Ujjain is more than just a city with temples and history; it’s a hidden gem for food lovers! Picture strolling through its streets, smelling delicious scents in the air.
The city doesn’t just provide food; it shares stories of its tasty history. From tasty snacks to sweet treats and hearty meals, Ujjain has everything.
Let’s take a look at the must-try Famous Street Food In Ujjain and the best places to enjoy them – a paradise for food lovers ready to be discovered.
19 Must-Try Street Foods in Ujjain for Food Lovers
1. Kachori
Kachori, deep-fried pastry filled with yummy stuff like lentils, potatoes, onions, or peas. People in Ujjain love snacking on it. You can try Kachori at Sawariyan Kachori on Dhaba Road, a shop that’s been around for 30 years!
They make this amazing dal kachori with tamarind and coriander chutney that’ll make your taste buds dance. The kachoris are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and the chutneys give them an extra burst of flavor. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth.
2. Dal Bafle
Dal Bafle is a traditional Rajasthani dish that people in Ujjain really love. It consists of baked wheat flour balls soaked in ghee and served with dal, kadhi, potato curry, garlic chutney, rice, and churma ladoo. It’s like a feast for lunch or dinner! You can try this dish at Sai Palace near Mangalnath Mandir.
They were the first ones in Ujjain to bring this tasty treat. The bafles are soft and buttery, and all the sides are full of flavor and a bit spicy. It’s like a flavor explosion on your plate.
Moreover, you can savor the delightful Dal Bafle at Bhoj Yumm Restaurant and Kailash Lok Restaurant. These places add their own special touch to the dish, making it even more irresistible.
3. Poha Jalebi
A classic breakfast combo that’s a real delight! Poha and Jalebi – Poha is a dish made with flattened rice, cooked with onions, potatoes, curry leaves, turmeric, and coriander.
The goodness is taken up a notch with a topping of crunchy sev (fried gram flour noodles) and chopped onions. Now, add Jalebi into the scene – a deep-fried spiral of maida (refined flour) soaked in sugar syrup.
The mix of the spicy Poha and the sweet Jalebi creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. You can enjoy this delicious dish at various stalls and shops in Ujjain, and one of the top spots is Sai Palace, near the Nanakheda Bus Stand.
4. Khasta Sev
Khasta Sev – a crispy, crunchy delight made from fried gram flour noodles seasoned with a burst of spices. This local gem from Ujjain isn’t just a snack; it’s a sensation! People love to nibble on it solo or sprinkle it over other dishes for that extra oomph.
To taste the magic, head over to Shri Mahakal Namkeen at Chhatri Chowk, a shop that has been crafting Khasta Sev for over 70 years. The crispy and spicy goodness comes in tempting flavors like garlic, tomato, cheese, and masala. It’s not just a snack; it’s a flavorful journey waiting to be explored!
Read: Best restaurants in Ujjain near Mahakaleshwar Temple
5. Kandawada
Kandawada, a crispy delight breakfast snack from Ujjain! It’s like a tasty patty made with gram flour, spinach, and a blend of exciting spices. Perfect for a breakfast fiesta, especially when paired with a cup of tea.
Head over to Rajendra Uphar Greh at Kanthal Chaurah – they’ve been crafting these flavor-packed wonders for 40 years. Each bite is a crispy explosion outside and a soft party inside, bringing a symphony of unique flavors.
6. Bhutte Ka Kees
Bhutte Ka Kees, a snack from Indore that’s found its way to Ujjain. Grated corn meets milk and spices, creating a dance of sweetness and spiciness in your taste buds.
Dive into this delightful experience at Yadav Doodh and Rabdi Bhandar at Pandribagh. This shop is run by a lady who makes the best Rabdi (thickened milk) in town.
7. Sabudana Khichdi
For a taste adventure, try Sabudana Khichdi – a dish made with soaked tapioca pearls, spiced up with a magical mix of curry leaves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chilies, ginger, peanuts, and potatoes. It’s a crunchy, chewy delight, perfect for any occasion.
Head to Sawariyan Kachori at Dhaba Road to dive into this textured wonder. And don’t forget to savor their mouthwatering dal kachori and tamarind chutney – it’s like a flavor carnival!
8. Sabzi Poori
Sabzi Poori – a Ujjaini specialty that’s a must-try! It’s deep-fried bread served with two tasty vegetable curries. One has potatoes, and the other is a mix of colorful veggies. The pooris, made with wheat flour and ghee, are soft and fluffy.
The sabzis bring spice and aroma, making a perfect match with the pooris. Don’t miss out on this delight at Bhola Guru & Sons in Chota Sarafa, a spot famous for its breakfast magic for the past 90 years!
9. Malpua
Malpua, a magical transformation of small pancakes taking a sweet plunge into sugar syrup. Crafted with love using maida, khoya, fennel seeds, and cardamom, these wonders from Bhola Guru and Sons at Chota Sarafa carry a culinary legacy of over 90 years.
Each Malpua is like a soft hug on the inside and a crispy delight on the outside – a sweet symphony that plays a delightful tune for your taste buds!
10. Rabdi
Rabdi – a thickened milk dessert cooked with sugar and cardamom, with nuts and saffron. This rich and creamy delight is a sensation in Ujjain, often paired with the deep-fried pancake wonder, Malpua. For the best Rabdi experience, head to Yadav Doodh & Rabdi Bhandar at Pandribagh.
This 150-year-old gem, lovingly run by Mrs. Kiran Yadav, fondly known as “Rabdi Wali Aunty,” serves unbeatable Rabdi in taste and quality. It’s a must-have on your Ujjain visit – a dessert adventure you won’t want to miss!
11. Laddu
Laddu, a delightful round treat created from a blend of flour, sugar, ghee, nuts, and dried fruits. A quintessential dessert in Ujjain, it frequently graces temple offerings as prasad. For an authentic experience, venture to Bhola Guru & Sons at Chota Sarafa.
Here, relish the classic Laddu and immerse yourself in the flavors of a traditional Rajasthani sweet, Mawa Bati – a maida dough ball deep-fried and drenched in sugar syrup, delicately melting in your mouth. And don’t forget to explore their Gulab Jamun, another beloved sweet crafted with milk solids and sugar syrup.
12. Kulfi
Kulfi, a frozen dessert cherished by everyone in Ujjain. A must-visit spot for this treat is the Famous Kulfi Wala at Gopal Mandir. With 75 years of expertise, this establishment offers freshly made Kulfi in flavors like kewda, pista, rabdi, and sitafal.
Whether enjoyed on a stick or in a bowl, the Kulfi here is a creamy and smooth delight – the perfect way to pamper your taste buds!
13. Pani Poori
Pani Poori is a popular street food loved all across India. But Ujjain puts its twist on this crispy and tangy delight. The pooris are stuffed with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and a burst of spices.
They take a dive into spicy and sour water flavored with mint, tamarind, and cumin. While you can find Pani Poori stalls at almost every corner in Ujjain, one of the top spots to dive into this treat is at Chhatri Chowk.
14. Samosa
Samosa, a pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes nuts and raisins. It’s a street food superstar in India, and Ujjain proudly joins the samosa celebration. While you can spot samosas at almost every street vendor, a standout place to relish them is Sharma Samosa at Freeganj.
This shop has been serving up hot and fresh samosas for over 40 years. Get ready for a crunch-filled experience, and don’t forget to dip them in mint chutney and sweet tamarind sauce – it’s a flavor party15
15. Chaat
Ujjain’s streets are filled with vendors serving a variety of chaats that blend spicy, tangy, and crunchy flavors. From dahi puri, where crispy puris are stuffed with tangy yogurt and chutneys, to bhel puri, a mix of puffed rice, sev, potatoes, and peanuts tossed in tamarind sauce, each bite offers an explosion of flavors. Another must-try is ragda puri, where puris are filled with a spicy white pea curry, creating a comforting yet zesty experience. Of course, pani puri, or golgappa, is a local favorite, with vendors customizing the level of spice and tanginess to each customer’s taste. Some of the best chaats in Ujjain can be found near Mahakaleshwar Temple and Chhatri Bazaar, where vendors have been serving these beloved snacks for generations. Chaats are more than just street food in Ujjain; they are a part of the city’s culture, enjoyed after temple visits or during casual evening strolls.
16. Gulab Jamun
One of the most beloved Indian sweets, gulab jamun, is a staple in Ujjain’s dessert culture. These soft, deep-fried dough balls, made from milk solids, are soaked in aromatic sugar syrup infused with rose water or saffron. The result is a melt-in-the-mouth sweetness that is hard to resist. Ujjain’s best gulab jamuns can be found at Shree Ganga Sweets and Rajshree Sweets, where they are prepared fresh daily. During festivals like Diwali and Makar Sankranti, gulab jamun is an essential part of the celebration, served in homes and temples alike. In the evenings, it is common to find vendors selling piping hot gulab jamuns near temples, offering devotees a warm, sugary treat after their prayers. Whether enjoyed as a festival delight or an everyday indulgence, gulab jamun holds a special place in Ujjain’s food scene.
17. Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)
On hot days in Ujjain, nothing refreshes quite like a chilled glass of shikanji. This Indian-style lemonade is a perfect blend of tangy lime juice, sugar, black salt, and cumin, sometimes garnished with mint leaves for extra freshness. Unlike regular lemonades, Ujjain’s street-style shikanji has a slight spiciness that makes it even more invigorating. The best places to try shikanji are the small roadside stalls near Mahakaleshwar Temple and the ghats of the Kshipra River, where vendors prepare fresh glasses throughout the day. Shikanji is not just a summer drink—it is a go-to refreshment for pilgrims and tourists, providing much-needed relief after long temple visits or walks through the bustling markets. Served in earthen cups for an added earthy aroma, Ujjain’s shikanji is a simple yet flavorful experience.
18. Pav Bhaji
Though originally from Mumbai, pav bhaji has made its mark in Ujjain’s street food culture, and locals have given it their own unique twist. This dish consists of a spicy, buttery mash of vegetables cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a special blend of spices, served with soft, toasted bread rolls. Vendors in Ujjain are known for their generous use of butter, making the dish extra rich and flavorful. The best pav bhaji stalls are located near Mahakaleshwar Temple and Indore Gate, where you can see vendors preparing fresh batches on massive iron griddles, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. A plate of hot pav bhaji, with extra butter and a squeeze of lemon, is a favorite among college students, tourists, and families looking for a quick yet delicious meal.
19. Chole Bhature
A hearty and indulgent dish, chole bhature is one of the most popular street foods in Ujjain. This classic North Indian meal consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with large, fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). The combination is both satisfying and flavorful, making it a perfect option for breakfast or lunch. Locals flock to stalls at Sarafa Bazaar and near Mahakaleshwar Temple, where vendors serve freshly fried bhature with hot, aromatic chole, often accompanied by pickles and yogurt. Chole bhature is especially popular on Sundays and festive occasions when families gather to enjoy this fulfilling dish. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a plate of chole bhature in Ujjain is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Best Spots to Try Famous Food Streets of Ujjain
Ujjain is not just a city of temples and spirituality—it is also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s vibrant food streets serve everything from spicy chaats to sweet jalebis, offering an authentic taste of Madhya Pradesh’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, exploring these famous food hubs is an essential part of experiencing Ujjain. Here are the best places to indulge in the city’s most iconic street foods.
Tower Chowk – The Go-To Spot for Chaat, Pav Bhaji, and Chole Bhature
Tower Chowk is one of the busiest and most popular food hubs in Ujjain, known for its variety of flavorful street snacks. If you love tangy and spicy chaats, this is the place to be. Vendors serve everything from pani puri and dahi puri to bhel puri and ragda puri, each bursting with delicious flavors. The fresh chutneys and crispy sev make these dishes an irresistible treat.
For those looking for something filling, the stalls at Tower Chowk also offer some of the best pav bhaji in the city. Cooked on large iron griddles with a generous amount of butter, the bhaji is served with soft, toasted pav, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. If you’re in the mood for a richer meal, try a plate of chole bhature, where spicy chickpea curry is paired with deep-fried, fluffy bhature. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with pickles and a side of yogurt to balance the flavors.
Sarafa Bazaar – A Paradise for Sweet Lovers and Night-Time Foodies
While Sarafa Bazaar is well known as a jewelry market during the day, it transforms into a lively street food hub at night. From around 8 PM, food vendors start setting up their stalls, turning the area into a bustling haven for food lovers. This is the ultimate destination for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering some of the best gulab jamuns, rabri, malpua, and kulfi in Ujjain.
One of the most popular stalls here serves garadu, a winter-special crispy fried yam dish tossed in a mix of tangy and spicy masala. This dish is a must-try, especially if you visit during the colder months. Another favorite is shikanji, but unlike the lemonade-style drink available elsewhere, Sarafa Bazaar’s version is a thick, sweetened yogurt-based beverage, perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal. Whether you’re craving sweets or savory treats, Sarafa Bazaar is the ultimate late-night food stop in Ujjain.
Mahakaleshwar Temple Area – Best for Traditional Snacks and Refreshing Drinks
The area surrounding Mahakaleshwar Temple is not just a spiritual hub but also a hotspot for authentic street food. Pilgrims and tourists flock here throughout the day, and the local vendors ensure that everyone gets a taste of Ujjain’s traditional snacks.
One of the most popular dishes here is sabudana khichdi, a light yet flavorful fasting dish made from sago pearls, peanuts, and mild spices. It is a common choice for devotees visiting the temple, as it is easy to digest and often consumed during religious fasts. Another must-try is lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink served sweet or salted, often topped with a thick layer of malai (cream) for extra richness. This refreshing drink is perfect for cooling down after temple visits, especially during the summer months.
If you’re in need of something even more hydrating, the local shikanji stalls near the temple offer fresh lime-based drinks with a hint of cumin and black salt, giving them a uniquely tangy and spicy flavor. Vendors also sell kesar milk, a warm saffron-infused milk drink that is particularly popular among devotees looking for a comforting beverage after their prayers.
Chhatri Chowk – The Ultimate Spot for Poha Jalebi and Bhutte Ka Kees
For an authentic taste of Ujjain’s favorite breakfast, Poha Jalebi, head to Chhatri Chowk. Every morning, the streets here are lined with stalls serving steaming hot plates of poha, a lightly spiced dish made from flattened rice, topped with crunchy sev and fresh coriander. The dish is typically paired with jalebi, a deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Locals often enjoy this combination with a cup of hot chai, making it the ideal way to start the day.
Another regional specialty found here is bhutte ka kees, a unique dish made from grated corn cooked with milk and spices. It has a slightly creamy texture and a mild sweetness that blends beautifully with the added spices. Vendors in Chhatri Chowk prepare this dish fresh in large iron woks, stirring continuously to achieve the perfect consistency. It’s a must-try for those looking to experience the true flavors of Malwa cuisine.
Conclusion
Ujjain is a city with a lot to offer to its visitors, not only in terms of its temples and culture but also in terms of its food.
The street food in Ujjain reflects its history, diversity, and vibrancy and is sure to delight your senses. So, the next time you visit Ujjain, try these famous street food items and discover the flavours of this ancient city.
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