Food In Sanchi

Food History of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India

The small town of Sanchi is renowned for its ancient Buddhist Stupas and rich cultural heritage. While Sanchi itself does not have an extensive food history separate from the region, the culinary history is deeply tied to the gastronomic traditions of Madhya Pradesh. The state's cuisine, including Sanchi's food culture, has been influenced by its geographical position and the array of rulers who have left their mark on the region over centuries, including the Mughals and Marathas, among others.

Traditional meals in Madhya Pradesh consist of a variety of wheat-based flatbreads, a wide array of pulses, and seasonal vegetables. The food is often flavored with a melange of spices, giving it a unique and aromatic taste. Dairy products like ghee (clarified butter) and curd are also staples in the preparation of many dishes, contributing to their rich texture and flavor. Sanchi itself, being a pilgrimage site, tilts towards vegetarianism, celebrating dishes that are primarily vegetarian in nature.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

1. Poha – A light breakfast dish made from flattened rice, often seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilies, and curry leaves. It's usually served with sev (crunchy noodle snacks) and sliced onions. Veg
2. Daal Bafla – A popular wholesome dish comprising baked wheat balls (bafla) that are dunked in rich, spicy lentil soup (daal). Veg
3. Bhutte ka Kees – Grated corn cooked with milk and spices, usually garnished with fresh coriander. This is a seasonal specialty. Veg
4. Chakki ki Shaak – A curry made out of steamed wheat dough served with a tangy and spicy gravy. Veg
5. Palak Puri – Deep-fried bread made with wheat flour and spinach. This delectable dish is often paired with potato curry. Veg
6. Shahi Paneer – Cottage cheese cubes in a creamy tomato-based gravy, flavored with a variety of spices. Veg
7. Malpua – A dessert that consists of fried pancakes dipped in sugar syrup, sometimes flavored with cardamom or fennel. Veg
8. Jalebi – A sweet and popular Indian dessert made by deep-frying wheat-flour batter in a pretzel shape and then soaked in syrup. Veg
9. Sabudana Khichdi – A dish made with sago pearls, sautéed with spices, peanuts, and often topped with green chilies and coriander. This is also a preferred meal during religious fasts. Veg
10. Moong Dal Halwa – A rich and sweet dessert pudding made from split moong beans, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Veg

Top Famous Restaurants in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

• Gateway Retreat

  Address: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, 464661

  Famous Food: Daal Bafla, Bhutte ka Kees. Veg

• Madhya Pradesh Tourism Restaurant

  Address: Near Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, 464661

  Famous Food: Poha, Jalebi. Veg

• Sanchi Green

  Address: Sanchi, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, 464661

  Famous Food: Shahi Paneer, Palak Puri. Veg

Note: As an ancient site, Sanchi offers mostly vegetarian cuisine in alignment with the peaceful ethos of the Buddhist heritage it upholds.