Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Bhopal is a flavor-packed and shopper-friendly city, offering a delightful mix of royal Mughlai cuisine, traditional sweets, and authentic handicrafts. Whether you’re a food lover, street snack enthusiast, or a shopper hunting for local treasures, Bhopal will surprise you at every turn.

 Must-Try Foods in Bhopal

1. Bhopali Gosht Korma

• A rich and spicy mutton curry slow-cooked with yogurt, spices, and onions.
• One of the most loved dishes from Bhopal’s Nawabi (royal) cuisine.

 Where to try:
✔️ Jameel Hotel, Ibrahimpura
✔️ Zamzam Fast Food, Shahjehanabad

 2. Seekh Kebabs & Bhopali Biryani

• Soft, juicy seekh kebabs grilled over charcoal — a must for non-veg lovers.
• Bhopali biryani has a distinct aroma, cooked with meat, saffron, and subtle spices.

 Try at:
✔️ Al-Beik, Chatori Gali
✔️ Hotel Gazala, Hamidia Road

 Tip: Pair with suleimani chai for an authentic experience.

 3. Poha-Jalebi – Bhopal’s Breakfast Classic

• A light and fluffy flattened rice dish topped with sev, served with crispy jalebi.
• A morning staple for locals.

 Where to try:
✔️ Raju Tea Stall, New Market
✔️ Milan Sweets, MP Nagar

 4. Suleimani Chai & Bun Keema

• A light, spiced black tea served with a bun stuffed with minced meat or egg.
• Popular in Old Bhopal tea joints.

 Best spots:
✔️ Raju Bhai's Chai Stall
✔️ Chatori Gali

 5. Traditional Sweets

• Imarti: A cousin of jalebi, richer and thicker.
• Shahi Tukda: A Mughlai dessert made of fried bread, milk, and dry fruits.
• Petha, Barfi, and Malai Ladoo are also local favorites.

 Top Sweet Shops:
✔️ Manohar Dairy & Restaurant, Hamidia Road
✔️ Agarwal Sweets, New Market

 Shopping in Bhopal – What to Buy & Where

 1. Chanderi & Maheshwari Sarees

• Handwoven, elegant, and lightweight sarees known for zari borders and traditional patterns.
• Available in both silk and cotton blends, perfect for gifting or festive wear.

 Best stores:
✔️ Mrignayanee Handloom Emporium (by MP Govt)
✔️ MP Handicrafts Emporium, New Market

 Tip: Look for the GI tag for authenticity.

 2. Batua Bags & Zardozi Work

• Batua bags are embroidered velvet pouches, traditional to Bhopal.
• Zardozi work (gold/silver thread embroidery) is used in clutches, dupattas, and lehengas.

 Buy from:
 Chowk Bazaar (Old Bhopal)
 Local craft fairs & street shops near Iqbal Maidan

 3. Perfumes (Attar/Ittar)

• Bhopal is known for its natural oil-based perfumes, especially rose, sandalwood, and jasmine.
• Long-lasting and chemical-free.

 Popular shops:
✔️ Ittarwale, Ibrahimpura
✔️ Royal Ittars, Chowk Bazaar

 4. Local Spices & Dry Fruits

• Shop for black cardamom, saffron, biryani masala, and more.
• Also available: dry fruits, homemade pickles, and Murabba (fruit preserve).

 Spice markets:
✔️ Lakherapura Market
✔️ Shahjehanabad Bazaars

 5. Handicrafts & Souvenirs

• Bhopal offers lovely metal artifacts, tribal paintings, terracotta ware, and bamboo crafts.
• Perfect for home decor or gifts.

 Best spots:
✔️ Bharat Bhavan Craft Shop
✔️ Tribal Museum Souvenir Store
✔️ Mrignayanee Handloom

 Best Shopping Areas in Bhopal

 Pro Tips for Food & Shopping in Bhopal

✔️ Street food is safe in busy areas—look for stalls with high turnover.
✔️ Carry cash or UPI—many street vendors don’t accept cards.
✔️ Bargain smartly in bazaars (but not in government emporiums).
✔️ Try authentic sweets and snacks as edible souvenirs.
✔️ Visit Old Bhopal in the evening for the best food & vibrant shopping scene.
✔️ Shop for lightweight, elegant gifts like tribal art prints, scarves, and local spices.