The cuisine of Madhya Pradesh varies regionally. Wheat is more common in the north and rice is more popular in the south. The cuisine of Madhya Pradesh takes inspiration from its neighbours Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. There are some tribal flavours as well. Here are some delicious delicacies that you must dig your spoons in when you are exploring Madhya Pradesh, the "heart" of India.
1. Poha
Super light and super healthy cuisine which is fondly eaten in all the parts of our country is given to India by Madhya Pradesh. Poha is made with the flattened rice along with the well-cooked onions, tomatoes and is best savoured with green chillies, curry leaves and a bit of lemon.
A great bowl of Poha can be enjoyed in all the parts of Madhya Pradesh.
2. Daal Bafla
Daal Bafla that is fondly served in many parts of Madhya Pradesh has got its influence from Rajasthani cuisine. Dal Bafla is a mouth-watering cuisine which is very similar to the famous Dal Bati of Rajasthan. Bafla is a delicious treat of the wheat balls well cooked in ghee. The dish is well complemented with a bowl of Dal and coriander sauce (Hari chutney). Dal Bafla is not only celestial in taste but also provides a good dose of multiple vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and fat just in the right quantity.
The best Dal Bafla is served in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
3. Seekh Kebabs
The food palate of Madhya Pradesh has got a strong influence from Mughal cuisines. In all the parts of the state, you will be served with some of the best Mughlai cuisines that are highly inspired by the Mughal style cooking. Seekh Kebabs are being one of the most savoured non-vegetarian dishes of Madhya Pradesh. Well-minced meat is presented in a wrap and can make your taste buds going with its meat that melts in your mouth. Apart from Seekh Kebabs, Keema, Korma, Shammi Kebabs are other Mughlai delicacies that people of Madhya Pradesh loves to munch.
You can find the best of Kebabs and Mughlai food in Bhopal.
4. Bhutte Ka Kees
Another healthy and yet delicious delicacy of Madhya Pradesh is Bhutte Ka Kees. As the name clearly suggests, this dish mainly comprises of corns. Grated corns are well-cooked with spices and skimmed milk which adds a slightly sweet taste to the dish. Mustard seeds and green chillies are further added to enhance the taste of this authentic cuisine of Madhya Pradesh.
Bhutte Ka Kees is a typical street food of Madhya Pradesh, and the best of this dish can be found in Indore.
5. Bhopali Gosht Korma
Another delectable cuisine of Madhya Pradesh that has got its taste from Mughlai cuisine is Bhopali Gosht Korma. A plate of this Nawabi cuisine offers you a great dose of spices. Mutton being the main ingredient of the dish is complemented with the great Indian spices to obtain a delicious plate of Gosht Korma.
The best Gosht Korma will be served to you in Bhopal.
6. Palak Puri
When it comes to healthy food, Madhya Pradesh has a plate full of delicacies that are not just palatable in taste but also provide a great source of nutrients. Palak Puri is very fondly eaten as a breakfast meal and it is best served with aloo sabzi and raita for a perfect lunch meal. Palak Puri is prepared with wheat dough mixed with grind spinach leaves and some spices to get the best taste.
The best Palak Puri can be found in Jabalpur.
7. Chakki Ki Shak
Chakki ki Shak is a dish which has got its influence from Rajasthani cuisine. The dish is prepared with steamed dough which is later added to the gravy which is prepared with different kinds of Indian spices. The dish is best complemented with a bowl of curd and is fondly eaten in the whole of Madhya Pradesh.
Indore is widely famous for its Chakki ki Shak
If you have satiated your foodie soul with some of the amazing delicacies of Madhya Pradesh, save a tiny bit of space for some of the great sweet dishes that Madhya Pradesh has to offer you. Every dish being extremely celestial and unique in its taste will make you fall in love with the heart of India all over again.
8. Malpua
Say hello to the India’s own pancakes. Malpua is majorly prepared with flour, fried in ghee and then dipped in the sugar syrup to add the taste that will make you crave for the dish again and again. The dressing of some saffron can further enhance the taste of this dish. Malpua is best served with rabdi for a complete treat.
The best Malpura will be served in Jabalpur.
9. Jalebi
One dish that you will be seeing in every and nook of the state is Jalebi. And, trust me, you can expect a heavenly taste of this amazing delicacy of Madhya Pradesh even in the hidden interior of the state. The dish is prepared with utmost love in wheat flour, fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. The crisp taste of this sweet dish will revive your love for the most popular dish of Madhya Pradesh. For the best authentic taste, forget the big restaurant chains and make your way to the interiors of Madhya Pradesh where you will be served Jalebi in the most authentic and sinful manner.
For the best Jalebis in Madhya Pradesh, you must visit Khandwa.
10. Mawa Bati
The perfect crisp, the right amount of sweetness and the perfect texture. Mawa Bati is probably one dish that defines the sweet dish palate of Madhya Pradesh. It is prepared with mava dough which is mixed with rich dry fruits. After deep frying the mava dough balls, the dish is well-soaked in the sugar syrup to add the sweetness in the dish. Mawa Bati is one dish that you cannot miss to munch on when you are in Madhya Pradesh.
There is no end to the list of amazing delicacies that you will find in the heart of India. Srikhand, Imarti, Faluda, Kaju Katli, Lavang Lata and Rabri are among the few others dishes that can easily satisfy your sweet tooth. Apart from various cuisines, Madhya Pradesh is also famous for its different styles of Namkeen. Dalmoth, Phalhari Potato Chiwra, Khatta Metha Chiwra and Khasta Kachori are some of the snacks that are delightful in taste.
