Jabalpur, a charming city on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its stunning marble rocks, calm lakes, and impressive waterfalls. But there’s more to Jabalpur – its food is also a big hit! In this blog, I’ll share some delicious dishes from Jabalpur that you should try when you visit.
Whether you’re into veg or non-veg, Jabalpur has something for everyone. The food here is a delightful mix of creamy and spicy, making your taste buds happy. Let’s dive into the famous dishes and discover what makes Jabalpur’s food so special!
Top 10 Must-Try Famous Foods in Jabalpur
- Poha
- Bhutte ka Kees
- Rogan Josh
- Seekh Kebabs
- Dal Bafla
- Sabudana Khichdi
- Jalebi
- Chicken Samosa
- Pilaf with Peas and Carrots
- Khopra Pak
Not coming to a conclusion about what to have first and where to eat? Let’s dive into our blog. We will discuss everything, from breakfast options to desserts, along with great places in Jabalpur. So, let’s begin
Best Breakfasts in Jabalpur: Delicious Treats
A delicious breakfast can set the tone for your day. Start your food journey in Jabalpur with a great breakfast. Refresh your morning routine with these delectable selections.
1. Poha
Start your day in Jabalpur with a classic breakfast choice – Poha. Poha is light and nourishing breakfast consists of flattened rice cooked with an assortment of vegetables, groundnuts, curry leaves, green chilies, sugar, and a blend of spices like garam masala.
Topped with a dash of lemon, Poha is traditionally served hot and accompanied by sev (crispy fried noodles) and jalebi (deep-fried sweet spirals).
While Poha stalls are scattered throughout the city, the iconic Indian Coffee House, a cherished cafe dating back to 1957, is highly recommended for an authentic and delightful Poha experience in Jabalpur.
2. Sabudana Khichdi
Experience the light and tasty Sabudana Khichdi, a dish made with tapioca pearls, roasted peanuts, salt, and sugar.
Spiced with cumin seeds and green chilies and garnished with coconut and coriander leaves, this dish is commonly enjoyed during fasting days but is versatile enough for a snack or breakfast.
Visit Panchvati Gaurav, a pure vegetarian restaurant known for its variety of thalis (combo meals) and snacks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Panchvati Gaurav while exploring their diverse menu.
3. Sambar Idli
Savor the South Indian classic, Sambar Idli, beloved by Jabalpur residents. This dish comprises steamed rice cakes (idlis) paired with a tasty lentil soup called sambar.
Enjoy this wholesome breakfast at popular places like Pawar’s South Indian And Chinese Food, New Pawar Restaurant NPR, and Moti Mahal Delux.
4. Aloo Paratha
An adored North Indian dish in Jabalpur, Aloo Paratha is a flatbread generously filled with spiced mashed potatoes, cooked on a griddle with ghee or oil.
Served with curd, pickle, or butter, it’s a tasty and satisfying breakfast choice. You can enjoy this savory delight at Jharokha, New Pawar Restaurant NPR, and Masala Kitchen, whether at home or from the restaurants
5. Chicken Samosa
A best choice for non-vegetarians, indulge in the flavorful and crispy Chicken Samosa – a local favorite in Jabalpur. This fried treat features a flour shell filled with chicken stuffing and spices, deep-fried to perfection.
Enjoy it with sauce and chutney at Clock Tower Chinese Restaurant, a dining spot offering a blend of Chinese, Cantonese, Szechuan cuisines, and Indian snacks.
Dive into the inviting ambiance of Clock Tower Chinese Restaurant, known for its diverse culinary offerings and warm hospitality.
Delicious Dining: Jabalpur’s Best Lunch and Dinner Options
Jabalpur’s lunch offerings are hearty, drawing inspiration from Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisines. Options include wheat balls in ghee served with dal and chutney, as well as aromatic rice cooked with spices and vegetables. Explore a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes for a satisfying lunch experience
1. Daal Bafla
One of the famous food in Jabalpur, Daal Bafla introduces flavors reminiscent of Rajasthani cuisine. Wheat balls, or bafla, undergo a process of boiling and baking before being generously immersed in ghee (clarified butter).
Served with spiced lentil curry (daal) and a side of coriander chutney, Daal Bafla offers a heavenly combination of textures and tastes.
For an authentic treat, consider New Pawar Restaurant, a family-operated eatery renowned for its genuine Indian vegetarian cuisine, providing a taste of Jabalpur’s culinary heritage.
2. Seekh Kebab
Capturing the essence of Mughlai cuisine, Seekh Kebab features minced meat, usually mutton or chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs.
Skewered and grilled over charcoal, these tender and juicy kebabs effortlessly melt in the mouth. Served with accompaniments like onion rings, mint chutney, and lemon wedges, Seekh Kebab is a true delight for non-vegetarian enthusiasts.
For an exceptional experience, visit Takht Hazara, a distinguished fine dining establishment celebrated for its expertise in kebabs and biryanis.
3. Pilaf with Peas and Carrots
Pilaf with peas and carrots takes you on an exceptional culinary journey in Jabalpur. Fragrant, long-grained rice is cooked with spices like bay leaves, cumin seeds, cloves, garlic, and onions. Diced peas and carrots add color and nutrition to the dish, which pairs perfectly with boondi raita or plain yogurt.
Enjoy this delicious pilaf at Kalchuri Residency Restaurant, a vast and sophisticated eatery that serves Indian and foreign cuisines.
You can enjoy the unique flavors of this rice dish while immersed in the pleasant setting of Kalchuri Residency Restaurant.
4. Bhutte Ka Kees
A distinctive dish native to Jabalpur, Bhutte Ka Kees showcases the region’s culinary uniqueness. Crafted from grated fresh corn cobs, it is cooked with spices and skimmed milk, imparting a delightful sweetness.
Mustard seeds and green chilies contribute to the vibrant flavors of this versatile snack suitable for any time of the day.
To savor Bhutte Ka Kees, Popular Fresh Momos ‘n’ More, a fast-food cafe, is the go-to spot, offering not only this unique corn dish but also delectable momos and noodles.
5. Dal Makhani
A Punjabi classic, well-loved in Jabalpur, Dal Makhani is a delightful dish made from black lentils and kidney beans. Cooked with butter, cream, and spices, it offers a rich and creamy taste.
Enjoy it with roti, naan, or rice. Vegetarians will find this dish particularly delightful, and it’s available in various restaurants and dhabas. Jharokha, New Pawar Restaurant NPR, and Moti Mahal Delux are some recommended places to savor Dal Makhani.
6. Mutton Rogan Josh
Originating from Kashmiri cuisine but embraced in Jabalpur, Mutton Rogan Josh is a flavorful dish made with mutton pieces in a red-colored gravy with yogurt, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices.
It’s a spicy and aromatic delight, perfect with roti or rice. Non-vegetarians will relish this dish, available in many restaurants and hotels.
Jharokha, New Pawar Restaurant NPR, and Moti Mahal Delux are some places where you can enjoy Mutton Rogan Josh.
7. Fish Curry
A treat for seafood enthusiasts, Fish Curry is made with fish pieces cooked in a coconut-based gravy with tamarind, curry leaves, and spices.
It’s a tangy and flavorful dish that pairs well with roti or rice. Non-vegetarians can delight in this dish, available in numerous restaurants and dhabas. Consider trying it at Jharokha, New Pawar Restaurant NPR, and Masala Kitchen.
Read: 14 Must-Try Famous Street Food in Ujjain
Must-Try Desserts in Jabalpur
1. Khopra Pak
If you have a sweet tooth in Jabalpur, Khopra Pak is your best bet. Although simple, this coconut-based dessert is a delightful treat that will surely satisfy your cravings.
This treat involves cooking grated coconut with sugar, milk, cardamom, and saffron. Afterward, the mixture is cut into square pieces and adorned with pistachios and almonds. For an authentic taste of Khopra Pak, head to Jharokha, a multi-cuisine restaurant nestled within The Arihant Palace, a two-star hotel in Jabalpur.
Here you can enjoy the sweet delicacy while soaking in the cozy ambiance and impeccable hospitality that Jharokha is known for.
2. Malpua
Malpua, a pancake-shaped dessert made from milk, flour, semolina, and curd. Deep-fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup, Malpua is flavored with cardamom, fennel seeds, and rose water.
This popular Jabalpur dessert, usually reserved for festivals and special occasions, can be savored at The Oven Classics, a bakery and confectionery shop offering cakes, pastries, and cookies.
You can enjoy the cozy and inviting atmosphere of The Oven Classics while indulging in the sweetness of Malpua.
3. Khoye Ki Jalebi
Make sure to treat yourself to the unique Khoye Ki Jalebi when you’re in Jabalpur. This special type is crafted with thickened milk instead of flour, dipped in sugar syrup, and sprinkled with rose water and saffron.
The result is a thicker and richer Jalebi, providing a distinct taste and texture. You can visit The Yellow Chilli, a restaurant run by famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor, to indulge in Khoye Ki Jalebi and other Indian and international cuisines.
Here you can discover the refined ambiance and outstanding food that The Yellow Chilli is known for, making your dining experience unforgettable.
4. Shrikhand
Shrikhand, a beloved sweet made from yogurt, is infused with saffron, cardamom, and sugar for a delightful flavor. Chilled and adorned with dry fruits, it can be enjoyed solo or paired with puris.
Mango-flavored variations are also available, found in numerous sweet shops and restaurants across Jabalpur.
5. Imarti
Resembling jalebi, Imarti stands out with its vibrant orange hue and intricate flower-like shape. Saffron and cardamom add a refreshing twist to its flavor. Easily found in almost every Mithai shop in Jabalpur, it’s a sweet treat worth savoring.
6. Balushahi
A North Indian classic embraced in Jabalpur, Balushahi takes the shape of a doughnut. Crafted from maida and deep-fried in ghee, it’s then soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios. This crispy and flaky delight simply melts in the mouth, available in various sweet shops and restaurants.
Moreover, for those with a love for cakes, Fnpcakes N More is your destination. This bakery offers an array of cakes, including chocolate truffle, pineapple, and black forest. From cupcakes to pastries and cookies, their offerings are sure to elicit ‘wow’ to ‘yummy’ moments. Visit their shop in Napier Town or conveniently order online.
Additionally, Dwarka Sweets, a sweet shop near the Old Bus Stand, is renowned for its delectable sweets and mouth-watering snacks. From kaju katli to rasgulla, gulab jamun, and ladoo, their range is impressive.
They also feature namkeens, samosas, and kachoris, available at their shop or through online orders.
Conclusion
Jabalpur stands out as a city with a plethora of offerings for its visitors, particularly in the realm of food.
The culinary scene in Jabalpur is a vibrant reflection of its rich culture, history, and diversity. With a delightful mix of various cuisines and flavors, the city’s culinary offerings are bound to captivate your taste buds and leave you enamored with Jabalpur.
When you find yourself in this city, seize the opportunity to savor these renowned dishes, immersing yourself in the gastronomic pleasures that Jabalpur has to offer.