Indore is a treasure trove for foodies quite literally and those who have still not experienced the food culture in Indore have definitely missed out on something wonderful in life. While Indore is mainly known for the Lal Bagh Palace and the Central Museum, the food scenario in the city is another major reason why people come here. The street food in Indore is an amalgamation of the cuisines found in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, but still they have somehow managed to make it their own with certain uniqueness. You will get to have amazing street food at very affordable prices and you are sure to come back to the city again, just for the food you get here. Here are some of the dishes that you must definitely try out while you are here:
One of the most popular food items in Indore, Dahi Vada is a staple in almost every shop and eatery. The dish comprises of a Vada or a fried chop of batter made from lentils and then it is sipped in generous amount of yoghurt and then topped with spice mix and chaat masala. The Dahi Vada makers make them with a lot of flourish, as the often toss the vada in the air, much like preparing a romali roti or a pizza base. The Vadas are very filling and you will have the perfect tangy flavor from the yoghurt to start your day. A plate for two will come around INR 100 only.
Poha is a traditional Marathi breakfast made from beaten rice and then tossed with vegetables and spices. The Jalebi is a spiral sweet, hot and crispy and dipped in sugar syrup. In other cities, most of the time the two dishes are served separately, the first as a breakfast or snack and the second as a dessert. However, in Indore they are served together and you will soon know why. The crispiness mingles with the sweetness to start a party in your mouth. Bite into the Jalebi in between spoonfuls of Poha and you will love this new combination. A plate of poha- jalebi will cost only around INR 150.
You might have tasted hundreds of samosas in other parts of the country but nothing like the samosa you get in Indore because the filling of this samosa is quite sour and tangy. It is served with a sweet chutney instead of the tamarind, tomato or mint chutney served elsewhere and the sweetness beautifully cuts through the tanginess of the samosa. You will love the burst of tanginess as you bite into the crunchy outer crust. Two samosas will cost less than INR 50.
This is probably the most popular of all the snacks of Indore and everyone seems to be munching on them! They are wonderful for evening snacks and are great with your morning cup of tea. They are made from moong lentils, fried crisp and hot and you will marvel at their goodness. You can get a packetful of bhajiyas for two people at only around INR 80.
You are familiar with Gulab Jamun, right? This is the big brother of the traditional Gulab Jamun and you only have to look at it to know the reason why. And once you take a bite, you will be transported to heaven! The huge, Gulab Jamun- like sweet is soft and sweet on the outside and is filled with dry fruits and nuts on the inside. It is the perfect dessert after a special meal and two Mawa Bati will only cost your around INR 100.
Made from corn, the key to this wonderful dish is the use of good quality, flavorful Ghee. It is a specialty of the city and will not find it much anywhere else. The corn is boiled and mashed and then small dumplings are fried in ghee. Then it is mixed with besan, hing and jeera and an assortment of other spices. The end result is truly amazing and nothing like you have tasted before. Two plates will cost you around INR 100 only.
Dal Bafla is a baked dish, and hence it uses very little oil or other saturated fat. So, you may have it without feeling guilty at all. It is like the traditional dal- baati, but is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The round balls are immersed in the water and boiled before they are baked and ingredients like wheat, yoghurt and a number of spices go into it. The dish is a perfect example of balance and technique and final Bafla will just melt in your mouth. It is a Indore famous food for sure.
Yes, you read that right. It’s not Jalebi, but Jaleba. This is like the Big Daddy of all jalebis and is huge in size. If you are out for a meal, then be sure to eat a little lighter so that you have room in your tummy for this humungous and delicious sweet. This Jaleba, is in fact so big that it is not possible for one person to finish it alone. It is literally like a meal and dessert rolled into one and those who have an especially sweet tooth simply love it. A Jaleba will cost around INR 120 max.
The Sabudane ki Khichdi is kinds of dish made from barley and before you turn your nose up, think again. You will love the texture of the sabudana after it has been cooked with spices and cardmom and it is a very healthy and filling dish. People in Indore often carry it with them on long travels because it is dry and easy to carry. The taste is very unique and not like the other regular khichdis you are used to having.
Although known by this name, this dish is actually a form of burger or sandwich and it has probably had the longest run in Indore, before the food chains had even hit the streets of the city. The youngsters of the city love to munch on them during breaks and they are sold in canteens and popular food joints. The patties inside is made from seasonal vegetables and served with tomato and hot chili sauce. The modern variants also have cheese slices in between.
Indore has the largest variety of namkeens you have ever come across and do not forget to pack in a bag or two of these when you leave. Namkeens form a large part of Madhya Pradesh cuisine. You will have something great to offer your friends back home when they visit. There are mathris, chikkis, indore sev, aloo bhajiya and so many other kinds of namkeens to choose from. Most of them are deep fried, but you will not feel guilty at all when you munch on them.
Kulfi, known as the Indian ice- cream is at its best here. The Kulfi that you get in Indore is super creamy and laced with saffron and the faluda topped with it is to die for. If you are out during day time and feel hot and exhausted, then a bowl of kulfi faluda will instantly refresh you. You will get a place of kulfi- faluda at just INR 60 or so.
Garadu is found in Indore mostly during the winter season and is to be seen in almost all food stalls. It is a kind of yam and is a very delicious winter delicacy to warm your soul. The root is chopped than then fried twice before it is mixed with an assortment of spices and then tossed with lime juice. This is a much healthier version of potato wedges and you will simply love munching on it in cold winter evenings.
Although made from potatoes, Khopra patties is nothing like the regular potato patties that you might have eaten elsewhere. This is a kind of patties where the potato crust is stuffed with grated coconut which has been mixed with spices and then it is deep fried. It is a very unique snack not to be found anywhere else. It is served with tangy red chutney that enhances its taste. You will love the blend of different flavours and it is sure to make your day.
Now that you know which are items to try in Indore, you need to know where to go to look for them.
You are sure to fall in love with Indore, if you haven’t already, once you taste the delectable Indore street food of the city and you are sure to come back here again.
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