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The city of Indore has a fine milieu of history, spirituality, and different types of delicious cuisine. Indoris are very passionate about what they eat, which is evident in their love for the wide variety of street food delicacies available here, such as Jalebi-Poha, a mindboggling assortment of chaats, and the local favourite Garaadu and Bhutte ki Khees.
Exploring the world-famous Chappan and Sarafa markets in Indore is an absolute revelation of how food is truly a culture steeped deep into the ethos of this vibrant city. It was overwhelming to see the variety and innovation of the dishes served with a palpable mix of love and pride. Here's my guide.
I started my jaunt at the famous Chappan Dukan, named after the 56 shops which serve mouth-watering local delicacies. My first stop was at the Johnny Hot Dog stall, where I was introduced to what the locals call Egg Benjo and Mutton Hot Dog. I was amazed at the speed with which the owner was flipping the burgers and serving them to the customers. In a matter of minutes, at least 20 burgers were ready to be served. Later, I discovered that Johnny Hot Dog had received the award for the most 'ordered dish' at UberEats APAC Restaurant Partners Awards 2019.
Braving my way through another sea of people, I reached the famed Vijay Chaat House. The mouth-watering Kopra Pattice (coconut sandwich) seemed to be an instant favourite with the crowd. In my opinion, the spicy flavour and crunchy outer covering made it irresistible. Served with a delicious pudina chutney and tangy red sauce, it was a complete treat for the eyes and the taste buds alike.
Another must-visit at Chappan is the Prayas Food Stall known for its Sabudana Vada and Khichdi. Though I already had my fill of various dishes, my craving for the Sabudana delicacies was so overwhelming that I headed straight for this Indori delight and found it quite different from the Maharashtrian fare that I was used to back home. This was a lot spicier and was served with the famous Indori sev.
Just when I thought I was satiated with the delectable food, my eyes fell upon a unique style of dosa. Indoris call it the &ldquoSigdi Dosa&rdquo or the Fire Dosa. Just watching the person make it was a treat. Making it on a sigdi or wood fire, the dosa was spread on the tawa with the flame reaching over and above it. The filling was unique, with a generous amount of cheese, sauces, and a variety of vegetables. The presentation was also different, with the dosa cut and lined up like a cylinder garnished with grated cheese that definitely added to my calories
Happy and satisfied with the culinary delights, I headed to the next street food mecca &ndash the Sarafa Market. Opened till way past mid-night, Sarafa is a paradise for nocturnal foodies, like me.
Meandering through the crowded streets of Sarafa, I made a bee-line for A-one Garadu to try out Bhutte ke Kees and Garadu, two dishes relished all over Madhya Pradesh. Garadus are sinfully fried yams, cut and mixed with spices to make a crispy snack, while Bhutte Ke Kees is mashed boiled corn mixed with ghee, spices, and gram flour. I had never seen or tasted something so exclusive. A must-try for those who enjoy food having a blend of spicy and sweet flavours.
Another favourite at Sarafa is the Flying Dahi Vada at the Joshi Dahi Vada. What makes it distinctive is the way it is served. The owner deftly tosses the vadas in the air, ensuring that they land exactly on the serving bowl. After that, it is accessorised with the quintessential Indori sev and spicy sauces. I was totally mesmerised by the expertise and dexterity with which the flying vadas were being made that I could not resist eating plenty of it.
There is much more to tickle your taste buds in these two eat-streets of Indore. Besides these delectable snacks you must try out the Coconut Crush, Dabeli, Farsan, Faloodas, Kulhad pizza, and the myriad Indori paans. You are sure to come back for more.
