Madhya Pradesh is an attraction because of its central location in India. It is commonly abbreviated as MP. It is rich in history and culture but that’s not all to this state. Madhya Pradesh promises a delightful package of regional cuisines from all over India. Local food such as ‘poha’ (flattened rice) is considered most famous, especially in cities like Ujjain, Indore, and Ratlam. The renowned street food of Indore like Bhutta Kees and Sabudana Khichdi is very delicious and available almost everywhere. Bhopal (the capital of Madhya Pradesh) is widely known for meat and fish dishes such as korma, Keema, Rogan Josh, biryani and kebabs. Here is a list of some mouth-watering food and dishes that you should not miss out on when visiting the heart of India.
17 Most Popular Foods to Eat in Madhya Pradesh
1. Poha
Poha is devoured all across India and its origin is none other than Madhya Pradesh. It is the most popular breakfast among the Indians cooked using flattened rice and vegetables such as onion, tomato, peas, nuts, and curry leaves. It can taste even more delicious when you add namkeen to it. Poha is not only tasty but one of the most healthy and light breakfasts. So as to enhance its flavour it is garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice.
2. Seekh Kebabs
Seekh Kebab reminds me of the Mughal cuisines. Kababs are actually inspired by the cooking styles of Mughals. Meat is well minced and served in a wrap. It is one of the most savoured non-vegetarian dishes that just melts in the mouth. Bhopal is the right place to find the best Seekh Kebabs in Madhya Pradesh.
3. Daal Bafla
Daal Bafla of Madhya Pradesh is influenced by the famous Daal Baati of Rajasthan. Bafta is handcrafted of wheat balls that are well cooked in ghee. Having all the essential vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the correct quantity, bafla is wholesome to be a part of your diet. It can also be complemented with chana deal and coriander chutney. You will find the tastiest Daal Bafla in Bhopal.
4. Palak Puri
Palak Puri being full of nutrition is a very healthy food. It is made using white dough mixed with spinach leaves and some necessary spices to provide it with the best taste. This Puri is most commonly eaten as a perfect lunch meal with aloo ki sabzi and raita. Palak Puri can either be eaten as a breakfast meal or in any way you like.
5. Bhutte Ka Kees
It is another healthy delicacy of Madhya Pradesh. As the name ‘bhutta’ implies, this dish is made of corns. Grated corns are cooked and mixed with spices and skimmed milk. Coriander leaves, mustard seed, and chopped green chillies are added to magnify the taste of this cuisine. Bhutte Ka Kees is not only healthy but appetizing too. Although it’s typical street food the best of it is served in the city of Indore.
6. Malpua
Malpua is created using flour and fried in ghee, then dipped in sugar syrup. This dish will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for some more. It can also be topped with finely cut dry fruits and saffron. It is known to be best presented with rabdi. Jabalpur is the city in Madhya Pradesh where one can get the matchless Malpua.
7. Mawa Bati
It is made using mawa dough balls which are deep-fried. They are then well soaked in sugar syrup to add the right amount of sweetness. It is one such dish you are not willing to miss out on when you are in MP. Bati can easily satisfy your sweet tooth. It is the perfect crispy sweet dish you can have as a dessert. Coconut can also be used to garnish the bati. Mawa Bati is an extraordinary dish only found in Madhya Pradesh which makes it a must-have.
8. Chakki ki Shaak
It is another dish influenced by Rajasthani cuisine. Indore is widely popular for its Chakki Ki Shak. It is prepared by steaming the dough. Later, gravy is added to the dough which is made of various spices. It is fondly eaten with a bowl of curd all across the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is served with cut lemons and coriander leaves as dressings. Chakki ki shak is a unique dish you will love to eat.
9. Khasta Kachori
These are extremely famous in Indore. The dough of Jalebi is prepared with wheat flour and ghee. Then the dough is packed with a mixture of spicy lentils. Finally, it’s deep-fried until it becomes crunchy. After deep-frying, it is best served with a mixture of tomato and imli chutney(syrup).
10. Jalebi
Jalebis are mouth-watering desserts loved by almost everyone in all regions of the country. These are put together with wheat flour, then deep-fried and added to the sugar syrup. It is ultimately paired with poha and tea. It will surely make your day when added to your breakfast plate. Jalebi of this city known as Khandwa in MP is a must-try.
11. Bhopali Ghosht Korma
Ghosht Korma of Bhopal is yet another Nawabi cuisine. It is a unique delicacy known for its amazing taste. The mutton pieces are washed and soaked in lukewarm water. Then it is marinated with great spices for like two hours. It becomes juicy when spices get fully absorbed into the mutton pieces. Ghosht korma tastes best when served with roti, biryani, naan, and raita.
12. Biryani Pilaf
Biryani Pilaf is a common delicacy in the city of Bhopal. Mutton as the main meat is also called mutton pulao. Biryani Pilaf is served with ‘zarda’ which is a traditional dish of South Asia. It gets ready by boiling rice with milk, sugar and food colourant. Then flavours are added using raisins, cardamoms, almonds, and saffron(Kesar). Hyderabad is the right place to find a perfect plate of mutton pulao.
13. RAJGIRA CHIKKI
Rajgira Chikki is a sweet and crispy dish made using amaranth (rajgira) seeds and jaggery. It is known to be specially handcrafted during Makar Sankranti (a festival). Ingredients such as cardamom and rock salt enhance the flavour and provide it with a rich taste. Cashew nuts are also put on to make it nutty and more crispy.
14. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is famous street food in Madhya Pradesh. It is a type of lamb curry made from red meat or goat. Pieces of lamb are served with tasty gravy. The gravy has flavours of aromatic spices such as clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. Saffron is also a part of this dish which forms its colour.
15. Indori Namkeen
MP is a destination of delicious namkeens for everyone with a variety of tastes. Sev is one of the popular snacks of Madhya Pradesh. It is a crispy, crunchy and delicious snack that can also be used as toppings for chaats.
16. Khopra Patties
Khopra Patties are prepared using dough and stuffing. The dough includes mashed potatoes and bread crumbs, pepper and cornflour. The stuffing includes ingredients such as coriander, cashew nuts, ginger, grated coconut, and lime juice. These are put together into balls and fried until the balls turn brown and crispy. These are best served with green chutney. Khopra patties are famous street food in Indore.
17. Shikanji
The Indori Shahi Shikanji is one of its kind. It is totally different from a regular shikanji. It’s a blend of dry fruits and milk. Indori shikanji is certainly a must-try and perfect to go for on a hot humid day.
Read also – 13 Vegetarian Dishes you must have it when in Varanasi
