Sharada: Pune’s Beloved Eatery Serving Taste and Care Since 1999

By Gayatri Kelkar
Pune, 17th September 2025: For over two decades, Sharada has been more than just a food joint in Anandnagar area of Sinhgad Road, Pune—it has been a place of warmth, discipline, and heartfelt service. Established in 1999 by Sangeeta Gade, the eatery is known for offering homely, healthy meals that carry not just flavor but also a sense of respect and responsibility.

From its early years, Sharada has attracted not only loyal patrons but also Marathi celebrities such as Prakash Inamdar and Raghavendra Kadkol, who often visited to savor its signature dishes. One of its most dedicated customers, Pandit, has made it a personal tradition to bring tiffins for every food item sold, a gesture that reflects the deep bond the community shares with the eatery.

At the heart of Sharada’s success is Sangeeta’s philosophy—discipline balanced with compassion. She has been firm about maintaining hygiene and sustainability: plastic bags are avoided, liquid soap is used instead of bars that clog drains, and dishes are always cleaned with hot water. Her commitment to cleanliness and care sets the tone for the entire establishment. Employees say they admire her leadership, noting that they have never been insulted or humiliated, which makes the workplace as welcoming as the meals served.

The soul of Sharada lies in its kitchen, where its much-loved sambar and wada are prepared using a unique recipe that emphasizes health without compromising taste. Regular customers describe the food as “super healthy,” while first-timers often leave impressed by the eatery’s clean and homely atmosphere.

Yet, despite her achievements, Sangeeta carries one regret—food wastage. She feels disheartened when customers order more than they can finish. To her, every plate served is not just food but a reflection of hard work, health, and nourishment that must be respected.

More than 20 years since its founding, Sharada continues to thrive as a symbol of Sangeeta’s values: a love for food, genuine care for people, and responsibility toward the environment. For many in Pune, it remains not just a place to eat, but a place to feel at home.