Hello LGs,
This post is in participation of the Thali challenge by @curatorofmemory and by @TusharSuradkar Share your photo of Thali.
A simple Maharashtrian thali from Pune’s iconic Poona Guest House on Lakshmi Road is pleasantly refreshing. Today, I enjoyed a nice glass of buttermilk, rice, rotis, two bhajis, wadi, and a freshly made puran poli. The flavors were simple but deeply ingrained: the warmth of freshly tempered tadka, the sharpness of aamti, and small pulses. Simple, home-cooked meal with no frills.
Poona Guest House serves more than just meals. Founded in 1935 by Narahar “Nanasaheb” Sarpotdar, it grew alongside Pune’s cultural and cinematic activity. Nanasaheb was active in silent cinema, spotting talent early on—actors such as Lalita Pawar were given early opportunities, thanks to him. The building has long been known as “kalakaranche maherghar,” or “the artists’ mother-home,” because it provided shelter, meals, and even housing to struggling musicians, theater performers, and film crews when they were just starting out. Legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, Bhimsen Joshi, and Kumar Gandharva have walked its halls. When Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar first visited the city, he stayed under the staircase.
Lunch here is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to engage in cultural exchange. The basic thali and puran poli combo is more than just a meal; it connects you with Pune’s history, cinema, and voices. Sitting with the regulars makes you feel like you’re a part of that family.
My review of the place, (check my photo is featured immediately)
Cheers!
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Looks delicious @AjitThite ji 
I really liked your thali presentation and the story behind Poona Guest House….
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@AjitThite. Very interesting . Pune has many such restaurants with heritage tag and all are going strong year after year
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This post is very nice! I liked reading about your lunch at Poona Guest House. It is honor to visit and have lunch at such a historical place. It is good to know about the history and famous people who visited there. Thank you, @AjitThite, for sharing your story and photos. I hope, one fine day, I will visit that place too.
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The Thali looks minimalistic @AjitThite, but the visit of the legends takes it to the next level.
I remember we almost decided to go to Poona Guest House during a meetup last year.
We must go there next time 
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This is very interesting @AjitThite … Nicely documented. Food thali looks awesome.
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Yes, the food was awesome and it’s an iconic place for Punekars and the Maharashtra film industry too.
Thanks for the appreciation, @mahatokoushik623.
Cheers!
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Yes, it is one of the famous, iconic eateries of Pune.
It was peak hours, and the crowd was getting in, so they didn’t allow me to take photos clearly.
I hope my submission suits your challenge requirements. @curatorofmemory
Cheers!
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You’re welcome, champion. anytime, we will go there for sure.
Thanks for your kind words.
Cheers!
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I like that minimalistic thing, as it sets a clear strategy to start and finish the food. 
We will go one day, for sure. It’s very reasonable as well.
Cheers!
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It’s pure local Maharashtrian food served here. Amazing vibes, delicious taste. Alll in one. 
Cheers!
Wow @AjitThite Dada Thali looks very beautiful and of course it will be delicious to eat.
We will definitely try it.
And your post is too good.
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Wow, the thali looks amazing and yummy. It must have been feast to soul @AjitThite Would definitely love to try it when I come to Pune. The pictures and storytelling is fabulous as usual. 
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Such a beautiful piece of history attached to this place. Indeed it truly is Lunch with the Legends. Thank you for sharing this amazing post @AjitThite dada. The food looks delicious
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नमस्कार
@AjitThite
अगदि मला आवडते तशी घरगुती थाळी , सात्विक दिसत आहे,
शेअर केल्याबद्दल धन्यवाद 
पुढे कधी मी पुण्यात आली कि मला इथे जेवायला खरच खूप आवडेल ..
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Infact that is really a heritage THALI.
Thanks for sharing @AjitThite bhau.
Pure desi cultural post.
Regards
Anil6969
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One of the oldest, most popular and my favorite place. Excellent traditional food. Especially Puran Poli. Thank you for sharing @AjitThite dada. This thali can beat any other with its test and quality.
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Thanks, Mitra! You should definitely try. @Kuldip_Patil
Cheers!
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We had planned it during our first mega meet-up at Lal Mahal last year, but dropped it out at last minute. Anyway, we will visit there next time, @MayuriKubal @Shrut19
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It is an iconic restaurant for Punekars, particularly Brahmins, in terms of food preparation and taste. 
Do visit here; we will go there for lunch.
Cheers!
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