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Madhya Pradesh, referred to as Heart of India, can also be called the food capital of the country. Its rich culinary heritage makes it a popular state for foodies to explore. From Bhopal to Indore, a ride through its restaurants and eateries is no short of an expedition that will acquaint you with its flavourful dishes.
Video Credit: Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana/ YouTube
Seekh kebabs joints to poha stalls, food in Madhya Pradesh is not just a treat for taste buds but a hunger-satisfying experience for foodies. Lying at the centre of India, the local cuisine of the state is inspired by its surrounding states, fertile lands, and pleasant weather. If you are planning a visit, here is a list of famous foods that you must not miss.
6 Famous Dishes Of Madhya Pradesh
MP's Dal Bafla
Dal bafla is MP’s version of dal bati churma. However, it is lighter and made with the use of mild spices. Bafla or bati is boiled before baking to make it lightweight and crunchy. The filling inside boasts a rich flavour of fennel seeds, salt, and carom seeds. After baking, baflas are dipped into melted ghee and served with a bowl of lip-smacking dal prepared using toor dal. Authentic dal bafla is served with rava ladoo and jeera aloo on the side to complete the meal.
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Indori Poha
Poha or Indori poha is famous throughout the country. Maharashtra has its version of it, but in Madhya Pradesh, flattened rice is cooked with mustard seeds, onions, and turmeric. The minimum use of ingredients makes this dish a perfect delight for breakfast. It is often topped with sev, fresh coriander leaves, and a lemon wedge. Often sugar-dipped jalebi and a hot cup of chai complete the breakfast spread.
Palak Puri
From north to south, east to west, one can find various puri recipes across Indian states. The speciality of Madhya Pradesh is palak puri. Chopped palak is kneaded with wheat flour to prepare a soft dough. Some people prefer to knead the flour with spinach puree. Soft fluffy puris are served with spicy aloo sabzi and tangy raita. It is a wholesome and satisfactory meal.
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Mawa Bati Of Madhya Pradesh
If someone asks you whether dumplings are sweet or savoury dishes, you will choose the latter. In Madhya Pradesh, you can find mawa bati or sweet dumplings being sold in sweet shops. These are made by reducing milk. Khoya mixture is deep-fried and soaked in sugar. Often consumed during festivals, this is a must-try for every foodie with a tooth that craves sugar.
Bhutte Ke Kees
Bhutte ke kees is a savoury snack recipe quite famous across Madhya Pradesh. It is prepared by grating corn and cooking it with milk. Green chillies, mustard greens, and spices are added to infuse flavours into the recipe. This is also a speciality from Indore that flaunts a blend of sweet, spicy, and salty notes.
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Bhopali Gosht Korma
For non-vegetarian lovers, if you haven’t tried Bhopali gosht korma, you have been missing out on a regional culinary marvel. This is a royal dish with roots in the state’s capital, Bhopal. Meat, mostly mutton, is cooked with yoghurt, spices, and a perfect blend of spices. Its complex flavours and creamy texture make it a must-try whenever you are in MP. Order it with roti, naan, rice, and a serving of raita to enjoy a complete meal.
