If you think Nanded is just about history and holy sites, let me stop you right there, with a hot plate of mutton rassa and a steaming bhakri in hand. Sure, the city is known for its spiritual soul (Sikh pilgrims, I see you), but there’s a culinary side to Nanded that’s spicy, soulful, and absolutely worth writing home, and blog posts about.
Nanded sits on the flavorful edge of Maharashtra, close enough to Telangana to borrow a few smoky, meaty secrets and firmly rooted in traditional Marathi cooking. The result? A food scene that mixes rich curries with earthy staples, street snacks with royal indulgence, and plenty of dishes that stick to your ribs (in the best way possible).
So, whether you’re here to pay respects at Hazur Sahib or you’re just on the hunt for your next great meal, this guide is your cheat sheet to the Nanded famous food that locals love and visitors never forget.
What Makes Nanded’s Food Scene So Special?
Let’s start with what makes Nanded special food stand out from the crowd. It’s all about that crossroads life. Nanded is influenced by its Maharashtrian roots and its proximity to Hyderabad, which means your thali might include spicy mutton curry one day and biryani with saffron and fried onions the next.
Here’s why foodies (and people like me who plan their day around lunch) are obsessed:
- Cultural Mix Plate: You get the best of both worlds: traditional Maharashtrian food like patodi rassa bhaji, and Hyderabadi classics that bring their own royal drama.
- Local Kitchens, Big Flavor: Family-run joints and street vendors dominate the food scene here. No chains, no pretense, just big portions and bold taste.
- Spice Game Strong: If you like your food to bite back, Nanded won’t disappoint. Green chillies, dry coconut, and fiery masalas are a way of life.
- Homegrown Heroes: From humble thecha to festive sweets like shenga poli, the use of regional produce and traditional prep makes each bite feel grounded.
If you’re after the best food in Nanded, it’s not hiding. It’s being served fresh, hot, and usually with a generous side of chutney.
7 Must-Try Food That Define Nanded’s Special Food
1. Maratha Mutton Rassa

If one dish could sum up Nanded famous food, it’s this fiery beast. Maratha mutton rassa is a rich, spicy curry that’s not for the faint-hearted, or the spice-sensitive. Made with tender mutton cooked in a deep red gravy packed with dry coconut, onions, garlic, and black pepper, it’s best mopped up with bhakri or rice.
Expect your nose to run. Expect your forehead to sweat. And expect to come back for more the next day.
2. Hyderabadi Biryani

Because why not? Nanded’s Hyderabadi biryani is an ode to its southern neighbor, and boy, does it do justice to the original. Long-grain basmati rice, saffron, caramelized onions, and fall-apart chunks of chicken or mutton make this dish a feast in every sense.
It’s more aromatic than fiery, more royal than rustic, and one of the most famous food in Nanded if you’re craving something rich and celebratory.
3. Patodi Rassa Bhaji

Welcome to the world of rolled-up besan magic. Patodi rassa bhaji features gram flour (besan) patties that are cooked in a hot and spicy gravy made with garlic, onion, red chilli, and dry coconut.
This is Marathi food at its earthy, fiery best. It’s often paired with jawar or bajra bhakri, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll start judging all other gravies by this standard. A true Nanded special food hero.
4. Bhakri with Thecha

Sometimes, the simplest meals hit the hardest. Bhakri, a rustic flatbread made from jowar or bajra, is usually paired with thecha, a spicy chutney made from green chilies, garlic, and a dash of oil. That’s it. No frills. No drama.
But oh, the flavor. Smoky, spicy, and so good it’ll make you tear up (literally, thanks to the heat). Pair it with curd and fried green chillies, and you’ve got the ultimate local lunch.
5. Shev Bhaji

This one’s a sleeper hit. Shev bhaji is a thick, spicy gravy made with crispy, fried gram flour noodles (shev) that soak up the masala like little flavor sponges. It’s hearty, a bit crunchy, and a total comfort dish in this part of Maharashtra.
Locals often pair it with pav or roti, but let’s be honest, any excuse to scoop up more gravy works.
6. Nanded Style Chicken Curry

You’ve had chicken curry. But you haven’t had Nanded style chicken curry until you’ve felt that slow burn from the masala blend that’s cooked for hours. What sets it apart? A generous amount of roasted spices, deep flavor from coconut, and the kind of homestyle care that no restaurant in the world can fake.
It’s spicy, rich, and best enjoyed with a mountain of rice or warm chapatis. You’ll definitely find this on the Nanded best food list.
7. Shenga Poli

Let’s end on a sweet note. Shenga poli is a festive flatbread stuffed with jaggery and roasted peanut filling. It’s a chewy, nutty, mildly sweet treat that’s often served with ghee on the side and a whole lot of love.
Made during special occasions, but available in some homes and sweet shops year-round, it’s a hidden gem among Nanded famous food offerings.
Order the Best Food in Nanded Online with Swiggy

Not in the mood to step out in the sun? Or maybe you’re new to town and just want a safe bet for dinner. Either way, the good news is, you don’t need to hunt down every hole-in-the-wall spot to get these delicious meals.
Just order food in Nanded from your phone. With Swiggy, you can get everything from Maratha mutton to Shenga Poli delivered hot and fresh to your doorstep.
It’s the easiest way to dive into famous food in Nanded without moving an inch.
Conclusion
Nanded might be better known for its spiritual soul, but its culinary heart is just as sacred. From rich Hyderabadi biryani to the humble thecha, from peanut-stuffed poli to royal-style curries, the Nanded special food scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
It’s food with stories. With spice. With soul.
So the next time you find yourself in this charming city, don’t just visit the landmarks. Visit the thali joints, the corner stalls, the homes that make bhakri from scratch and chicken curry like a warm hug. That’s where the real magic happens.
And if you’re hungry right now? Swiggy’s just a click away.
FAQs
1. Which sweet dishes are famous in Nanded?
Shenga Poli, puran poli, and a variety of milk-based sweets like pedhas and shrikhand are quite popular. Thanks to the strong dairy heritage here, anything involving milk is a safe (and tasty) bet.
2. Can I order local food online in Nanded?
Yes! You can order food in Nanded through platforms like Swiggy, which feature a wide variety of local and traditional dishes.
3. Are there any popular non-vegetarian dishes in Nanded?
Definitely. Maratha Mutton Rassa and Nanded-style Chicken Curry are two absolute must-tries. These dishes reflect the region’s love for bold, spicy flavors and slow-cooked goodness.
Author Bio
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