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7 min
10/03/2026
Gudi Padwa 2026 is going to wow your taste buds with a variety of delicious savoury dishes from Maharashtra, so say goodbye to sweets. This year, put crisp Kothimbir Vadi and aromatic Masale Bhaat front and centre, along with classic favourites like Sabudana Khichdi and Katachi Amti. Vibrant, well-balanced, and perfect for sharing, these seven festive meals perfectly encapsulate the flavours of Maharashtra. This guide will help you create a spread that brings joy and celebration to every bite.
This is the perfect time to delve into the "tikhat" (spicy) side of Maharashtrian cuisine, where vibrant tastes and healthy ingredients blend in joyful harmony, in preparation for Gudi Padwa 2026, the Hindu New Year. Despite the fact that sweet treats like puran poli tend to steal the show during celebrations, the savoury cuisine of Maharashtra showcases an equally fascinating culinary heritage. Here are seven authentic savoury dishes that showcase the region's penchant for rich ingredients and well-balanced tastes.
From hearty staples like khichdi to tangy, aromatic dishes like katachi amti, Maharashtrian cuisine has it all. These dishes, which are rooted in tradition and meant to be shared, turn the New Year table into a lively feast.
As part of the Upvas (fasting) traditions, khichdi is often considered the ideal first meal. This sabudana khichdi is rather special, where the pearls of sago become translucent and distinct but never mushy. In this dish, roasted peanuts, green chillies, cumin, and soaked tapioca pearls are mixed with potatoes for a zesty meal. You can add grated coconut and a handful of pomegranate seeds for a fresh, colourful finish. Energy-dense and gluten-free, it’s ideal for breakfast or as part of a festive thali.
This matki (moth bean) curry is made with sprouted matki beans, onions, tomatoes, and goda masala, simmered slowly until it becomes thick and earthy. Whether eaten with steaming rice, pav, or chapati, Matki Usal is the pinnacle of rustic comfort cuisine, thanks to its abundance of plant-based protein and Maharashtrian spices. A sprinkle of grated coconut and fresh coriander enhances the richness of the dish.
The famous Bharli Vangi is an essential part of every Maharashtrian celebration. Slice small purple-striped brinjals and stuff them with a rich mixture of peanuts, sesame, dried coconut, and goda masala. The end product is a luscious curry infused with oil. To make it a true Maharashtrian meal for Gudi Padwa, serve it with jowar bhakri or fluffy chapatis.
Steamed, squared, and shallow-fried to golden perfection, this authentic Maharashtrian dish combines fresh coriander with besan (chickpea flour), spices, and sesame seeds. A delightful tea snack or party appetiser, Kothimbir Vadi has a crunchy outside and a soft inside. Sprinkle a touch of white sesame seeds on the outside before frying to transform the vadi into golden, nutty gems.
This thin, hot, and tangy soup is made from the by-product of Puran Poli: the strained water from cooking chana dal. An exquisite illustration of Maharashtrian nose-to-tail cuisine, Katachi Amti is both economical and flavourful, enriched with kokum, jaggery, and goda masala (a Maharashtrian spice blend). It gives the festive thali character and strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and spice.
The “comfort” component of Batatyachi Bhaji is a stir-fry of potatoes with a yellow tint. It is a colourful dish prepared with curry leaves, turmeric, mustard seeds, and a splash of mustard oil. You can serve it with a generous dusting of freshly grated coconut and a dash of lime to balance the earthy turmeric flavours.
This easy-to-make side dish works well with a variety of foods, including pooris and masala dosas, and leftovers can turn into a delicious filling for sandwiches or samosas.
Aromatic and vibrant, Masale Bhaat is both a visual and a culinary delight. Ambemohar rice, known for its distinctive fragrance, is sautéed with vegetables such as ivy gourd (tondli) or cauliflower in this dish. Seasonal vegetables, peanuts, coconut, and the signature goda masala are mixed into this spiced rice preparation. For an elegant presentation, try topping it with fried cashews, a drizzle of ghee, and some fresh coriander.
As you curate your Gudi Padwa menu, keep in mind that Maharashtrian cuisine embodies the essence of Swayampurn (completeness). By mastering these seven savoury dishes, you’re not just serving guests; you’re organising a traditional festive spread that celebrates flavour, balance, and the spirit of togetherness. So, this Gudi Padwa, let your menu embody the warmth of a Maharashtrian welcome.