Malwa: A tapestry of flavours
Malwa, a region renowned for its royal Sailana cuisine, offers a culinary experience that seamlessly blends the flavours of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Traditionally fueled by gluten-free Jowar, the region embraced wheat post the Green Revolution, paving the way for a diverse array of dishes. One of the gems of Malwa cuisine is "Bhutte ka Kees," a delectable preparation of grated corn cooked in a harmonious blend of ghee, milk, and spices. The region boasts other culinary treasures like Poha, Jalebi, Dal Bafla, Papad ki Sabji, Sabudana Khichdi, Palak Poori & Aloo Sabji, Matar Pulao, Gosht Korma, and Chakki Ki Shak (similar to Rajasthan's Gatte ki Sabzi).
Street food extravaganza in Indore
For street food enthusiasts, Indore is a haven that beckons with its streets adorned with flavours. Begin your culinary journey with a visit to Chappan Dukan, a culinary paradise boasting 56 stalls that tantalise taste buds with local namkeens, Garadu ki Chaat (sweet potatoes deep-fried or baked, then sprinkled with a hot and tangy spice mix), Johny's Hotdogs, and much more to make you fall in love with the local delicacies of Indore.
Vegetarian delights of Malwa Cuisine
Indulge in the vibrant world of vegetarian delights within Malwa cuisine, where every dish tells a story of flavour and tradition. Begin your culinary journey with the iconic Indori Poha, a breakfast delicacy synonymous with Indore, served alongside jalebi and sev, and generously topped with jeerawan - a spicy and tangy powder.
A sweet symphony: Indore's Shikanji
In the royal city of Indore, the culinary journey is incomplete without indulging in the legendary Shahi Shikanji. While you may have tasted tangy lemon Shikanji elsewhere, this signature drink is a thick and sweet milkshake enriched with dry fruits, standing as a testament to the city's profound love for sweets. Slow-cooked for several hours with saffron, cardamom, mace, nutmeg, raisins, yoghurt, and milk, it's a blend of flavours that captivates the senses.
Beyond Indore: Culinary charms of Ujjain, Mandu, and Burhanpur
In Ujjain, relish the traditional bread of Malwa, Bafla, boiled and roasted over dung cake fires, served with Dal, Kadhi, Aloo Sabzi, and Laddoos (made using the Bafla dough). Venture to Mandu for specialities like Malwa ka Bhatta Bharta (baingan bharta), Ghuian (arbi) ki sabzi, and the special Paniya, another version of Dal Bati. Paniya consists of maize flour cakes sandwiched between aakde ke patte, two leaves of the aak plant, and roasted on an open fire of dried cowpat. This method prevents the cakes from burning, and the aak leaves add a unique flavour.
Malwa Magic: A culinary odyssey awaits!
As you traverse the culinary landscape of Malwa, each dish tells a story of traditions, flavours, and a rich heritage. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of Malwa's gastronomic wonders, because your palate deserves nothing less than the extraordinary, and Malwa delivers just that.
