Khandoli, Cheese Khandoli sandwich, Chicken khandoli Sandwich, Cheese toast, Kheema toast,Cheese omelette. Tea and soft-drinks are also available. If you come as a group, try ordering different dishes for innovating more!!

Seating arrangement of 30 - 35 people is available. Parking for two wheeler is easy; but difficult for four wheeler. Rush hours are between 8 am and 11 am. Don't forget to carry cash. they accept only cash payments. Rickshaws are present right in front of the cafe on main road; but you need to walk a kilometre for buses. Parcel facility is available. Prices are high as compared to dish. But if you are a true foodie, I assure you it can be compromised because taste is simply unbeatable. Your tummy gets full!! Good for brunch.

Open hours : 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location : https://g.page/nitinscanteen?share

Score card

Ambiance : 8/10

Time for delivery : 7/10

Cleanliness : 8/10

Taste : 9/10

Value for money :8/10

Bhel.......

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

In last two blogs you read about Kolhapuri Misal joints. Misal is eaten usually at breakfast; bhel is a snack enjoyed at evening. Now let us proceed towards mouth watering street food stuff i.e. BHEL.

ALL INDIA SPECIAL RAJABHAU BHEL......

This bhel joint was established in 1964 at Bhavani Mandap. Later, it shifted to Khaugalli next to Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruh, Khasbag Maidan and another one at Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir. It has now become the pride of Kolhapur. Earlier the founder-owner Rajabhau Shinde used to sell bhel, shegdana, phutana, bhadand at football stadium. As Kolhapur is crazy for football matches, stadium used to be full. That's where people got attracted to this unique taste. Bhadang, shev, sweet and sour chutney, became everyone's favorite in no time. Another specialty is its cleanliness. Since 1964, proper hygiene, dustbins were maintained. Rajabhau Shinde wore white attire which represented his ideas towards 'Swachata Abhiyan'. It is feels really amazing to watch him preparing bhel. It is run by the second generation now. It has a very classic, authentic taste. Most favorite items include Oli special bhel, Bhewada mixture bhel, Timepass bhel, Papdi chaat, Bhadang, Kharidal, etc.

It has another branch in Rajarampuri area, but a little costlier than original branch. Rush hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Parking of two- wheeler is manageable. Buses and rickshaws are available at a small distance on the busy road. Parcel facility is also available in form of 'Family Packs'. Family packs are very helpful if you want to send bhel to someone living in other cities, as these packs can last for one week (without onion).

Open hours : 5 p.m to 10 p.m.

Location : https://g.page/rajabhau?share

Score card

Ambiance : 9/10

Time for delivery : 10/10

Cleanliness : 10/10

Taste : 10/10

Value for money : 9/10

MILI SPECIAL BHEL......

This is very popular bhel stall in Rajarampuri 1st lane Khaugalli. It was established in 1984. Homemade bhadang and chutney are its USP. Another specialty is its stall cum vehicle. The entire stall is manufactured in a portable Tata S vehicle with all hygiene maintained Rush hours are between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Parking of two- wheeler is available. Buses and rickshaws are available at a small distance on the busy road.

Parcel facility is also available with box-container type packing. But if you love eating bhel in paper cones, you may ask him to pack in paper itself.

Open hours : 5 p.m to 10 p.m.

Location : Rajarampuri 1st lane khaugalli.

Score card

Ambiance : 8/10

Time for delivery : 8/10

Cleanliness : 8/10

Taste : 10/10

Value for money : 9/10

RAJKAMAL SPECIAL BHEL......

It is hotspot for tourists who come to visit Rankala Lake. It was established in 1964. Now it is second generation who runs this joint. Most popular items include Special bhel, Timepass bhel, Bhewda bhel, etc.

Rush hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. due to great view of Rankala lake.

Parking of two- wheeler is manageable. Buses and rickshaws are available at a small distance on the busy road. Parcel facility is also available.

Open hours : 4 p.m to 10 p.m.

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/jBrM1oaCThPnAdDW9

Score card

Ambiance : 8/10

Time for delivery : 10/10

Cleanliness : 8/10

Taste : 10/10

Value for money : 10/10