Indori Poha - Sarafa Bazaar Ka Crown Jewel!

If there’s one dish that defines the streets of Indore, it has to be the OG Indori Poha. Subah ke time, as you walk through the gallis of Chappan Dukan and Sarafa Baazar or the hustle near Indore Railway Station, the aroma of steaming hot poha mixed with freshly roasted jeeravan masala pulls you in like a magnet. Indori Poha isn’t just breakfast – ye ek emotion hain.

indori poha

History of Indori Poha – Kahan Se Shuru Hua?

Poha originally travelled from Maharashtra to Indore. In Maharashtra, poha was usually made a little dry, jisme log kabhi-kabhi sambar ya aloo sabzi ke saath usse adjust karte the. But when it reached Indore, the city gave this dish its own unique andaaz.

It is believed that Indore first saw poha being served at a small outlet called Prashant House, and from there it slowly became the identity of every gali, chowk and even the railway station.

Unlike Maharashtrian poha, Indori style is made using thick poha, which is soaked in water for a longer time. This makes it extra fluffy and soft. Indori Poha apne aap hi itna moist hota hai that it doesn’t need anything extra to balance dryness.

Kya khaas hai Indori Pohe mein?

Poha toh har jagah milta hai – but Indori Poha has its own charm. Soft flattened rice cooked with halke-halke masale, topped with Ratlami Sev, pomegranate, mast Nimbu maar ke. 

Aur sabse special? Ratlami Sev. Ye sirf ek topping nahi, balki Indore ki asli identity hai. Famous for its chatpati and khatti mitthi taste, ye sev pohe ko deta hai ek crunchy twist jo aur kahin nahi milta.

Aur sabse alag baat – woh jeeravan masala, ek secret spice blend, which gives poha its authentic lemon-squeezed spicy and tangy kick.

Aur Indoris love to pair it with garma-garam jalebi. Sweet meets savoury – bas wahin se banta hai Indore ka perfect combo!

From Streets to Homes Everywhere

The beauty of Indori Poha is that it started  as a street food legend, but today, it has travelled across cities. Whether you are in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore – ek bowl Indori Poha can instantly remind you of Indore ki galliyon ka swad and flavours.

For many food brands and outlets, poha is not just food, it’s comfort in a bowl. Quick to make, easy to deliver, and full of flavours – no wonder ye ek favourite breakfast dish hain for people who miss home-style meals.

Sarafa Bazaar – Jahan Zindagi Raat ko Shuru Hoti Hai

Indore ki raat agar kahin zinda hoti hai, toh woh hai Sarafa Bazaar. At night, when the jewellery shops shut down, those very lanes transform into a true food heaven.

Yahan sirf poha hi nahi, balki har corner pe milta hai:

• Nema Kulfi jo ekdum creamy aur melt-in-mouth hoti hai,

  
  

• Chhole Tikki with chatpata masala,

  
  

• Bhutte Ka Kees, ek corn-based delicacy jo Indore ki khaasiyat hai,

  
  

• Different types of Paan – fire paan,Meetha paan, aur coconut crush wala unique paan,

  
  

• Shikanji Indore ki special rich, thick milk-based sweet drink,

  
  

• Steamed Sabudana Khichdi,

  
  

• Vijay Chaat House ke Aloo Patties, jo Indore ki asli pehchaan ban chuke hain,

  
  

  Aur haan, The famous Alphonso Shake – One sip makes people come back again and again.

  
  

In the lanes of Sarafa, there’s so much crowd that people literally walk shoulder-to-shoulder, barely finding space to step. Still, yahi toh Indore ki khoobsurti hai – that warm, pyaar wali bheed where everyone feels connected.

indore's sarafa bazaar

The Flavours that Stay with You

Every bite of Indori Poha tells a story – of crowded chowks, vendors shouting “Garam poha le lo!”, and friends huddled together with kulhad chai. Yeh dish sirf taste buds ko hi nahi, dil ko bhi khush kar deti hai.

Indori Poha has earned its place not just as a street-style breakfast, but also as an authentic Indian snack that has travelled far and wide. Today, you can easily order it and relive the same flavours sitting anywhere.

Final Scoop

So, whether you eat it standing at a street corner in Indore, ya order it from Spice Chowk miles away, Indori Poha will always serve you more than just food – it serves nostalgia, simplicity, and that unbeatable mix of sweet, khatta aur spicy.

Bas ek baar try kar lo – and you’ll know why Indore wakes up to Poha-Jalebi every single day!