The Undisputed King: Indori Poha
You cannot talk about breakfast in Madhya Pradesh without starting with poha. While flattened rice is a breakfast staple across India, the Indori version is a unique culinary experience. It's steamed to a soft, fluffy perfection, which makes it distinct
from preparations in other states like Maharashtra. Seasoned with fennel seeds and a special 'jeeravan' masala, it has a signature sweet, sour, and spicy taste profile. The dish is generously garnished with chopped raw onions, fresh coriander, and, most importantly, a crunchy topping of savoury Indori sev and sometimes bright red pomegranate seeds. For the complete experience, locals pair this savoury delight with sweet, crispy jalebis, creating a celebrated combination that defines the city's street food culture.
The Monsoon Speciality: Bhutte Ka Kees
A unique dish hailing from Indore, Bhutte Ka Kees is a savoury pudding-like preparation that's especially popular during the monsoon season. The name itself translates to 'grated corn'. Fresh, tender corn is grated and then slow-cooked with milk, ghee, and a handful of spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and green chillies. The result is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is both comforting and flavourful. It highlights the use of fresh, local produce in the region's cuisine. While it can be enjoyed as a snack anytime, its warm and hearty nature makes it a beloved breakfast item, offering a gentle and delicious start to the day.
The Hearty Meal: Dal Bafla
For a more substantial breakfast or brunch, many in Madhya Pradesh turn to Dal Bafla. This dish is a softer cousin of the famous Rajasthani Dal Baati. Baflas are balls made of wheat dough that are first boiled in turmeric water and then traditionally roasted or baked until they are golden brown. This two-step cooking process makes the bafla much softer and lighter than a baati. These ghee-soaked dough balls are served by crumbling them and pouring over a generous amount of spicy, flavourful dal (lentil curry). Often accompanied by chutneys and a side of salad, Dal Bafla is a wholesome and nutritious meal that can keep you energised for hours.
The Fasting Favourite: Sabudana Khichdi
Though traditionally associated with fasting days, Sabudana Khichdi is a breakfast staple in its own right across Madhya Pradesh. Made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), this dish is light, gluten-free, and surprisingly filling. The soft and chewy pearls are tossed with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts for crunch, and spiced with green chillies and cumin seeds. A final squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coriander leaves cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness. Its simple preparation and delightful texture make it a go-to breakfast choice for many, whether they are fasting or not.
The Crispy Delights: Kachori and Samosa
No exploration of morning meals in MP would be complete without mentioning the deep-fried treasures that are kachoris and samosas. Indore, in particular, is famous for its 'Khasta Kachori', a flaky pastry filled with a spicy lentil or potato mixture. These are often enjoyed hot with tangy tamarind or mint chutneys. Similarly, the humble samosa, with its spicy potato filling encased in a crisp pastry, often doubles as a quick and satisfying breakfast option. Paired with a hot cup of chai, these savoury pastries are a quintessential part of the bustling morning street food scene in cities across the state.
