Gwalior, a city rich in history and culture, offers a diverse culinary landscape that reflects its heritage. For new tourists and city visitors, exploring Gwalior’s gastronomic delights is a must. Here are the top 10 foods to try in Gwalior:
1. Kachori
- Description: A deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils or onions, kachori is a popular breakfast item in Gwalior. It’s typically enjoyed with tamarind chutney or spicy potato curry.
- Where to Try: SS Kachoriwala on Nayi Sadak is renowned for serving hot and crispy kachoris.
2. Poha
- Description: A light and nutritious dish made from flattened rice, poha is cooked with onions, mustard seeds, and turmeric, then garnished with fresh coriander and sev (crunchy noodles). It’s a staple breakfast in Gwalior.
- Where to Try: Aggarwal Poha Bhandar in Daal Bazaar is famous for its flavorful poha.
3. Laddoo
- Description: Sweet, round confections made from gram flour or semolina, laddoos are often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
- Where to Try: Bahadura Sweets is known for its delectable boondi ke laddoos, made with pure desi ghee.
4. Lambi Pani Poori
- Description: A unique twist on the traditional pani puri, these elongated puris are filled with spicy tamarind water and a mixture of chickpeas and potatoes.
- Where to Try: Street vendors near Salasar (Max) City Centre are popular spots to enjoy this delicacy.
5. Karela Chaat
- Description: Despite its name, this dish doesn’t contain bitter gourd. Instead, it’s a savory chaat made with deep-fried dough sheets topped with spicy white peas (matar) curry, yogurt, and chutneys.
- Where to Try: Hemu Ji Chaat near Phool Bagh serves a delightful version of karela chaat.
6. Petha Gilori
- Description: A sweet treat resembling the traditional paan, petha gilori is made from ash gourd and flavored with gulkand (rose petal preserve) and mint, offering a refreshing taste.
- Where to Try: Panchhiraj Sweets in Sarafa Bazaar is famed for its petha gilori.
7. Paneer Jalebi
- Description: A rich variation of the classic jalebi, this sweet is made from paneer (cottage cheese), resulting in a thicker and softer texture, soaked in sugar syrup.
- Where to Try: Jodhpur Misthan Bhandar on Nayi Sadak offers delicious paneer jalebis.
8. Bedai
- Description: A deep-fried bread stuffed with spiced lentils, typically served with a flavorful potato curry. It’s a popular breakfast choice among locals.
- Where to Try: Brijwasi Sweets near Gwalior Railway Station is known for its authentic bedai.
9. Kebab
- Description: Succulent pieces of meat marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Gwalior offers a variety of kebabs, including the famous Galouti Kebab.
- Where to Try: Local eateries and street vendors in areas like Nayi Sadak serve delicious kebabs.
10. Biryani