Here are some mouthwatering glimpses of Indore’s iconic street food—a visual taste of the city’s legendary culinary scene.
Must‑Try Street Foods of Indore
Indore, the street food capital of Madhya Pradesh, offers an endless array of unique and flavorful delights. Here’s a curated list of the most beloved dishes locals and visitors rave about:
1. Poha‑Jalebi (Indori Poha)
Breakfast at its best—steamed flattened rice (poha) garnished with sev, onions, and a hint of lemon, paired perfectly with crispy sweet jalebis. This blend of savory and sugary is iconic to Indore mornings.WikipediaThe Economic TimesOutlook TravellerTravelTriangle.com
2. Bhutte ka Kees
A specialty of the city—grated corn sautéed in ghee, spiced with hing (asafoetida), cumin, and more. It’s creamy, aromatic, and best had hot.HolidifyNDTV FoodOutlook Traveller
3. Garadu
Indore’s take on aloo chaat: deep‑fried yam cubes tossed in a tangy-masala mix. It’s especially popular during winter.HolidifyClub MahindraTravelTriangle.com
4. Khopra Patties
Potato patties stuffed with grated coconut, raisins, and cashews, fried until golden. A sweet-savory highlight best enjoyed with tangy chutney.NDTV FoodKnocksenseTravelTriangle.comCrazy Masala Food
5. Dal‑Bafla
Wheat dough dumplings (bafla) that are boiled and baked, served with spicy dal, ghee, and chutney—a comforting regional specialty.NDTV FoodThe Economic TimesKnocksense
6. Egg Benjos
An Indore take on the breakfast sandwich: a spicy omelet nestled between buns, slathered with chutney and ketchup. For non‑vegetarians, mutton versions are available too.Club Mahindra+1NDTV Food
7. Moong Bhajiya
Crispy fritters made from moong dal, fried to perfection—a favorite anywhere from breakfast to evening snacks.HolidifyTreebo Hotels
8. Khatta Samosa
Tangy-filled samosas (khatta shamosa), served with a sweet chutney that balances the sourness—a unique Indori twist.HolidifyTreebo Hotels
9. Dahi Vada
Soft lentil dumplings dunked in curd and garnished with spicy-sweet chutneys—chaat lovers’ delight, with a special flair in Sarafa Bazaar.NDTV FoodZee ZestOutlook TravellerWikipedia
10. Mawa Bati
Imagine an oversized gulab jamun with a rich, nuts-studded interior. It’s indulgent, delicious, and a serious treat.HolidifyClub MahindraCurly Tales
11. Indori Namkeen
A crunchy, spicy mix of sev, boondi, and other fried goodies. A snack to munch on, or take home as a savory taste of Indore.Club MahindraTreebo Hotels
12. Shikanji
More than lemonade; this creamy, nutty milk-based drink is topped with dry fruits—a cool, decadent thirst-quencher.NDTV FoodCrazy Masala Food
Where to Eat: Top Food Spots to Visit
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Sarafa Bazaar – A culinary hotspot alive at night. Try giant jalebas at Jai Bhola Jaleba Bhandar, Bhutte ki Kees at A1, and the legendary flying Dahi Vadas at Joshi Dahi Vada House.NDTV FoodOutlook Traveller
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Chappan Dukan – A daytime delight zone. Head to Young Tarang for poha-jalebi and Vijay Chaat House for khopra patties and egg benjos.NDTV FoodTravelTriangle.com
Foodie Experience
Indore’s street food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about atmosphere, tradition, and innovation. Whether savoring breakfast or embarking on a midnight food walk, every bite is packed with history and local love.
Let me know if you’d like recommendations tailored by dietary preference, location (like near your area), or if you want to explore drinks, sweets, or even home-style dishes next!
The Times of India