Dewas, a city rich in cultural heritage, offers a variety of delicious and unique foods that reflect the flavors of Madhya Pradesh and its surrounding regions. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food, sweets, or local delicacies, Dewas has something for every palate. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Dewas, ensuring that you don’t need to search for more information.
1. Poha (with Jalebi)
Overview:
Poha is a traditional breakfast dish widely loved in Madhya Pradesh. It’s made from flattened rice, cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, and garnished with coriander leaves, peanuts, and sev. It’s often served with a side of crispy Jalebi (a deep-fried sweet).
What to Expect:
- Taste: Savory, slightly tangy with a crunch from peanuts and sev.
- Where to Try: Local breakfast stalls, Mahatma Gandhi Market, and small eateries.
- Price: ₹30–₹50 per plate
- Best Time to Try: Morning, typically served as breakfast.
Tip:
- Sweet Pairing: Don’t miss the accompanying Jalebi, which adds a perfect sweet contrast to the savory Poha.
2. Samosa
Overview:
Samosas are a popular street food snack, not just in Dewas but all over India. These deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes even meat, creating a savory and satisfying treat.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Crispy exterior with a spicy and flavorful potato filling.
- Where to Try: Street vendors in Mahatma Gandhi Market, Indore Road Market, and near temples.
- Price: ₹20–₹40 per piece
- Best Time to Try: Throughout the day, especially during tea time.
Tip:
- Chutney Pairing: Enjoy with a tangy tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Chaat (Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Dahi Puri)
Overview:
Chaat is an umbrella term for a variety of street snacks that are typically spicy, tangy, and sweet. Dewas has several vendors serving the most famous types of chaat: Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and Dahi Puri.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Pani Puri is crunchy with spicy water, Bhel Puri is a mix of puffed rice and tangy chutneys, and Dahi Puri is topped with yogurt and sev.
- Where to Try: Local street food vendors, especially at Mahatma Gandhi Market and Indore Road Market.
- Price: ₹30–₹80 per serving
- Best Time to Try: Late afternoon or evening, when food stalls are at their busiest.
Tip:
- Spicy or Mild: Ask the vendor if you prefer your chaat spicy or mild depending on your tolerance for heat.
4. Chole Bhature
Overview:
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that’s especially famous in Dewas. The dish consists of deep-fried bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole), making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
What to Expect:
- Taste: The bhature is soft and fluffy, while the chole is rich, spicy, and flavorful.
- Where to Try: Local eateries and breakfast stalls, near the Dewas bus stand or Gandhi Sagar Lake.
- Price: ₹50–₹100 per plate
- Best Time to Try: Morning or lunch for a filling meal.
Tip:
- Sided With Onion: Often served with onions and green chilies for an added flavor kick.
5. Bhutte Ka Kees
Overview:
A unique Madhya Pradesh dish, Bhutte Ka Kees is a corn-based delicacy made by grating corn and cooking it with spices, mustard oil, and some yogurt. It’s a savory and mildly tangy dish.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Slightly sweet and tangy with a unique texture from the corn.
- Where to Try: Local eateries or food stalls in Dewas.
- Price: ₹30–₹60 per plate
- Best Time to Try: Breakfast or as a snack.
Tip:
- Freshly Made: Look for stalls where the dish is freshly prepared for the best flavor.
6. Kachori
Overview:
Kachori is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with a spicy lentil or potato filling. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delicious snack enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Crunchy on the outside with a flavorful, spicy filling.
- Where to Try: Local vendors around Dewas Haat and the main market area.
- Price: ₹20–₹50 per piece
- Best Time to Try: Afternoon or evening as a quick snack.
Tip:
- Chutney: Enjoy with a tangy tamarind or mint chutney to enhance the flavor.
7. Gajak
Overview:
Gajak is a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. It’s especially popular during winter, but you can find it throughout the year in Dewas.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Crunchy and sweet, with a nutty flavor from sesame and peanuts.
- Where to Try: Sweets shops in Dewas, especially around Gandhi Sagar Lake and Dewas Haat.
- Price: ₹100–₹250 per box
- Best Time to Try: Throughout the year, but especially in winter months.
Tip:
- Gift Item: Gajak makes for an excellent souvenir or gift for friends and family.
8. Jalebi
Overview:
Jalebi is a crispy, deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup. It’s often served hot and is a favorite among locals in Dewas, enjoyed as a sweet treat after meals.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Sweet, sticky, and crispy with a syrupy finish.
- Where to Try: Street vendors and sweet shops near Gandhi Market or near Dewas Junction.
- Price: ₹20–₹50 per serving
- Best Time to Try: Evening, especially after dinner.
Tip:
- Freshly Made: For the best experience, try to get it freshly made right in front of you.
9. Mawa Baati
Overview:
Mawa Baati is a traditional sweet from Madhya Pradesh made with milk solids (mawa) and sugar, shaped into small balls and fried. It’s often served during festivals and is a great dessert to try in Dewas.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Rich, sweet, and creamy with a dense texture.
- Where to Try: Sweets shops around Dewas, especially near the temple areas and Gandhi Market.
- Price: ₹30–₹60 per piece
- Best Time to Try: As an evening dessert or after meals.
Tip:
- Perfect for Dessert Lovers: This is an indulgent sweet, so enjoy it when you want something rich and filling.
10. Lassi
Overview:
Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, is extremely popular in Dewas and across Madhya Pradesh. It is available in both sweet and salted variations, and it’s a great way to beat the heat.
What to Expect:
- Taste: Sweet lassi is creamy and refreshing, while salted lassi is tangy and savory.
- Where to Try: Local lassi shops and small eateries near Dewas Haat or Gandhi Market.
- Price: ₹30–₹70 per glass
- Best Time to Try: Midday or evening to refresh yourself.
Tip:
- Sweet vs. Salted: Try both versions to see which one you prefer — the sweet one is perfect for dessert lovers, while the salted one is a great palate cleanser.
Summary Table of Top 10 Foods to Try in Dewas
| Food | Description | Price Range | Best Time to Try | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poha (with Jalebi) | Flattened rice with peanuts & sev, served with crispy Jalebi | ₹30–₹50 | Morning (Breakfast) | Street vendors near Mahatma Gandhi Market |
| Samosa | Deep-fried pastry with spiced potato filling | ₹20–₹40 | Throughout the day | Vendors in Gandhi Market, Indore Road Market |
| Chaat (Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Dahi Puri) | Crunchy puris filled with spicy water, chutneys, and yogurt | ₹30–₹80 | Evening | Local vendors near Mahatma Gandhi Market |
| Chole Bhature | Deep-fried bread with spicy chickpea curry | ₹50–₹100 | Morning/Lunch | Eateries near Dewas Bus Stand, Gandhi Sagar Lake |
| Bhutte Ka Kees | Grated corn cooked with spices and yogurt | ₹30–₹60 | Breakfast or Snack | Local eateries around Dewas Haat |
| Kachori | Deep-fried pastry filled with spicy lentils | ₹20–₹50 | Afternoon/Evening | Vendors around Dewas Haat, Gandhi Market |
| Gajak | Sweet made from sesame, jaggery, and peanuts | ₹100–₹250 | Throughout the year | Sweet shops around Dewas City, Gandhi Market |
| Jalebi | Sweet, crispy dessert soaked in syrup | ₹20–₹50 | Evening (after dinner) | Sweet vendors near Gandhi Market |
| Mawa Baati | Fried sweet balls made from milk solids | ₹30–₹60 | Evening (Dessert) | Sweets shops around Dewas Haat, Gandhi Market |
| Lassi | Yogurt-based drink (sweet or salted) | ₹30–₹70 | Midday/Evening | Local lassi shops near Dewas Haat, Gandhi Market |
Final Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Dewas:
- Hygiene: Always look for food vendors who maintain cleanliness to avoid stomach issues.
- Bargaining: Street food vendors are used to haggling, so feel free to negotiate the prices for a better deal.
- Drink Water: Keep hydrated, especially when trying spicy foods, and opt for fresh lassi or water.
Enjoy your culinary adventure in Dewas and make sure to savor the local delicacies that define this wonderful city!