Here’s a detailed guide on the Top 10 Foods to Try in Indore for any new tourist or visitor. I’ve included descriptions, the best places to try them, and tips so that this content alone can serve as a complete culinary guide.
1. Poha
- Description: Poha is a light, fluffy, flattened rice dish cooked with spices, turmeric, and garnished with fresh coriander, lemon juice, and sev. It’s a signature breakfast dish of Indore.
- Best Places to Try: Chappan Dukaan, Chatori Galli, and Joshi Dahi Bada House.
- Tips: Pair it with jalebi for a classic Indori breakfast combo.
2. Indori Namkeen (Savory Snacks)
- Description: Indore is famous for its variety of namkeen like sev, bhujia, chivda, and mixtures, often enjoyed with tea.
- Best Places to Try: Ganguram, Gupta Namkeen, Haldiram’s.
- Tips: Take some packaged namkeen as souvenirs; they make perfect gifts.
3. Sabudana Khichdi
- Description: This is a dish made from soaked tapioca pearls, peanuts, and mild spices. It’s especially popular during fasting days.
- Best Places to Try: Chappan Dukaan and Sarafa Bazaar.
- Tips: Usually eaten in the mornings; light and filling for tourists on the go.
4. Indori Poha-Jalebi Combo
- Description: A sweet and savory breakfast that is an Indore specialty. Poha balances the sweetness of freshly made jalebi.
- Best Places to Try: Chappan Dukaan, Joshi Dahi Bada House.
- Tips: Visit early in the morning to get the freshest jalebis.
5. Garadu (Deep-Fried Yam)
- Description: Garadu is a spicy, deep-fried yam seasoned with red chili and chaat masala, perfect as a street snack.
- Best Places to Try: Sarafa Bazaar and Chatori Galli.
- Tips: Best during the winter season when yam is in peak quality.
6. Poha-Jalebi With Sev Tamatar Ki Sabzi
- Description: This combination includes poha, jalebi, and a side of tangy sev tamatar ki sabzi, giving a spicy twist to breakfast.
- Best Places to Try: Chappan Dukaan and other local street vendors.
- Tips: A must-try for a true Indori breakfast experience.
7. Dahi Bade (Dahi Vada)
- Description: Soft lentil dumplings soaked in thick, creamy yogurt, topped with chutneys, spices, and sev.
- Best Places to Try: Joshi Dahi Bada House, Chatori Galli.
- Tips: Enjoy it as a snack anytime; perfect for cooling down after spicy street food.
8. Bhutte Ka Kees
- Description: Grated corn cooked with milk, spices, and a hint of sweetness. It’s a local specialty of Indore.
- Best Places to Try: Chatori Galli, street vendors near Rajwada.
- Tips: A unique dish you won’t easily find outside Indore.
9. Sarafa Bazaar Street Food
- Description: A must-visit night food street with specialties like pav bhaji, pani puri, moong dal halwa, and Indori chaat.
- Best Places to Try: Sarafa Bazaar Night Market.
- Tips: Visit at night (6 PM onwards) to enjoy the buzzing street food scene.
10. Poha-Kachori
- Description: A combination of poha served alongside crispy kachoris filled with lentils or spices. A classic street breakfast delight.
- Best Places to Try: Chappan Dukaan, Sarafa Bazaar.
- Tips: Best enjoyed with local tea.
Additional Tips for Tourists
- Timing: Breakfast items like Poha and Jalebi are best in the morning. Street foods are lively in the evening/night, especially at Sarafa Bazaar.
- Hygiene: Stick to popular stalls with high footfall to ensure food quality.
- Budget: Most street foods are affordable, ranging from ₹20–₹150 per item.
- Local Etiquette: Eating on the street is common; however, ask before clicking photos of vendors.