Mumbai's Culinary Icons Arrive in Pune
Two legendary Mumbai-based restaurants have recently expanded their operations to Pune, bringing their celebrated flavors to a new audience. Miya Kebabs and Persia Darbar, both renowned for their distinctive takes on kebabs and Mughlai cuisine, have set up shop in the city, marking a significant development in Pune's evolving food landscape.
Miya Kebabs Makes Its Pune Debut
Miya Kebabs, an iconic Mumbai eatery famous for its succulent kebabs and freshly baked naans, has finally opened its first outlet in Pune. Located in the serene neighborhood of Koregaon Park, this launch comes after a five-year delay. Founder Junaid Kokni originally planned to open in Pune in 2020, but the pandemic forced a change in strategy. Instead, the brand first launched in Mumbai's Bandra before returning to its initial target.
The restaurant specializes in kebabs with a strong Indian character, complemented by subtle Arabian influences. Patrons consistently praise several standout dishes. The Chicken Changezi Tikka, Chicken Kashmiri Tikka, Butter Chicken Roll, and Angara Chicken Shawarma rank among the most popular items.
What truly distinguishes Miya Kebabs is its unique serving method. The gravy-based kebabs arrive on the same naan used to slide them off the skewers. This technique allows the rich marinade and aromatic masala to soak directly into the bread. Each plate comes with signature green chutney, fresh onions, and a wedge of lemon, delivering an authentic desi kebab experience.
A Focus on Consistency and Quality
Junaid Kokni has adopted a measured approach to expansion, prioritizing consistency above all else. The Pune outlet mirrors this philosophy perfectly. It features a compact menu, tightly controlled operations, and an unwavering commitment to the authentic flavors that built the brand's reputation in Mumbai.
The kitchen maintains a steady workflow to ensure freshness, especially during busy evening hours when order volumes spike. While the seating area provides ample space, the real magic happens behind the scenes, where quality control remains paramount.
Surprising Vegetarian Delights
Although famous for its chicken kebabs, Miya Kebabs also takes great pride in its vegetarian offerings. A restaurant spokesperson highlighted this often-overlooked section of the menu.
"Not many people try the veg dishes because the name suggests non-vegetarian food," the spokesperson said. "But the vegetarian selection is excellent. The aloo roll, Paneer Kashmiri, Paneer Changezi, and Changezi Aloo are all among the best."
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers highly recommend one particular item: the Zatar Naan with Hummus. This soft, chewy naan, stuffed with cheese and topped with herbs, pairs perfectly with their creamy, smooth hummus.
Customer Reactions in Pune
Namrata Deshpande, a new regular at the Pune outlet, shared her experience. "We tried their famous Zatar Naan and Hummus," she said. "The naan was filled with cheese and herbs. It's a must-try, though quite filling for one person. The Angara Chicken Tikka was exceptional. I would definitely go back just for that."
This Koregaon Park launch is just the beginning for Miya Kebabs in Pune. The brand has already planned another outlet, set to open soon in the Baner area.
Persia Darbar's Mughlai Legacy
While Miya Kebabs is a new arrival, another Mumbai-born establishment has been serving Pune for several years. Persia Darbar, with a legacy dating back to 1978, first established itself in Mumbai before expanding to other locations in the city, including Andheri, Kurla, and Bandra's Linking Road.
The Pune outlet represents the restaurant's first venture outside Mumbai and has garnered a strong, positive response from local diners.
Distinct Mughlai Flavors
Rehan, the 43-year-old restaurant manager at Persia Darbar in Pune, explained the unique characteristics of Mughlai cuisine. "Mughlai food is not very spicy," he said. "It has a richer, slightly sweeter taste profile." He noted that many customers are unfamiliar with the subtle differences between standard Indian flavors and traditional Mughlai preparations.
Quality remains a non-negotiable principle for Persia Darbar. Rehan emphasized their commitment to using high-end ingredients. "Superior raw materials deliver better taste," he stated. "That is very important to us."
Among the restaurant's most popular dishes are the Chicken Lebanese Tikka and Mutton Turkey Boti. Rehan also highlighted their focus on regular menu innovation. This strategy keeps the offerings fresh, allowing customers to enjoy both classic Mughlai flavors and contemporary twists on traditional kebabs.
Enriching Pune's Food Culture
The arrival of these two iconic Mumbai eateries coincides with a dynamic period in Pune's culinary scene. The city's appetite for regional and specialized food offerings continues to grow steadily. Both Miya Kebabs and Persia Darbar bring not just their recipes, but also their decades of experience and culinary heritage, adding new depth and variety to Pune's vibrant dining landscape.
