Food walks rise in popularity among locals and tourists alike

The truest way to learn about any city is through its street food and restaurants — such is the refrain of numerous culinary enthusiasts, who have been conducting a variety of ‘food walks' in Pune to introduce new and old residents to the edible treats on offer. According to them, the excursion not only delights your palate, but also helps you bond with fellow foodies and find new friends.
For instance, Samruddha Patil, who runs the Instagram page @wheninpune, says she has been exploring food since she was in college and started conducting walks oriented around this theme in Dec 2023."It's about creating a platform for a community to form. Food is a great catalyst to get people talking, sharing and bonding. These food walks, café and bar hops have done just that. Over a few rambles, we have started to get more locals in attendance," Patil shares.
At present, she hosts one walk a month, spread across either the Kalyaninagar, Vimannagar, Koregaon Park or Wanowrie areas. During each walk, Patil tries to do justice to the chosen location. "I try to strike a balance between giving the attendees a good time and ensuring that the owners of the establishments we visit are not overburdened. I am learning with each walk, too. However, it has been great to meet new people, show them a different side of the city and introduce them to novel fare," she adds.
Jayesh Paranjape, whose Western Routes conducts an iconic and well-known food walk in the heart of the city, says his goal is to help participants explore the rich culinary heritage of Pune through some of its best establishments and menus. "Such walks are all about the experience — they are not only great for visitors and tourists, but also those who just want to know more about their own city. Food is a great bonding factor and helps build a community. The places we visit have historical significance, and the stories of how they began are always interesting," Paranjape tells TOI.
His route and the establishments visited have remained more or less the same since 2014, with some accommodations for the walkers. "Over the years, the demographic attending these walks has changed and yet, everyone comes with the interest to learn not just about the food, but also the places — and that is great. We have a lot of students, working professionals and even locals who have been living in the city for decades taking part," he adds. Paranjape also conducts curated food trips to locations outside Pune, and others focused on festivals as well.
Gynaecologist Manasi Naralkar, who has attended Paranjape's walks in Camp and other areas after her friends suggested it, says one has to experience this activity to realize its magic. "The walks also enlighten you about the history of the neighbourhood and establishment, besides treating you to fare you've never tried before," she says, further narrating, "I remember walking into the Husseny Bakery's kitchen, redolent with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, and getting the chance to sample them. The walks reallyexpanded my palate."
Every ‘food guide' conducting these walks brings a unique perspective to the gastronomical adventure. An avid gourmand, Husein Upletawala is a seasoned hand at picking the right eateries to visit during Ramadan. Conducting his walks in Kausarbaug in Kondhwa only during the holy festival, Upletawala guides foodies to eateries serving the best haleem, malpua, kebabs and other red meat options.
He says, "The walks initially started with just family and friends. It was after their demands that the venture got the structure it has today. The idea is to explore an area, enjoy the company and learn more about delicacies. We cover six to seven eateries in three to four hours."
His walks have been dubbed as ‘extremely memorable' by non-vegetarians in attendance. A sales and marketing professional, Upletawala says, "There is a sense of togetherness built in a food walk — it is not only a learning experience for those who attend, but also for the person conducting it. I get insights into how people perceive food. It's a great way to seek knowledge."
A thriving community in Pune, food enthusiasts gravitate towards these walks for the joy of trying new dishes or indulging in their favourites at old and new spots.
"I went with my friend for a walk for the first time in 2018 and have attended many more since. It was an absolute delight, and the culinary journey is an experience worth having. I am from Pune, but going on these walks means exploring a whole new part of the city I have always lived in — and that is the best part," says Shubham Bari, a digital marketing professional and Swargate resident.