A Sweet Journey Through Madhya Pradesh: Local Desserts Worth Travelling For
Madhya Pradesh, often called the “Heart of India,” is as much a cultural crossroads as it is a culinary one. Its sweet traditions tell stories of royal courts, festive gatherings, temple offerings, and everyday indulgence. While the state is famous for its savoury street foods like poha and bhutte ka kees, its sweet legacy is equally remarkable — rooted in local ingredients, influenced by Mughal, Maratha, and Rajput kitchens, and perfected by halwais across bustling bazaars.
From the rich mawa bati of Indore to the syrupy malpua of Jabalpur, every region has its speciality. Here’s a journey through five must-try traditional sweets of Madhya Pradesh and where to find them.
1. Mawa Bati – Indore’s Royal Sweet
About:
Think of it as the more indulgent cousin of gulab jamun. Mawa bati is made with thickened milk solids stuffed with dry fruits, deep fried, and soaked in sugar syrup. It’s denser, richer, and often considered a celebratory dish.
Where to Try:
Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar – Especially at night, where stalls proudly display golden mawa batis.
Madhuram Sweets, Indore – Known for authentic preparation with generous dry fruit filling.
2. Malpua – Jabalpur’s Festive Indulgence
About:
A beloved sweet pancake, malpua is crisp on the edges yet soft inside, soaked in sugar syrup, and often served with rabri. Traditionally made during Holi, it’s also a winter comfort food in many households.
Where to Try:
Jabalpur’s Bada Fuhara stalls – For street-style, freshly fried malpuas.
Rajhans Sweets, Jabalpur – For a more refined, rabri-topped version.
3. Khopra Pak – The Coconut Delight
About:
A heavenly yet straightforward sweet made from grated coconut, sugar, and ghee. Sometimes cardamom and saffron are added for fragrance. Popular in the Malwa and Bundelkhand regions, khopra pak is often prepared for weddings and festivals.
Where to Try:
Gwalior’s local halwai shops – Known for authentic, homemade taste.
Indore’s traditional sweet shops – Especially in the old city markets.
4. Shrikhand – Creamy Yoghurt Bliss
About:
Though originating in Maharashtra and Gujarat, shrikhand has found a strong presence in Madhya Pradesh, especially in Malwa. Made from strained yoghurt mixed with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, it’s cooling, creamy, and served in the summer months.
Where to Try:
Ujjain’s temple prasad offerings – A divine taste rooted in tradition.
Indore’s restaurants during summer thalis – Often paired with puris.
5. Jalebi – The Anytime Sweet
About:
Madhya Pradesh has its own love affair with jalebis. Crispy, coiled, and soaked in saffron syrup, they are often eaten as a breakfast dish with poha in cities like Indore and Bhopal.
Where to Try:
Chappan Dukan, Indore – Famous for hot jalebis in the morning.
Bhopal’s Chowk Bazaar – Street vendors frying them fresh at dawn.
Why Sweets Matter in Madhya Pradesh’s Culinary Story
Madhya Pradesh’s sweets are not just food but cultural markers. They reflect the hospitality of the people, the diversity of influences (Mughal richness, Maratha flavours, tribal simplicity), and the central role of food in celebrations. From temple prasad to street food bazaars, sweets remain at the core of everyday life.
Travellers exploring the state’s heritage cities like Mandu, Orchha, and Khajuraho will find that no journey is complete without tasting these sugary treasures.
