When people in India talk about legendary street food, names like Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk instantly come to mind. And yes, the food there is iconic. But if we are being practical, a large number of people eating there are tourists and travelers. Many locals in Delhi rarely visit these crowded lanes regularly, and traffic is definitely one of the reasons.
But there is another city which deserves equal — and honestly, even bigger — recognition for its food culture. A city where street food is not just for tourists, but a part of everyday local life. That city is Indore.
And if there is one place that perfectly represents the food culture of Indore, it is Chhappan Dukan.
Now first of all, the correct name is Chhappan Dukan, which literally means “56 Shops.” The area originally had 56 small food and snack shops lined together, and over time it became one of the most famous food streets in India. Today, it is not just a market — it is an emotion for food lovers.
What makes Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa Bazaar special is not only the variety of food, but also the atmosphere. Unlike many famous tourist food markets, here you will find a huge number of locals enjoying evening snacks with friends and family. Of course, tourists visit too, but the place still feels authentic and connected to the city’s daily lifestyle.
In fact, if you visit Indore for the first time and have a local friend or relative in the city, chances are very high that Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa Bazaar will be the first places they take you to. That itself says a lot about how important this place is in Indore’s culture.
From crispy poha and hot jalebi in the morning to creamy shakes, sandwiches, chaats, pav bhaji, dosa, momos, and unique Indori snacks at night — the variety here is endless. Most food options are vegetarian, which is common in Indore’s street food scene, but you can still find some good non-vegetarian dishes nearby as well.
So in this Indore street food guide, we are going to share:
- Why Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa Bazaar became so famous
- The best food stalls and shops to visit
- Must-try dishes in Indore
- What makes Indore’s food culture different from other cities
- And some useful tips before you visit
One important disclaimer though — skip a meal before coming here. Because once you start eating at Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa Bazaar, stopping is going to be very difficult.
Best Time to Visit Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa Bazaar
Before we share the best food shops and must-try dishes in Chhappan Dukan and Sarafa Bazaar, it is important to understand what time you should visit these places and what type of food experience you can expect there.
For example, if you are planning a morning food tour in Indore, there is no need to visit Sarafa Bazaar early in the day. Sarafa is mainly a late evening and night food market, and most of the famous food stalls here start opening after 8 PM. During the daytime, it functions more like a traditional jewellery market, while at night it transforms into one of the most famous street food destinations in India.
On the other hand, if you want to start your day with authentic Indori breakfast, then Chhappan Dukan is a much better choice. Morning is the perfect time to try the famous Indori Poha and Jalebi combination.
Now one thing to understand here is that Indori Poha is quite different from the regular poha you may have tried in cities like Delhi or Nagpur. Some people even call it “Pohe Ki Chaat” because of its unique toppings and flavors. From simple poha served with sev and jalebi to more loaded variations with namkeen, masalas, lemon, and pomegranate, there are multiple styles you can try in Indore.
- So let us first start with Chhappan Dukan.
- The best time to visit Chhappan Dukan is from morning breakfast hours till late evening, although the atmosphere becomes especially lively after sunset.
- And now, let us look at some of the best food shops and dishes to try at Chhappan Dukan.
What to Eat at Chhappan Dukan Indore:
1 Head Sahab Ke Poha
Location in Indore: Cloth Market
If you are starting your morning food tour in Indore, then Poha and Jalebi is something you simply cannot miss. It is probably the first breakfast choice for many local Indori people as well as tourists visiting the city.
One of the shops we would recommend trying is Head Sahab Ke Poha, which is known for serving authentic Indori-style poha loaded with sev, masalas, and also chana gravey, sometimes panner gravy, a total different style of poha, onlu available in Indore.
And if you want to try the authentic poha, jalebi with Chai, the try Guru Poha at Cloth Market.
2 Johny Hot Dog, Chhappan Dukan
Location in Indore: Chappan Dukan
So after your morning Poha breakfast, explore Indore a bit, and at around 4–5 PM, come to Chhappan Dukan.
And here, the first shop which you should visit will be Johny Hot Dog.
Now, don’t get confused by the name. The owner’s name is not Johny. It is Vijay Singh Rathore, and he is not offering American-style non-veg hot dogs. He is simply offering a good-quality bun, lightly fried with aloo tikki and his own special chutney.
And this “hot dog,” or more accurately bun with aloo tikki, is extremely popular among both locals and tourists. So definitely try this in the evening as your first food stop at Chhappan Dukan.
3 Joshi Dahi Bada, The flying dahi bada of Indore
Location in Indore: Sarafa & in Chappan Dukan
One of the most iconic food stops at Sarafa is Joshi Dahi Bada House. While they may offer a few other snacks, their fame is undoubtedly the legendary Flying Dahi Bada.
This family-run establishment has been serving customers for around 70 years and is currently managed by the third generation of the family.
What makes the experience special is not just the taste but also the unique preparation style. As Joshi Ji prepares the Dahi Bada, he tosses the vadas several feet into the air, catches them effortlessly, and then begins seasoning them with remarkable precision.
Using just two fingers, he skillfully sprinkles a mix of spices, including red chilli, black pepper, cumin, salt, and other seasonings, creating a performance that attracts crowds of visitors every day. Watching the preparation is almost as enjoyable as eating the dish itself.
The Dahi Bada is priced at around ₹ 60, making it an affordable and must-try delicacy in Indore.
Over the years, the shop has been featured by several media outlets and newspapers and has earned praise from food lovers across the country.
4 Vijay Chaat House
Location in Indore: Sarafa & in Chappan Dukan
Another food stop that deserves a place on your Indore street food itinerary is Vijay Chaat House. While many tourists discover it during their visit to Sarafa Bazaar or Chhappan Dukan, locals have been enjoying its snacks for decades.
The story of Vijay Chaat House goes back to 1969 when the Thaker family, originally from Surat, started their first outlet in Sarafa. Today, the business is managed by Jatinbhai Thaker and continues to be one of the well-known names in Indore’s food scene.
One thing that makes Vijay Chaat House special is that it is not just an evening snack destination. Unlike many famous food shops in Sarafa that come alive only at night, Vijay Chaat House starts serving customers from 9 AM onwards, making it a great place for breakfast as well.
If you visit in the morning, you can try the famous Indori Poha, priced at just around ₹15 per plate, along with hot Kesar Jalebi for around ₹40. Just like many traditional breakfast spots in Indore, the combination of Poha and Jalebi remains one of the most popular choices among locals.
However, the item that we would especially recommend trying here is the Khopra Patties.
Now, this is not a regular potato patty that you may find in other parts of India. The Khopra Patties here is almost round in shape, resembling a coconut shell or khopra, which is where the name comes from. Inside, you get a delicious filling made with spiced potato and shredded coconut, while the outside remains perfectly crisp. It is then served with chutneys that add both sweetness and spice to every bite.
Apart from Khopra Patties, you can also try Balta Patties, Balta Kachori, Samosa, Lasuni Aloo Wada, Sabudana Wada, and Fry Khaman. In fact, many locals prefer ordering a combination of multiple snacks together rather than sticking to just one item.
And before leaving, do not forget to try their famous Shahi Shikanji. Unlike regular lemon shikanji, this Indori version is much richer, creamier, and almost feels like a dessert in a glass. It is one of those drinks that perfectly represents the unique food culture of Indore.
Whether you visit the Sarafa outlet or the branch at Chhappan Dukan, Vijay Chaat House is a great place to experience some classic Indori flavors that have been loved by generations of locals.
5 AV Madhuram Sandwich
Location in Indore: Itwariya Bazaar, Sarafa
If there is one place in Sarafa bazar, that proves you do not need a huge menu to become famous, it is AV Maduram Sandwich.
Interestingly, the shop serves only two items—their signature Jumbo Sandwich for around ₹150 and Cold Coffee for around ₹50. That’s it. No burgers, no pizzas, and no long list of snacks. Yet, according to many local sources, they sell somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 sandwiches every single day, making it one of the busiest food outlets in Indore.
The popularity of AV Maduram has grown so much over the years that what started as a single outlet has now expanded to four branches across Indore. Even with multiple outlets, you will often find long queues, especially during the evening hours.
Now coming to the sandwich itself, one thing you should know is that this is not a regular grilled sandwich that you may find elsewhere. It is quite large, and honestly, one sandwich is easily enough for two people.
The bread is prepared in-house, giving it a fresh and soft texture. It is first layered with their signature curd-based chutney spread, followed by a handmade garlic chutney. The filling includes carrots, ginger, capsicum, onions, paneer, special spices, and a generous amount of cheese. The sandwich is then grilled until perfectly crisp and served with potato chips, tomato sauce, and another homemade chutney on the side.
At just ₹150, it offers excellent value for money, especially considering the generous portion size and quality of ingredients.
Another interesting part of AV Maduram’s story is its family history. According to the two owner brothers, they belong to the fourth generation of a family associated with Indore’s food industry. Their grandparents started by selling tea, the next generation became known for kachoris, and today the family has built one of the city’s most popular sandwich brands.
Whether you visit Chhappan Dukan for a quick evening snack or a complete food trail, AV Maduram Sandwich is definitely one of the places that deserves a spot on your list.
Plus you can book a taxi in Indore from us to visit Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa, along with Indore City Sightseeing Package, starting at Rs 1600 for 4 travellers.
6 Nema Kulfi and Gajak, Chhappan Dukan & Sarafa
Location in Indore: Sarafa
If you’re craving something sweet after exploring the many food stalls of Chhappan Dukan, make your way to Nema Kulfi and Gajak.
Originally famous from Sarafa, this is not a fancy shop but a humble street cart that has earned a loyal following over the years among both locals and tourists.
What makes this place truly unique is not just the desserts but also the people behind it. The owners are known for wearing several kilograms of gold jewellery, making them a popular attraction on social media, and many visitors stop by to click photos and chat with them.
Another interesting detail is that while preparing their Falooda, they use gold sticks, a distinctive USP that adds to the experience, even though it does not affect the taste.
On the menu, you will find delicious Kulfi flavours such as Sitaphal (Custard Apple), Litchi, Mango Kesar, and many others, along with a variety of Faloodas and refreshing shakes.
Whether you come for the desserts, the unique experience, or the warm hospitality, Nema Kulfi and Gajak is a wonderful place to end your Chhappan Dukan food trail on a sweet note.
7. Mr Bhel Bhandari
Location in Indore: Sarafa Bazar (1 km from)
Mr. Bhel Bhandari is located less than 1 km walking distance from Sarafa, and is quite popular online, especially on Instagram. Many food bloggers and YouTubers visit his shop to take the famous 440 Watt Bhel Challenge.
In this challenge, he serves you his 440 Watt Bhel Puri, which you need to finish within 15 minutes without taking anything else. The bhel is extremely spicy and is not something that you would enjoy as an everyday snack. It is more of a fun food challenge than a regular meal.
Many people ask him why he created such a spicy challenge. He told that customers used to keep requesting, “Please make my bhel more spicy, more spicy.” One day, he got tired of hearing the same request and decided to create the 440 Watt Bhel Challenge. He says that if someone successfully finishes the bhel, he gives them a certificate declaring them one of the most spicy-food-eating people in India.
According to him, a lot of people have failed to finish the challenge because the bhel is genuinely very spicy. As a nice gesture, he also gives participants an tetra pack of lassi to help cool down after the challenge or in between the challenge.
So, if you are someone who enjoys taking food challenges, this place is definitely worth visiting. And if spicy challenges are not your thing, you can simply stop by to enjoy a tasty, fresh, and hygienically prepared bhel at his shop.
Along with exploring Indore, you can visit Ujjain, which is just 1 hour drive away. View our Indore to Ujjain taxi page for more details.
8. Rajhans Dal Bafle
Location in Indore: Sarafa
If Rajasthan and cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer are famous for their Dal Baati Churma, then Indore and the entire Malwa region are known for another equally delicious traditional meal — Dal Bafle. And one of the best places to experience this authentic Malwa delicacy is Rajhans Dal Bafle in Sarafa Bazaar.
Now, what exactly is Dal Bafle?
Bafle may look similar to Rajasthani baati, but the preparation is quite different. A dough is prepared using wheat flour, often mixed with gram (chickpea) flour and a few spices. Large round balls are then shaped, almost the size of a small football cut in half. Unlike baati, these bafles are first boiled in water until cooked, then baked to give them a slightly crisp outer layer. Finally, they are broken open and generously dipped in pure desi ghee before being served.
The bafles are accompanied by a delicious serving of dal, usually prepared with toor dal, along with traditional Malwa-style kadhi made from curd. Instead of churma, which is commonly served in Rajasthan, the meal is completed with sweet laddus. You also get spicy lasan (garlic) chutney and fresh green chutney, with onion salad, making every bite full of flavour.
Their traditional Dal Bafle Thali starts from around ₹250, and in this you are gelling a full size dinner meal.
Whether you are looking for a proper sit-down meal after exploring Sarafa or want to take some authentic Malwa food back with you, Rajhans Dal Bafle is an excellent choice. Their packed Dal Bafle meals are also quite popular among both locals and visitors.