Bhopal- A City that Pampers your Taste Buds

Indulge in Ajab Bhopal's Gazab food experience

Occupying a place of pride in the heart of incredible India, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh is also famously known as the city of lakes. Founded by Raja Bhoj, the original name of the city was then Bhojpal. Bhopal later came into prominence when Dost Mohammad Khan, an Aghan soldier in the Mughal Army usurped the kingdom from Gond queen Rani Kamlapati after her death and built Fatehgarh fort here.

Not just rich in history and culture, the food offered in city of lakes is a real delight. The city is known for its modern metropolitan development, historic culture, exquisiteness and above all availability of a large variety of lip-smacking cuisine. The food speaks volumes of the ethnic culture that is vibrant here. Famous for its meat dishes - the curries and kebabs are the most acknowledged and preferred dishes here.

While Bhopali cuisine has many vegetarian dishes, the highlight of the culinary culture here in the city is the wide variety of meat delicacies that have been mastered through the centuries.

Bhopal's cuisine has a strong Muslim influence as well as adaptations from the Marwari culinary culture. Non-vegetarian lovers can have a gala treat in the city of lakes with rich food prepared in an array of spices and seasonings.

Do not miss the mutton dish Achari gosht to experience the royal nature of the city. Old city area of Bhopal offers traditional Muslim dishes such as Paya soup, Bun Kebab, Nalli Nihari etc. Do not leave the city of lakes without having the exotic Bhopali Paan, believed to aid digestion after the heavy treats.

A special mention here are the locals who exude warmth and that is what makes the city charming and appealing at all levels. Here's presenting to you some of the best places in Bhopal where you can satisfy your hunger pangs not just with the street food but also some of the authentic cuisines that will delight your foodie soul.

Places to visit in Bhopal

For breakfast:

The entire old city area can offer you some amazing varieties of snacks. The city of lakes wakes up slow but as the shops open till 7am, the old city area will not disappoint you to have stomach filling breakfast.

Poha- Jalebi: You can start your day with tempting Poha-Jalebi combination. If you are someone who loves to gorge on something sweet, then you can even opt for Rabdi-Jalebi combination that will keep you going until your lunch time. Once you are done with having light snacks you can then head to sipping on 'Sulemani Chai' a tea which is sweet and salty served with dollops of cream!

For Heavy meals (lunch and dinner):  

For a fuller meal at lunch (or dinner) Hakeem's, Bapu ki kutiya are places one can head to. Mecca for the non-vegetarians,

Hakeem hotel

serves delicious non-vegetarian delicacies throughout its multiple outlets in Bhopal. The aromatic gravies, the tikkas and kebabs here are among the best in the city. Order anything on the menu and be assured of delight in every bite. Head to either Tatya Tope Nagar (TT Nagar) or Maharana Pratap Nagar (MP Nagar) for a hearty meal at Hakeem. If you're looking for a more upmarket, ambience-laden experience

Jehan Numah Palace or Noor us Sabah are popular restaurants for authentic Mughal, Italian and continental dishes.

There's more for vegetarians too:

Sagar Gaire:

An outlet to head for some vegetarian delights is Sagar Gaire at 7 no stop. If you crave for soup, sandwiches, cold coffee, pasta or even south Indian then this can turn out to be a one stop solution for you.  

New Market:

This is the place where you can gorge on a plate full of Chole Bhature. Other than getting an amazing shopping experience this place is worth visiting for a yummylicious chole Bhature. The gravy served with Chole will leave you asking for more.

Shahpura:

The entire stretch at Shahpura tuns into foodie's heaven during evening. At Shahpura you can have the street food experience with stalls offering some amazing snacks. You can also spot food trucks selling mouthwatering snacks to stratify your cravings for something spicy.  

As evening falls, Manohar Dairy and Restaurant (Hamidia Road or MP Nagar) is a good choice for its chaats, light snacks and sweet dishes.

With dusk an interesting part of Bhopal beckons. Among twinkling lights from street-side stalls and wafting aromas of sizzling kebabs, Bhopal's nawabi cuisines come alive in old city.

Bhopali Paan

To top it all, there is yet another famous Bhopali Paan which is relished by the locals and visitors alike. This special paan has wide ranging toppings which vary from distinct types of dry fruits to supari. The Paan is almost considered a must have for those who want to give a grand finishing touch to their meal.

While the toppings in Paan include Chuna, Kattha and supari one can even get it customized.

That's city of lakes for you folks!!!! Take a tour to city's food trail and fill your stomach not just with vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies but the warmth city offers.