Top 15 Indore Famous Dishes You Can't Miss

Indore is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant and flavourful street food culture that draws visitors from across the country. Known for its bustling markets and iconic food joints, the city boasts an incredible array of dishes that will leave you craving more. From tangy chaats to hearty poha, the best food in Indore captures the essence of local flavours. Whether you're a fan of sweet or Savory, exploring the best street food in Indore will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through the city’s culinary heart.

Here’s a list of the top 15 dishes you must try while visiting Indore.

1. Garadu
2. Egg Benjos
3. Indori Namkeen
4. Malpua
5. Khopra Patties
6. Bhutte ki Kees
7. Dahi Bada
8. Kulfi Faluda
9. Moong Bhajiya
10. Shikanji
11. Indori Poha Jalebi
12. Sabudana Khichdi
13. Dal Bafla
14. Khatta Samosa
15. Mawa Baati
    

• Garadu

Garadu is one of the most beloved winter street foods in Indore. It is made from deep-fried yam and is spiced to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this snack is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The secret lies in the special masala that gives Garadu its tangy and spicy flavour, making it irresistible to locals and tourists alike. As one of the best foods in Indore, this dish perfectly captures the bold flavours the city is known for.

Best Served With: Garadu is best served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chaat masala, enhancing its tangy and spicy flavours. This crispy winter treat is perfect for a quick, flavourful snack on the go and is a must-try for anyone exploring Indore’s vibrant street food culture. Popular during the colder months, it’s a local favourite that delivers a delicious punch with every bite. 

• Egg Benjos

The egg benjos is a must-try in Indore’s food scene. In a city known for its vegetarian delights, the egg and mutton benjos stand out as rare yet beloved non-vegetarian favourites, especially among the youth. A spicy masala omelette tucked between soft buns served with chutney and ketchup makes for a flavorful treat. The mutton and vegetarian versions are equally delicious.

Best Served With: Egg benjos are best served with a side of spicy green chutney, tangy ketchup, and crispy French fries for a complete indulgence. Pairing it with a refreshing cold drink or a cutting chai enhances the flavours, making it a perfect street-food experience in Indore. 

• Indori Namkeen

Indori Namkeen is a delightful snack that defines the street food culture of Indore. Famous for its wide variety, including Sev, Laung Sev, and Ratlami Sev, this crispy treat is loved for its spicy, tangy flavours. It’s one of the best foods in Indore, often enjoyed as a quick snack or paired with chai for a perfect mid-day bite. The unique blend of spices in Indori Namkeen makes it stand out among other Indian snacks.

Best Served With: Indori Namkeen is best served with a steaming cup of chai, making for a perfect snack-time combo. It can also be sprinkled over poha to add an irresistible crunch and enhance the flavours. This versatile snack is a staple in every household in Indore and is enjoyed by locals throughout the day. Whether as a standalone treat or a topping, Indori Namkeen never fails to impress with its burst of flavours. 

• Malpua

Malpua is a popular breakfast delicacy in Indore, known for its sweet, pancake-like texture. Made from a rich batter of flour, milk, and sugar and deep-fried until golden brown, Malpua is then soaked in sugar syrup, giving it a melt-in-the-mouth sweetness. Often served during festivals, it’s considered one of the best breakfasts in Indore for those with a sweet tooth.

Best Served With: Malpua is best served with a generous topping of creamy rabri or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra layer of indulgence. The richness of the rabri enhances the sweet, fluffy texture of the Malpua, while the nuts add a delightful crunch. This sweet treat is a favourite in Indore, perfect for breakfast or a festive dessert. 

• Khopra Patties

Khopra Patties are a unique and flavourful snack that represents the best street food in Indore. These crispy, golden patties are stuffed with a sweet and spicy coconut filling, giving them a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Khopra Patties are deep-fried to perfection, making them a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking the best food in Indore. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling markets or relaxing with a quick snack, this dish is a must-try.

Best Served With: Khopra Patties are best served with tangy green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney, perfectly complementing the rich coconut filling. The chutneys balance the crispy exterior with a burst of flavour, making each bite irresistible. This popular Indore Street food is a must-try for those who love a mix of sweet and Savory in their snacks. 

• Bhutte ki Kees

Bhutte ki Kees is a popular street food in Indore, made from grated corn sautéed with spices, milk, and a hint of sugar. This unique dish has a creamy texture and a mildly sweet-spicy flavour, making it one of the best foods in Indore for those looking to try something different. Loved for its comforting yet flavourful taste, Bhutte ki Kees is a local favourite, especially during the monsoon season.

Best Served With: Bhutte ki Kees is best served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, adding a refreshing twist to its creamy texture. The tangy lemon balances the sweetness of the corn, while the coriander enhances its flavour. This combination makes it a perfect light and flavourful snack. 

• Dahi Bada

Dahi Bada is a refreshing and flavourful street food that holds a special place in Indore’s vibrant food scene. Made from soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yoghurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy masala, and a sprinkle of sev, this dish perfectly balances sweet, sour, and Savory flavours. Known as one of the best street foods in Indore, Dahi Bada is a must-try for anyone exploring the city’s culinary offerings.

Best Served With: Dahi Bada is best served with a dash of roasted cumin powder, fresh coriander leaves, and a drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney to enhance its flavours. The combination of cool yoghurt and flavourful toppings creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. This iconic street food is both light and satisfying, making it a favourite snack among Indore locals. 

• Kulfi Faluda

Kulfi Faluda is a rich and indulgent dessert that stands out as one of the best foods in Indore. Made from creamy, frozen kulfi topped with vermicelli-like faluda and flavoured with rose syrup, this sweet treat is a perfect way to cool off, especially on hot days. The combination of smooth, dense kulfi and the chewy faluda creates a delightful texture, making it a popular choice among dessert lovers.

Best Served With: Kulfi Faluda is best served with a drizzle of rose syrup and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, adding a refreshing sweetness and crunchy texture to this rich dessert. The combination of chilled kulfi and soft faluda creates a perfect harmony of flavours. It's an indulgent treat that is loved by both locals and visitors in Indore, especially after a spicy meal. 

• Moong Bhajiya

Moong Bhajiya is a popular snack in Indore, known for its crispy texture and light, Savory flavour. Made from ground moong dal batter, these golden fritters are deep-fried to perfection and served hot. A staple in Indore's street food culture, Moong Bhajiya is enjoyed by locals as a quick, flavourful bite, especially during the rainy season. This simple yet satisfying dish showcases the vibrant street food scene that Indore is famous for.

Best Served With: Moong Bhajiya is best served with spicy green chutney or tangy tamarind sauce, perfectly complementing its crispy texture and Savory flavours. Paired with a cup of chai, it makes for an ideal snack during rainy evenings. The hot, crunchy bhajiyas combined with the tangy chutneys offer a delightful burst of flavours that Indore's street food is known for. 

• Shikanji

Shikanji is a refreshing lemon-based drink that is a must-try when exploring the best street food in Indore. Known for its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavour, Shikanji is the perfect beverage to cool off on a hot day. Made with freshly squeezed lemons, black salt, cumin, and a hint of mint, this drink is a staple in Indore's bustling food markets. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty snack or just strolling through the city, Shikanji is the ideal thirst-quencher.

Best Served With: Shikanji is best served with ice and a sprig of fresh mint, adding a refreshing touch to its tangy and spicy flavour. A pinch of black salt enhances the overall taste, making it a perfect summer cooler. It pairs well with spicy street food, providing a zesty contrast that complements the bold flavours of Indore’s snacks. This drink is popular among locals and visitors alike, especially during hot weather. 

• Indori Poha Jalebi

Indori Poha Jalebi is an iconic breakfast combination and undoubtedly one of the best foods in Indore. The poha is a light, flavourful dish made from flattened rice, spiced with turmeric and mustard seeds, and topped with sev, onions, and a squeeze of lemon. Paired with the sweet, crispy Jalebi, it creates a perfect balance of sweet and Savory flavours. This unique blend is a true representation of Indore’s vibrant culinary scene and is a must-try for any food lover.

Best Served With: Indori Poha Jalebi is best served with a side of spicy green chutney and a steaming cup of masala chai, adding an extra layer of flavour to the sweet and Savory combination. The crispy jalebi pairs perfectly with the soft, tangy poha, creating a harmony of textures and tastes. This classic Indore breakfast is not only satisfying but also a reflection of the city's love for bold and vibrant flavours. 

• Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular and delicious dish often enjoyed in Indore, especially during fasting days. Made from soaked tapioca pearls, and roasted peanuts and flavoured with cumin, green chillies, and fresh coriander, this dish has a light yet satisfying texture. Its mild, nutty flavour and soft texture make it a favourite among Indore locals, particularly for breakfast or a snack. As a key part of Indore's food culture, Sabudana Khichdi stands out for its simplicity and flavour.

Best Served With: Sabudana Khichdi is best served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of creamy yogurt, enhancing its light and nutty flavours. The tangy lemon adds a refreshing touch, while the yoghurt brings a cool, smooth contrast to the dish. This combination makes it an ideal meal, especially during fasting, offering both taste and nourishment. Whether enjoyed as a snack or breakfast, it’s a wholesome part of Indore’s food culture. 

• Dal Bafla

Dal Bafla is a traditional dish from Madhya Pradesh, and it’s considered one of the best breakfasts in Indore. Similar to Rajasthan's dal baati, Dal Bafla consists of baked wheat dough balls (bafla) that are dunked in ghee and served with a flavourful, spiced lentil soup (dal). The bafla is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly complementing the rich and Savory dal. This hearty dish is a favourite among locals for its taste and nutritional value.

Best Served With: Dal Bafla is best served with a generous drizzle of ghee, a side of tangy chutney, and spicy pickles to enhance the rich flavours of the dish. Pairing it with buttermilk adds a refreshing balance to the hearty meal. The crispy exterior of the bafla soaked in ghee combines beautifully with the flavourful dal, making it a comforting and satisfying breakfast that captures the essence of Indore’s culinary heritage. 

• Khatta Samosa

Khatta Samosa is a unique twist on the traditional samosa and a favourite among the best street foods in Indore. Known for its tangy, spicy filling made with mashed potatoes and a blend of sour spices, this samosa offers a flavourful punch in every bite. The crispy outer layer and the distinct tanginess inside make it a standout snack in Indore’s bustling street food scene, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Best Served With: Khatta Samosa is best served with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney, enhancing its sour and spicy filling. This combination adds an extra burst of flavour, making it the perfect street food snack. The crispy shell paired with the chutneys creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Indore’s vibrant food scene. 

• Mawa Baati

Mawa Baati is a rich and indulgent dessert, often hailed as one of the best foods in Indore. This sweet delicacy is made from mawa (khoya) and stuffed with dry fruits, then deep-fried to perfection and soaked in sugar syrup. With its melt-in-the-mouth texture and deliciously sweet flavour, Mawa Baati is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Popular during festivals, this iconic dish stands out among Indore’s Street food offerings.

Best Served With: Mawa Baati is best served with a drizzle of sugar syrup and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch. Pair it with a glass of warm milk to elevate the indulgent experience. The rich, creamy texture of the mawa, combined with the crunch of the pistachios, creates a delightful contrast that makes this dessert unforgettable. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring the sweet treats of Indore’s food culture.

Indore is a city that truly shines when it comes to culinary diversity, offering a delightful mix of street food and traditional dishes. Whether you're on the hunt for the best breakfast in Indore or looking to indulge in the best food the city has to offer, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. From spicy, tangy snacks to rich, sweet desserts, every dish in Indore reflects the city's vibrant food culture. The lively markets and food joints provide an unforgettable experience for food lovers. Make sure to explore every corner of this culinary paradise and discover why Indore food continues to captivate hearts and taste buds alike. 

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