Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in Khandwa, crafted for tourists and new visitors so that you get all essential information in one place. I’ve included descriptions, local specialties, best places to try them, timing, and tips.
1. Poha (Flattened Rice)
- Description: Poha is a light and healthy breakfast dish made with flattened rice, turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garnished with fresh coriander and lemon juice.
- Specialty: Khandwa-style Poha is slightly spicier and softer compared to other regions.
- Best Places to Try: Local street stalls in Station Road and Bus Stand area.
- Best Time: Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Tourist Tip: Pair with a cup of hot chai (tea) for an authentic experience.
2. Bhutte Ka Kees (Grated Corn Snack)
- Description: Grated corn cooked with spices, milk, and a hint of ghee. It is soft, slightly sweet, and savory.
- Specialty: Unique to the Malwa region, including Khandwa.
- Best Places to Try: Local eateries around Chowk Bazaar.
- Best Time: Breakfast or evening snack (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Enjoy with fresh green chilies for the authentic taste.
3. Dal Bafla
- Description: Wheat dough balls baked or boiled, served with spicy dal (lentil curry), ghee, and chutney. Similar to Dal Baati of Rajasthan but softer in texture.
- Specialty: Served with a generous amount of ghee, making it a rich and filling meal.
- Best Places to Try: Popular local restaurants in Main Market area.
- Best Time: Lunch or dinner (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Best enjoyed fresh and hot; pair with a small salad.
4. Mawa Bati / Malpua
- Description: Sweet dish made with khoya/mawa, flour, sugar, and fried in ghee. Malpua is sometimes soaked in sugar syrup.
- Specialty: Traditional sweet often made during festivals.
- Best Places to Try: Street sweet shops near Railway Station and Shastri Road.
- Best Time: Evening snack or dessert (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Eat immediately after preparation for the softest texture.
5. Sabudana Khichdi
- Description: Made with soaked tapioca pearls, peanuts, green chilies, and spices. A light, crunchy, and mildly spicy dish.
- Specialty: Popular during fasting periods; a healthy snack.
- Best Places to Try: Small local cafés and breakfast stalls in city center.
- Best Time: Morning or mid-day snack (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon for a zesty flavor.
6. Kachori with Aloo / Moong Filling
- Description: Deep-fried stuffed pastry with spicy lentil or potato filling. Crisp on the outside, soft inside.
- Specialty: Khandwa’s street vendors add unique spice blends.
- Best Places to Try: Local street markets like New Market and Chowk area.
- Best Time: Evening snack (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Pair with sweet tamarind chutney for best taste.
7. Jalebi
- Description: Deep-fried spirals of sweet flour batter soaked in sugar syrup. Crispy outside, soft and juicy inside.
- Specialty: Khandwa’s jalebi is known for its perfect crunch and sweetness balance.
- Best Places to Try: Street sweet shops near railway and bus stand.
- Best Time: Morning or evening (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Best eaten warm; add a side of rabri (sweetened condensed milk) if available.
8. Poha Jalebi Combo
- Description: A classic Malwa breakfast pairing of soft poha and sweet jalebi.
- Specialty: This combination is a must-try in Khandwa and a favorite among locals.
- Best Places to Try: Popular stalls around Station Road and bus stand.
- Best Time: Morning (7:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Tourist Tip: Order a fresh plate; don’t miss the small green chilies served alongside.
9. Ghevar
- Description: Traditional sweet from Malwa region made with flour, sugar syrup, and sometimes topped with cream or mawa.
- Specialty: Festival sweet, especially during Teej and Diwali.
- Best Places to Try: Sweet shops in the main city center and Shastri Road.
- Best Time: Anytime, but freshly made is best.
- Tourist Tip: Buy directly from the shop on festival days to enjoy authentic freshness.
10. Street-style Chaat (Sev Puri, Pani Puri)
- Description: Tangy, spicy, and crunchy snacks made with puffed puris, chickpeas, chutneys, and spices.
- Specialty: Khandwa-style chaat has a unique spice balance, slightly less sweet than Mumbai chaat.
- Best Places to Try: New Market and Chowk Bazaar street corners.
- Best Time: Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Tourist Tip: Choose stalls with a clean preparation area and freshly fried puris.
Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Khandwa
- Always try local street foods early in the day for freshness.
- Carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer when eating street foods.
- Ask locals for the best-known stalls—they often have hidden gems.
- Avoid food that has been sitting out for long periods, especially sweets.
- Enjoy meals with a side of local chai or buttermilk for an authentic experience.
