Food History of Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
The culinary history of the region surrounding Pench National Park is deeply intertwined with the gastronomic traditions of Madhya Pradesh. Influenced by the royal cuisines of the Marathas, Mughals, and neighboring states, the food offers a rich diversity. With a largely agrarian society, the local cuisine of Madhya Pradesh features a variety of grains, pulses, and an assortment of spices that add distinctive flavours to the dishes. Visitors to Pench can expect to find a harmony of sweet, salt, and spice in the local food, along with the traditional use of herbs and condiments unique to the central region of India.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India for Tourists
Poha - A popular Indian breakfast dish of flattened rice seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilli, and often served with sev on top. This is a veg dish.
Dal Bafla - A wholesome and hearty dish similar to the Rajasthani Dal Bati. The bafla are wheat dough balls that are boiled and then baked before being dunked into rich ghee-laden lentil dal. This is a veg dish.
Sabudana Khichdi - Made of sago pearls, this light and delectable dish is seasoned with peanuts, green chillies, and other spices. Often consumed during fasts, it is a veg dish.
Bhutte ka Kees - A monsoon specialty made from grated corn roasted in spices and milk. A tangy and spicy delight, this is a veg dish.
Palak Puri - Deep-fried Indian bread made of wheat flour combined with pureed spinach. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and a veg dish.
Jalebi - A sweet treat that is popular throughout India. These are fried wheat flour spirals soaked in sugar syrup and are hot favorites for a veg dessert.
Indori Chats - Varieties of street food snacks like Bhutte Ka Kees, Pani Puri, and Samosa are common in the region, and are all veg dishes.
Achari Gosht - Though Pench area avoids cow meat, other meats are available. Achari Gosht is spicy and tangy lamb curry made with pickling spices and is a non-veg dish.
Chicken Biryani - A fragrant and flavourful rice dish cooked with spices, herbs, and marinated chicken, known for its rich taste. This is a non-veg dish.
Chakki Ki Shaak - A traditional curry made from steamed wheat dough and cooked in a spicy gravy. It pairs well with rice or Indian bread and is a veg dish.
Top Famous Restaurants in Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tuli Tiger Corridor - Pench
Address: Near Pench National Park, Pench Tiger Reserve, Seoni District
Famous Food: Multi-cuisine with both veg and non-veg options
Tropical Retreat
Address: Pench National Park Village Avarghani
Famous Food: The restaurant is known for its local and traditional dishes providing a true taste of the region with both veg and non-veg cuisines.
Baghvan Taj Safari Lodge
Address: Pench National Park, Village Avarghani, Dist. Seoni
Famous Food: Offers a mix of local, Indian, and international cuisines with both veg and non-veg options.
The Pench Bagh
Address: Pench Tiger Reserve, Village Awargani
Famous Food: Known for authentic flavors of Madhya Pradesh with specially curated menus that offer both veg and non-veg delights.
Mahua Vann Resort
Address: Pench Tiger Reserve
Famous Food: They serve a variety of cuisine with an emphasis on local flavors, providing both veg and non-veg options.
Please note that while these are some of the well-known eateries in and around Pench National Park, visitors may often have their meals arranged by the lodges and resorts where they stay, which often offer comprehensive meal plans catering to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements.