Bhopal’s food heritage is time travel, a journey through the grandeur and flavours of the Mughal era. As you walk through the city you will find areas like Shahjahanabad, Jehangirabad and Taj-ul-Masajid, all named after Mughal emperors and their legacy.
These names are not just about monuments or localities; they are a deep-rooted connection to Mughal culture and its love for food. The Mughal traditions continue to thrive and make their way onto your plate in the form of kebabs, biryanis and rich curries.
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Walk into the markets of these localities and you will still find dishes that are favourite of the Mughal court. The smoky flavour of seekh kebabs wafts through the narrow lanes of Shahjahanabad, while Jehangirabad’s eateries serve tender nihari that is slow-cooked just like the royal feasts of old. From Taj-ul-Masajid’s famous halwa to Shahi Tukda, Bhopal’s food is a reflection of a bygone era where Mughal influence shaped the city’s food identity.
Areas Named After Mughal In Bhopal And Their Favourite Food
Shahjahanabad
Named after the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal, Shahjahanabad in Bhopal is an area that reflects his love for art, architecture and of course food. Shah Jahan was known for his love for luxurious and flavourful food, biryanis and qormas. His royal kitchen would have dishes full of saffron, almonds and dried fruits cooked with subtle spices to create rich flavours. In Shahjahanabad, you can still find food that echoes this legacy, local eateries serving Mughlai food with a royal touch.
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Jehangirabad
This area is named after Emperor Jahangir who was known for his love for the finer things in life, Persian and Mughal food. Jahangir was fond of tender kebabs, slow-cooked meat and nihari. His dining habits would include grand feasts with an array of dishes made with a mix of spices, herbs and dried fruits. Today Jehangirabad continues to celebrate these flavours, food stalls and restaurants still serving traditional Mughlai kebabs and nihari from the Mughal era.
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Taj-ul-Masajid
Though the name refers to the grand mosque and not a Mughal ruler directly, it represents the city’s connection with Mughal history. Mughal emperors would commission architectural wonders including mosques which would become centers of culture and cuisine. Around Taj-ul-Masajid you will find vendors and small eateries serving sweet treats like shahi tukda and halwa which were favourite during Mughal times. These desserts made with ghee, sugar and nuts are a reflection of the luxurious indulgence of Mughal feasts.
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Hamidia
Hamidia is derived from Hamid and was probably named after the Mughal rulers from Hamid's lineage. The area is famous for its traditional food which is a legacy of the royal Mughal kitchens. The Mughals including Hamid were fond of pulao and korma, which had succulent meats with aromatic spices and saffron. The restaurants in Hamidia serve variations of these dishes and keep the Mughal legacy alive.
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Aurangabad Basti
Aurangabad Basti in Kohefiza is a small area that carries the legacy of the Mughal era through its food. Named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, this place reflects a time when Mughal cuisine was renowned for its subtlety and richness. Although Aurangzeb was known for his simplicity compared to his predecessors, Mughal food remained complex and flavourful, with dishes like qormas, stews, naan, and sheermal. Here, you can experience traditional Mughal flavours, with street vendors serving naan paired with rich and spiced gravies.
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Moti Masjid Area
Moti Masjid was built by Sikandar Begum, a Nawab of Bhopal, but the Mughal architecture and food influence is here due to the deep cultural ties with the Mughals. This area is a continuation of the culinary traditions that started during the Mughal era. The Mughal emperors loved dishes with meats cooked in clay ovens, aromatic rice dishes and rich desserts like phirni. The restaurants around Moti Masjid serve these flavours, dishes that are as complex and rich as Mughal food.
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Exploring Mughal-named areas of Bhopal is more than just a history lesson, it is a journey through time via food. Mughal influence on the city’s food culture has stood the test of time, biryani, kebabs and traditional desserts still resonate with locals and tourists. Bhopal’s food scene preserves these historic flavours, connecting the present to the past.