Nestled on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is a historical town in Madhya Pradesh renowned for its regal legacy. Orchha's majestic palaces, intricately carved temples, and imposing forts stand as remnants of its glorious past as the capital of the Bundela dynasty. The palatial architecture, with its soaring spires, delicate stonework, and grand courtyards, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Orchha's rulers.
Equally impressive are the Ram Raja Temple, with its vibrant frescoes, and the 16th-century Orchha Fort complex, which contains three grandiose palaces. While Orchha's monuments showcase the town's royal heritage, its cuisine tells a story of cultural combination. The food of Orchha reflects both the refined tastes of its former rulers as well as the rustic flavours of its tribal communities. Dishes like Kodu Til ki Bhaat exhibit regal influence.
The use of local ingredients like wheat, pulses and an array of spices demonstrates the impact of Orchha's agricultural surroundings. Simple yet flavourful dishes like Kunde ka bhatta highlight humble tribal culinary customs. By combining royal recipes with local simplicity, the cuisine of Orchha provides a savoury taste of the town's blend of extravagant history and pastoral heritage. With its palatial monuments and blend of refined and rustic flavours, Orchha offers an immersive experience into the storied past of this small but culturally rich town.
Do try these six traditional dishes of Orchha when you plan to visit the city of Ram Raja on your next trip.
Raas Ki Kheer
The traditional dessert, originating from the historic town of Orchha, is a unique kheer that derives its floral sweetness from the extracts of mahua flowers. While other kheers require a large amount of sugar for sweetness, the Raas ki Kheer needs no extra sweetness as the nectar from the muhua flower does the job. As the kheer simmers, the flavours blend and intensify, resulting in a smooth, creamy pudding punctuated by the subtle floral notes of mahua. Raas ki Kheer is the perfect way to showcase the inventiveness of Bundelkhandi cuisine, which transforms simple local ingredients like millets and mahua flowers into an unforgettable regional specialty.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Orchha Hut Restaurant, Laxmi Narayan Temple Road, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Bundeli Ghosht
This signature dish of Orchha, Bundeli Ghosht, is made with tender mutton chucks, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. The traditional method of making this is in a clay pot, simmered slowly so the flavours would spread through. Bundeli Ghosht represents the city's distinct food culture with its hearty meat, local spices, and traditional cooking methods.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Mediterraneo Restaurant, Betwa River, Bus Stand, Road Main Rd., above Dubey Ji Shop, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Bundelkhand Kebab
Legend has it that the juicy kebabs of Orchha emerged from the royal kitchens centuries ago. The meat kebabs are the highlight of the local cuisine. Made with seasoned mutton and regional spices, which are grilled over a smoky firewood flame. The kebabs are usually served with rice or makai roti for a mouthwatering meal. The kebabs are also made with grilled seasonal vegetables marinated in local masalas, which offer an equally tasty dish. These flavourful kebabs, cooked in the traditional style, showcase the culinary heritage of the Bundelkhand region.
Restaurant recommendation: Indiana Restaurant, Bus Stand, in front of Sheesh Mahal, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Kodu Til Ka Bhaat
The local dish Kodu Til Ka Bhaat, popular in the region of Orchha, is made with kodu or kudki, a unique long-grained rice that is slowly simmered with nutty black sesame seeds. As the rice absorbs the sesame's rich, earthy aroma and subtle nuttiness, it develops a complexity unlike plain rice. Both locals and tourists savour Kodu Til Ka Bhaat for its comforting, wholesome qualities and deep, rustic flavours that encapsulate the culinary traditions of the region. This nourishing rice dish offers a distinctive blend of textures and flavours unmatched by other regional specialties.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: The Jharokha Restaurant, opposite Ramraja Mandir, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Kunde Ka Bhatta
The delicious dish Kunde ka Bhatta showcases the humble eggplant in a burst of complex flavours. This traditional recipe from the tribal cuisine of Orchha transforms the smoky eggplant puree into a rustic accompaniment for breads like roti and naan. By celebrating iconic local ingredients cooked with time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, Kunde ka Bhatta offers an authentic taste of the region in every bite. This famous dish represents the simple origins and rich cultural heritage of Orchha.
Restaurant recommendation: Ramraja Restaurant & Cafe, near the bridge under the monkey biscuit tree, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Murar Ke Kebab
This unique vegetarian kebab comes from the Orchha region of India, where lotus stems thrive in abundant ponds and lakes. The tender lotus stems are chopped into chunks, soaked in a zesty marinade, and skewered. Grilled over hot coals, the lotus pieces become soft and caramelised, taking on a sweet, nutty flavour from the fire. Known as Murar Ka Kebab, this regional specialty is beloved for its juicy texture and aromatic blend of spices. The smoky kebabs pair deliciously with mint chutney and onions. This flavourful grilled snack showcases the lotus stem, a nutritious local ingredient that makes Murar Ka Kebab a distinctive treat.
Restaurant recommendation: Mediterraneo Restaurant, Betwa River, Bus Stand, Road Main Rd., above Dubey Ji Shop, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx