Bhopal has been a meeting place for different cultures, religions, and tongues for many years. It is situated in the center of India and is surrounded by lush hills and twinkling lakes, and it still carries the same atmosphere of an intertwined blend of the old and the new. This is particularly evident in its culinary offerings, which are both diverse and scrumptious. Therefore, if you are ever in the capital of Madhya Pradesh, you should definitely try the delicious food like the citizens of Bhopal do.
1. Suleimani Chai
India is renowned for its tea and the various methods of making it. Suleimani chai is one such type that has a unique blend of sweetness and saltiness, with sugar and salt combined, followed by a generous helping of cream added at the end. One cup is enough to energize the day. This special recipe of Suleimani Chai is a popular secret of old Bhopal and can only be found at Jamal Bhai’s tea shop. Ask anyone for Itawara Chowk, and they will give you the right direction.
Location: Itawara Chowk, Old Bhopal
Price for two: INR 30
Timing: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Poha Jalebi
In the city of Bhopal, a common breakfast dish is a combination of poha and jalebi, which may sound peculiar to outsiders. We recommend that anyone who hasn't tried it should definitely give it a go. The poha is light and tart in flavor, and it is served with freshly made hot jalebis.The perfect accompaniment is a cup of Sulemani chai, and you will be ready to start your day.
Location: Kalyan Singh’s Swad Bhandar, Itwara Road
Price for two: INR 100
Timing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Bun Kebabs
You should visit Chatori Gali for its amazing street food stalls; they are some of the best in Bhopal. The bade ke kabab, which is minced buffalo meat ground with spices and fried, is one of the most popular items sold there. These tender kababs are served in buttered buns with chutney and garnish.The fact that the kababs are made-to-order ensures that you will get a fresh, delicious bite.
Location: Chatori Galli
Price for two: INR 100
Timing: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
4. Chaat and Bedmi Puris
There is no replacement for chaat and bedmi puri, also called bedmi puri aloo sabzi. This street food is often served as a breakfast or an early brunch in Bhopal. It’s so popular because of its balanced flavors and is thus an indulgent breakfast because it is calorie-rich and delicious.
Location: Agra Chaat Bhandar, 6 No. Hawkers Corner
Price for two: INR 100
Timing: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Paya Soup
Chatori Gali is famous for its wholesome paya soup, which is another treat in winter. A meal in itself, this treat is a delight in Bhopal because the paya is quite thick and it is cooked with mutton and spices for a day. The stew is garnished, and shredded lamb is served with it.
Location: Chatori Galli
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Bade Ka Kabab
Chatori Gali is home to the traditional Bade Ka Kabab, which isn't for those with faint hearts. This tiny shop, situated in a corner, offers up the most delectable buffalo kebabs that will literally dissolve on your tongue.
Location: Jhilli Miyan, Chatori Galli
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7. Sheermal
If you want to have the yummiest Sheermal then you have to come to Bhopal to have it. Hotel Jameel in Ibrahimpura served these saffron-flavored flatbreads, known as Sheermal. These baked goods pair perfectly with kababs and fried chicken and provide a truly delightful gastronomic experience.
Location: Hotel Jameel, Ibrahimpura
Price for two: INR 150
Timing: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
8. Shahi Tukda
In the old city of Bhopal, there is no shortage of stalls serving up their own version of Shahi Tukda. You can also get kheer and mango ice cream at some of these establishments. Koh-e-Fiza is renowned for its sweet treats, especially its Mughlai-inspired shahi tukda. This is a type of dessert that consists of chunks of bread that have been drenched in a dry fruit custard and then coated with sugar.
Location: Koh-e-Fiza, Old Bhopal
Price for two: INR 60
Timing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
9. Barfi Rasmalai
Located near Jama Masjid, Surendra Jain's stand cooks an extraordinary Barfi Rasmalai Drona. The title is quite intriguing, and the way this dish is prepared is even more fascinating. It is composed of crushed ice combined with creamy rabri, scented syrup, and rose water, served in a bowl made of dried leaves, also known as Drona. Believe me, you won't be able to get enough after just one helping, and you'll be begging for more.
Location: Surendra Jain’s, Jama Masjid
Price for two: INR 70
Timing: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
10. Lassi
Haji Lassiwala's lassi is one-of-a-kind. It's a combination of milk and cream that is stirred into a large spoonful of syrupy noodles. To make this Lassi Falooda even more scrumptious, it is topped with an abundance of dried fruits. You must stop by for a sweet ending to your culinary visit to Bhopal.
Location: Haji Lassiwala, Itwara Chowk
Price for two: INR 80
Timing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.