The best Sheera (Sooji halwa) in Pune

Most breakfast and snack sellers offer Pohe, Upma, Idli, Wada etc. Some of them also offer sweet Sheera or Sooji Ka Halwa. One thing that irritates me is that this Sheera that they sell is a Pineapple Sheera and not the traditional, Maharashtrian Banana Sheera (Kelacha Sheera). If you are a fan of this sweet and tasty dessert, you are going to on cloud nine when I tell you about where you can get the best Kelacha Sheera in Pune.

The search for best Sheera:

I have tasted Sheera at a variety of places like Anna Idli, Local restaurants/Snack centres etc. but I didn't find the authentic Maharashtrian Sheera at most of the places. Finally, I started asking people about the best Sheera place in town. That's when I came across a jewel, a hidden gem. The best thing is, it is not just popular for a single item but a range of selected dishes and that too at an affordable price.

Bipin Snacks: One of the best snacks place in Pune.

Source: Justdial
NOTE: The cost of food items in this image are not accurate. Current prices have inflated by Rs.5-10.

Address:  GR7Q+6X3, Karve Rd, Kachare Colony, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, Maharashtra 411004

Sheera/ Sooji Halwa Cost: Rs.25 (As of October 2022)

Quantity: ~250g

Presentation: Steel bowl/plate if eating at outlet. Aluminium container with plastic-wooden spoon for takeaway parcel.

Ingredients: Pure Cow ghee, Sooji/Rawa, Sugar, Cashews, Raisins, water/milk, cardamom.

The Taste:

Delicious. If you have a sweet tooth, you may feel the urge to add some sugar but it is not at all unsweet. Its managed sweetness makes it consumable till the last bite. Banana flavour is not too strong but definitely noticeable. Dry fruits gives it that extra touch of crunchiness and texture. I don't like raisins much, so I was happy to see that there weren't too many of them in my plate. It is also served steaming hot, so it feels like we are eating freshly made stuff.

Cost to taste: 

Surprisingly affordable. For just Rs.25 you get a filling snack. No need to eat anything for next 3-4 hours at least. It is also a healthier option as compared to fast foods like burgers, pizzas etc. This is truly a blessing for those who want to enjoy authentic snacks at an authentic price. 'Rare' shall be too little of a word to describe the importance of this heavenly place.

Conclusion:

I wish to see this place open for another 100 years at least. No matter what, Bipin snacks cannot be compared with other snack sellers. It is unique in its own way and shall remain like this forever. Affordable Maharashtrian dishes made with quality ingredients, in an authentic style. Truly a gem of a place for Punekars.