If you’ve ever waited in line for a hot vada pav on a street in Mumbai or eaten poha with your hands in Nagpur, you’ve tasted the spirit of Maharashtra. Its food is full of bold flavors and comfort.
But while food traditions run deep here, there’s a new generation of chefs giving them a fresh twist. Some of these chefs have become so popular, their recipes have gone viral — not just across homes in Maharashtra but across India and beyond.
Let’s take a look at a few of these stars — real people who’ve made a name with smart thinking, warm storytelling, and a pinch of masala that turned everyday recipes into big hits.
Amrita Raichand — Turning Snacks into Healthy Hits
She might not be born in Maharashtra, but Amrita Raichand found her audience here. Her TV show “Mummy Ka Magic” became a favorite in Mumbai homes, especially for moms looking to feed their kids something healthy but fun.
What made her viral? Her version of Stuffed Bhakarwadi Rolls. It wasn’t fried like the usual ones. She baked them — and inside, she put a mix of paneer and nuts. It looked fancy but felt homely. Viewers shared it all over Instagram. It reminded people that Maharashtrian food can be tasty and healthy too.
Vishnu Manohar — Bringing the Village into the City
If you’re from Nagpur or watch Marathi cooking shows, you know Chef Vishnu Manohar. He doesn’t wear a tall white hat — he’s more of a kurta-clad teacher who makes you feel like you’re learning from your own uncle.
One of his most talked-about moments? He cooked Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa and Pandhra Rassa live during a record-breaking marathon. He stood there for hours, sharing jokes and stories, while making rich, spicy gravies that took people back to their native kitchens. News channels picked it up. So did YouTubers. His simplicity made him viral.
Varun Inamdar — Gourmet with a Marathi Twist
This Mumbai-based chef is known worldwide for chocolate. But even with all that five-star training, he keeps coming back to home food. One of his smartest moves? Taking something humble — like sabudana khichdi — and making it stylish.
His viral dish was Sabudana Khichdi with Coconut Foam. He served it with soft coconut air on top, like something out of a fancy menu. People went crazy online — some laughed, some admired it. But everyone was talking.
Archana Arte — The Kitchen Star Next Door
Archana isn’t trained in big hotels. She’s a home chef — just like your neighbor, aunt, or mom. But what she has is honesty, warmth, and a knack for storytelling. She uploads her recipes in Marathi, showing everyday food in a way that feels real.
Her video on Zunka Bhakar and Thecha went viral. She made it outside on a chulha, talking casually. The sound of the sizzling thecha and her smile made it special. Millions watched it. Comments poured in — people saying they cried remembering their mother, their village, their lost childhood.
Ranveer Brar — Where Tradition Meets Instagram
He’s from Lucknow, but Ranveer Brar has found deep love in Maharashtra. He respects the old ways. He also knows how to make a reel go viral. He once made Gourmet Misal Pav — with layered sprouts, crispy sev, and a tamarind foam. Some said it was too much. Others tried it at home and posted pictures.
But that’s the thing — he made people talk, try, and think about Maharashtrian food in new ways. He’s also spent time exploring goda masala, kokum, jaggery — telling the world why these ingredients matter.
What Sets Them Apart
- They all love Maharashtrian food. But what really makes them stand out?
- They respect the old recipes — none of them erase tradition.
- They teach in a language people understand — be it Marathi, Hindi, or Hinglish.
- They know how to use technology — reels, YouTube shorts, or live streams.
- They make food feel like a story, not just a dish.
- Home Kitchens Are Changing
Because of these chefs, things are shifting. Youngsters in Pune are now trying to bake modaks. Families in Nashik are using air fryers for kothimbir vadis. Even in smaller towns like Latur or Satara, people are adding new gadgets and trying new twists.
Festivals are getting a new flavor too. Diwali snacks are lighter. Ganesh Chaturthi sees both steamed and baked modaks. Gudi Padwa thalis now have a balance — traditional puran poli and modern carrot halwa made in a cooker.
Why These Recipes Went Viral
It’s not just about taste. It’s about timing, feeling, and connection. When Archana Arte makes pitla, she doesn’t just share a recipe — she reminds you of your nani. When Amrita shares baked bhakarwadi, it gives parents hope that they can feed their kids well.
And then there’s presentation. These chefs don’t serve on steel plates all the time. They use wooden boards, pretty bowls, even banana leaves. A good photo can take a humble meal to millions.
People from Canada, Dubai, even Australia — they watch, they cook, they comment. Recipes like bharli vangi, modak, or misal are now being cooked in apartments in New York. Because someone on YouTube or Instagram showed it with love.
