Murwara (Katni) is well known for its simple, flavorful, and affordable local food culture. The city blends traditional Bundelkhand–Malwa tastes with popular North Indian street food. Whether you love spicy snacks, sweets, or full meals, Katni has something for everyone.
Here is a complete, detailed, all-in-one guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in Murwara (Katni). This is written so that new tourists, first-time visitors, and city guests do not need to search anywhere else for food information in Katni.
1. Poha–Jalebi
Poha–Jalebi is the most loved breakfast combination in Katni. Light, soft poha cooked with onions, peanuts, mustard seeds, and mild spices is paired with hot, crispy jalebis. This sweet-salty balance makes it perfect for mornings.
- Best time to eat: Early morning (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Why you must try: Light, filling, and truly local
2. Samosa
Katni samosas are large, crispy, and generously filled with spiced potato, peas, and aromatic masalas. They are usually served hot with green chutney and tamarind chutney.
- Best time to eat: Morning to evening snack
- Why you must try: Freshly fried and heavier than regular samosas
3. Kachori
Kachoris in Murwara are popular for their crunchy outer layer and spicy fillings, often made with moong dal or mixed spices. They are commonly enjoyed with chutney or aloo sabzi.
- Best time to eat: Morning breakfast or evening snack
- Why you must try: Crisp texture and strong spice flavor
4. Chaat (Aloo Tikki, Papdi Chaat, Dahi Chaat)
Katni’s chaat culture is lively and flavorful. From crispy aloo tikki to creamy dahi chaat, the balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is perfect.
- Best time to eat: Evening to night
- Why you must try: Freshly prepared with local spice blends
5. Bhutte Ka Kees
This is a traditional Malwa dish made from grated corn cooked with milk, mustard seeds, green chilies, and spices. It has a soft texture and mildly spicy taste.
- Best time to eat: Evening
- Why you must try: Rare traditional dish not found everywhere
6. Dal Bafla
Dal Bafla is the pride of the region. Hard wheat dough baflas are boiled, baked, and then dipped in ghee, served with spicy dal, chutney, and sometimes kadhi.
- Best time to eat: Lunch
- Why you must try: Authentic regional meal, rich and satisfying
7. Sev–Sabzi
Sev Sabzi is a local specialty curry made by adding crispy sev to a spicy tomato-based gravy. It is eaten with roti or rice.
- Best time to eat: Lunch or dinner
- Why you must try: Unique texture and local taste
8. Litti–Chokha
Popular among locals, Litti–Chokha includes roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu, served with mashed vegetables and ghee. It is smoky, spicy, and filling.
- Best time to eat: Evening or dinner
- Why you must try: Rustic flavor and high energy food
9. Chai with Rusk or Biscuit
Evenings in Murwara are incomplete without strong Indian tea served with crispy rusk or biscuits. Tea stalls are social hubs where locals gather.
- Best time to eat: Morning and evening
- Why you must try: Simple, comforting, and part of daily life
10. Gulab Jamun & Local Sweets
Katni is known for freshly made Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, peda, and barfi. Many sweet shops prepare them multiple times a day.
- Best time to eat: Anytime
- Why you must try: Fresh, soft, and less artificial sweetness
Food Tips for Tourists & Visitors in Murwara (Katni)
- Morning food is usually freshest and light
- Evening snacks are hot and freshly fried
- Ask for less spicy if you are sensitive to heat
- Local sweets are best eaten fresh, not packed
- Drinking water should be bottled or filtered
Best Food Time Summary
- Breakfast: Poha, Jalebi, Kachori
- Lunch: Dal Bafla, Sev Sabzi
- Evening Snacks: Samosa, Chaat, Bhutte Ka Kees
- Dinner: Litti–Chokha
- Dessert & Drinks: Sweets and Tea
