Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Jabalpur is not just about waterfalls and marble rocks — it's also a hidden gem for foodies and shopaholics. The city offers a rich blend of street snacks, traditional sweets, tribal crafts, marble souvenirs, and textiles that reflect the culture and flavors of Madhya Pradesh. Here’s a complete guide to what and where to eat & shop in Jabalpur.

 Must-Try Foods in Jabalpur

 1. Poha with Sev – The Classic MP Breakfast

• Light, fluffy flattened rice dish, topped with sev, coriander, and lemon juice.
• Usually paired with jalebi for a sweet-and-savory combo.

 Best places:
✔️ Bhola Poha Corner, Wright Town
✔️ Prem Poha-Jalebi, Napier Town

 2. Sabudana Vada & Kachori

• Crisp and soft tapioca fritters (sabudana vada) with mint chutney.
• Dal or masala kachoris are spicy, flaky, and filled with flavor.

 Try at:
✔️ Agrawal Sweets, Adhartal
✔️ Raj Sweets, Civic Centre

 3. Bhutte ka Kees (Spiced Grated Corn)

• A special street dish made with grated corn, milk, spices, and coriander.
• Healthy, hot, and satisfying—especially during monsoons or winter.

 4. Jabalpur Sweets to Take Home

• Khopra Pak (coconut sweet)
• Mava Bati (stuffed milk dumpling)
• Til Ladoo & Gajak during winter
• Kalakand and Peda

 Best sweet shops:
✔️ Raju Namkeen & Sweets
✔️ Bansal Sweets
✔️ Seth Ganpatrai Mithaiwala

 5. Local Specialties & Street Food

• Chaat, samosa chhole, dahi puri, and pav bhaji dominate the evening streets.
• Popular areas for snacking:
  ✔️ Kamaniya Gate
  ✔️ Bada Fuhara
  ✔️ Wright Town

 Tip: Try lemon soda or masala shikanji to beat the heat during summer outings.

Shopping in Jabalpur – What to Buy & Where

Jabalpur is a great place to buy regional handicrafts, marble artifacts, tribal artwork, and textiles. Whether you're shopping for souvenirs or personal treats, there’s something for every budget.

 1. Marble Handicrafts – The Local Signature

• Inspired by Bhedaghat's marble rocks, artisans create:
  ✅ Idols of gods and goddesses
  ✅ Lamps and vases
  ✅ Coasters, trays, and decorative figurines

 Best places:
✔️ Bhedaghat Handicraft Shops
✔️ MP Handloom Emporium
✔️ Local government-approved stalls near tourist spots

 Tip: Check for authentic white marble (not soapstone imitations).

 2. Tribal Art & Gond Paintings

• Gond and Baiga tribal art is colorful, symbolic, and steeped in folklore.
• Great for wall hangings, journals, coasters, and framed decor.

 Where to buy:
✔️ Tribal Emporium, Civic Centre
✔️ Craft Melas (seasonal fairs)
✔️ MP Handicrafts Showroom

 3. Sarees & Local Fabrics

• Look for Maheshwari, Chanderi, and cotton sarees, plus handwoven dupattas and dress materials.
• Available in both traditional and modern styles.

 Best shops:
✔️ Mrignayanee MP Handloom
✔️ Saree Centre, Sadar Bazaar
✔️ Chappan Bhog Lane shops near Civic Centre

 4. Brass & Wooden Handicrafts

• Includes puja items, door hangings, carved boxes, bells, and décor.
• Brass items make great gifts and are long-lasting.

 5. Pickles, Spices & Namkeen

• Don’t miss lemon pickle, mango chutney, and local masalas.
• Also pick up dal moth, chiwda, and spicy sev — perfect for travel snacks.

 Buy from:
✔️ Raju Namkeen
✔️ Shankar Namkeen
✔️ Any local grocery or sweet shop

 Best Shopping Areas in Jabalpur

 Tip: Most shops accept UPI, but carry some cash for small vendors and street stalls.

✅ Travel & Shopping Tips

✔️ Best time to shop: Evening (after 5 PM) when markets are lively
✔️ Try before you buy food or namkeen items—many shops offer samples
✔️ Bargain politely in local markets, but not in government emporiums
✔️ Wrap marble items well for travel (ask for bubble wrap or safe packaging)
✔️ Buy seasonal sweets like til ladoo or gajak during winter months