Gwalior- A Yummy Tummy Travel Destination of MP

A city with historical and culinary charms

Visiting Gwalior is not just about history but about food too.The City was once the seat of reigning Rajputs namely Pratiharas, Kachwahas, Tomars and Marathas who have left behind their footprints in the form of palaces, forts, temples and other monuments giving Gwalior a unique appeal and facade. When it comes to food, the cuisine culture is linked to the rich diversity of cultural influences that city has experienced in the past. The evolution of Gwalior food is quite interesting.

Starting from the Gupta dynasty and moving on to the Mughals and British, each of these cultures left its mark on the Gwalior cuisine. Over the centuries, Gwalior adopted the different food culture resulting in the cuisine culture it hosts today. Let's look at the culinary influence that the city has to offer, not just to the locals but even for a traveler who is foodie at heart!

Gwalior's love for Bedai!

In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior's local snack is Bedai, a Poori stuffed with spiced lentils. Every morning, regulars queue up at SS Kachoriwala and Bahadura, an 80-year-old shop in Naya Bazaar for Samosa, kachori, scrumptious jalebis and gulab jamuns. Dilli Parathe Wala at Sarafa Bazaar, Agrawal Puri Bhandar at Nayi Sadak and Shankerlal Halwai's laddus aren't to be missed, besides the mandatory pack of Gajak (sesame, sugar and ghee sweet) from Morena Gajak Bhandar.

Drool over Parantha's like never before!

There's something so amazing about a hot crispy paratha.Isn't it? Every bite seems to taste better than the last. At Dilli Parathewala in the old city area of Gwalior, get transported to a food heaven as you choose from a variety of parathas (layers of cooked dough). If you are on a grumbling tummy then just parcel the food to eat at home. The parathas are cooked with generous proportions of Pure ghee for 10 minutes and are served to you hot and crispy. One paratha weighs 350 grams and it is so huge that it can satisfy two people at a time. Choose from fillings like Peas, Paneer, Potatoes, Cauliflower, etc and dip every bit into creamy curd or spicy pickle or even eat it alone and you'll still enjoy it!

Aam Ki Launji- An addictive condiment

This is a quick and easy chutney that tickles your Palate! Aam ki Launji also known as Mango Chutney goes very well in Gwalior with every meal. However, this sweet and sour chutney (made with raw mango, spices and little bit sugar) is majorly consumed in the households during summers and if you are a guest at someone's house, you will get to satisfy your taste buds with this quintessential summer condiment! 

Where to have sweet delights!

Of all foods, Gwalior is most popular for its sweets. The first being Gajak that is consumed at a large scale. This sweet has also found its way to other cities but to experience the real taste of this original sweet, one should visit Gwalior. Other additions to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings is Bhind ke Pede and Naariyal Paak. If this is not sufficient for you then the option does not end here. Mouthwatering Jalebis at Chitrakoot Mishthan Bhandaar are sure give you a heavenly experience and some extra pounds too as the sweet is made from Pure ghee.There are several shops in Naya Bazaar which serve Jalebis and Rabri. One can even try Laddoos at Bahdura sweets in this market and can also check Chhatri bazaar for more options.  

What to bring back 

If there is one thing you must take back from Gwalior, it must be a box full of Morena Gajak.The neighboring district of Morena claims to produce some of the finest Gajak in Gwalior. Even the locals quip that it is because of the taste of Chambal river water in it (attributing it to the river that gives the region its distinctive ravine-strewn terrain), is what makes this Gajak popular here. Head to Gwalior's most popular Gajak house - Kamal Gajak Bhandaar and treat your sweet tooth with a box full of this region's unique variety.