If you’ve moved in to Pune recently or are a couple setting up a new abode, one of the first and basic things which needs to be in place is the kitchen! Yes, the heart of every home – the kitchen. One of the oldest traditions in a new kitchen for Indians has been to boil milk and rice in an open pot until it boils over the sides. This is meant to symbolize purity and long life. The overflowing pot has great significance and symbolizes the abundance of prosperity and wealth for the new home and the family that resides in it. The sweetened version of this boiled rice and milk – the humble kheer is shared with friends and family who come to bless this home.
The sweet memories of brewing your first cup of tea, cooking your first meal together or even Maggi are sacrosanct! This memory would be reduced to a Swiggy or Zomato order unless you have the utensils to cook in!! 🙂 Ofcourse there is Amazon, Flipkart, or any online marketplace that could help you quickly order this stuff but if you’re anything like me, you’d want to experience the city in its by-lanes or swanky malls and build your precious kitchen. Ladies you will love this article as I’ll help you build the perfect kitchen. Men will love it because some of the places recommended are light on the pocket!
So, let’s jump right in. I’ll walk you through some personal recommendations on where to shop.
Bhandi Aali
One of the oldest utensil market places in Pune has been the “Bhandi Aali” – which when loosely translated means the street /market for Utensils. This market is located in what Puneites call the “city” area. This is the heritage area of the city which has many hidden jewels which I’ll reserve to unearth another day. This street is flanked by utensil dealers on both sides and can get overwhelming for some people. If it’s a bargain deal you are looking for, the crowds won’t deter you at all. Interestingly some shops sell utensils by the weight here. While in the erstwhile days, copper and brass utensils had quite the market, rising costs have taken the sheen off these metals. Hardcore fans of brass and copperware and traditionalists would still indulge.
The vessels here range from plates, bowls, pots, pans, flatware, storage containers, et all mainly in steel and aluminum and ceramic vessels. Hidden in some nook and corners you will find iron vessels too. Some Indian households adore the taste of parathas (Indian flatbreads) generously loaded with desi ghee (clarified butter) cooked on an iron tawa. If you are looking to set up a professional kitchen for your restaurant, this is THE place to go. Like all markets, folks here too evolved over time and now have trendy kitchenware and ceramic and glassware items. You might find a few dealers of idols and temple accessories. Simple pooja thalis, diyas and incense holders are available across most stores.
My personal favourite item available in this market is the grandma ceramic pickle jar. This is one of those items that evokes nostalgic memories for me. That warm fuzzy feeling of sitting around the kitchen in the summers and making pickles is priceless.
Getting there: Bhandi Aali
Huns Glass and Metal Mart
Probably one of the oldest utensil stores in the Pune camp area. This store is a one stop shop for all your utensil needs. If you can’t reach Bhandi Aali or simply don’t want to deal with the traffic and crowds in the city area – this is the one store you should check out. A small family run business was started by the patriarch of the family. It’s now run by the brothers who are both very helpful and give sound advice on the products you want to buy.
From pressure cookers, to pots, pans, steel plates, spoons, mixers, juicers and even fine crockery they have it all!! Over the years they have expanded and now have multiple stores all on MG Road, Pune. The store just around the corner from Priya restaurant on RS Kedari Road just off MG Road also does repairs. A broken lid of a chopper or a mixer grinder, blade replacement, small odd job and major repairs are all undertaken. Do go in the first half of the day for repairs, as in the evenings with more footfall they don’t entertain repairs.
On Dhanteras day, the shop is perpetually crowded. It is believed that new “Dhan” or wealth or some item made of precious metal is a sign of good luck. In recent times, Dhanteras has come to be known as the most auspicious occasion for buying gold, silver, and other metals, especially kitchenware. The store might be crowded but everyone walks away smiling after purchasing some form of metal. You can book your article a few days before and simply go and pick it up on the day of the festival.
So, what are you waiting for! Head out and stock up that kitchen, after all meals make memories!
Getting there: Huns Glass and Metal Mart (Off MG Road)
Pune Metro 