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Madhya Pradesh, with its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, also offers a vibrant culinary scene that every food lover should explore. From street food to traditional dishes, here’s a guide to the must-try dishes in Madhya Pradesh, along with their locations for an unforgettable culinary journey.

 

1. Poha-Jalebi

• Location: Indore
• Description: Start your day in Indore with poha, a fluffy dish made from flattened rice sautéed with spices, onions, and peas, served alongside sweet jalebi. This iconic breakfast combo is a local favorite and is available in many eateries and street stalls, particularly in the bustling Sarafa Bazaar.

 

2. Bhopali Biryani

• Location: Bhopal
• Description: Known for its aromatic flavor, Bhopali Biryani is a must-try for meat lovers. This dish features marinated meat cooked with fragrant rice and spices. You can find some of the best Bhopali biryanis at local restaurants such as Biryani House or Sagar Restaurant.

 

3. Dal Bafla

• Location: Mandu and Indore
• Description: A hearty dish, dal bafla consists of wheat dough balls boiled and then roasted in ghee, served with a rich lentil curry. This traditional meal is best enjoyed at dhabas in Mandu or Indore, where you can savor the rustic flavors.

 

4. Bhutte Ka Kees

• Location: Indore
• Description: Bhutte ka kees is a unique dish made from grated corn cooked with spices and garnished with fresh coriander. This local specialty is popular among street food vendors in Indore, especially in Sarafa Bazaar.

 

5. Nihari

• Location: Bhopal
• Description: Nihari is a slow-cooked meat stew traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast dish. The rich and flavorful curry, often made with mutton, is best sampled at local eateries in Bhopal, like Haji Hassan or Nihariwala.

 

6. Mutton Rogan Josh

• Location: Gwalior and Bhopal
• Description: This aromatic curry features tender pieces of mutton cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. You can find excellent mutton rogan josh at restaurants like Shree Sitaram in Gwalior or Chatori Gali in Bhopal.

 

7. Chaat

• Location: Bhopal and Indore
• Description: Madhya Pradesh boasts a variety of chaat, a beloved street food. Try the aloo tikki chaat or dahi puri for a burst of flavors. Head to Chatori Gali in Bhopal or Chappan Dukan in Indore for the best chaat experiences.

 

8. Gajar Ka Halwa

• Location: Across Madhya Pradesh
• Description: For dessert, indulge in gajar ka halwa, made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and garnished with nuts. This rich sweet can be found in sweet shops like Nandani Sweets and Shree Krishna Sweets in Indore and Bhopal.

 

9. Kebabs

• Location: Bhopal and Gwalior
• Description: Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its kebabs, especially seekh kebabs and shami kebabs. These delicious, marinated meats can be enjoyed at eateries like Jaswant Niwas in Gwalior and Bhopal's Tandoor House.

 

10. Mawa Bati

• Location: Gwalior and Indore
• Description: Mawa bati is a sweet made from khoya (dried milk) filled with nuts and deep-fried to perfection. This delightful treat is widely available in sweet shops across Gwalior and Indore, including Chhappan Bhog and Mithas.