Sarafa Bazaar in Indore

Just like its Malwi culture, Indore boasts of a rich cuisine as well. The typical Malwi taste of this city is a delight for foodies not only from Indore but also from other parts of the country. Among its favorite foodies’ hangouts, Sarafa Bazaar of Indore is a must visit place. This market is situated behind Rajwada and is only five minutes’ walk away from there. In actual, it is the jeweler’s market of Indore which was established during 18th century under Ahilyabai Holkar. It was later developed as food market to safeguard jewelry shops after their closure in the late evening.

This market is always abuzz in the late nights even till wee hours at 4:00 AM. Thousands of food loving Indoreans and tourists throng to Sarafa Bazaar to tickle their taste buds with wide varieties of awesome Malwi food. The biggest highlight of this market is the affordable prices of these food items which allure everyone. Though there are some eateries that open from midday to attract the bullion traders and customers also.

This unique market opens from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Such timings also could not hinder the crowds flocking to this place which is scented with aromatic flavors of snack chaats, delectable desserts, and Chinese food. It is a vegetarian market where meat is not sold and around 50 delicacies are on offer to the foodies here. There are many well known restaurants like Joshi’ and Vijay Chaat House that are popular for their culinary delights and great taste. Dishes made from Khopra or grated coconut and potatoes are found aplenty in this market.

Pani Puri: Probably, the most loved chaat in India; it is made as crispy hollow balls of flour or semolina. It is filled with mashed potatoes and topped with spicy water made of mint and tamarind.

Kachauri: This stuffed fried bread is filled with spiced potato or moong. It is served hot with coriander and tamarind sauce.

Sandwiches: They are the most commonly found dish at Sarafa Bazaar. It has many stalls serving various types of sandwiches with varied stuffing.

Sabudana Ki Khichdi: This is a snack made of sago with slices of boiled potato, crushed roasted peanuts, and spices.

Garadu: It is mostly served during winters and it is the steamed yam which is fried and cooked with spices.

Chinese: The variety of Chinese food is found in abundance here but with an Indian twist in them. This mix of Indo Chinese food is quite sumptuous to enjoy.

Desserts: Sarafa Bazaar offers a range of sweets and desserts including gajar halwa, moong dal ka halwa, malpua, rabdi, basundi, kulfi, jalebis, and baraf ka gola.

Bhutte ki kees: This is a dish made of shredded corn with generous spices and garnished with lemon juice, coconut, and coriander.

Aloo Tikki: It is a popular snack in India. It comprises of a potato patty which is topped with sweet chutney.

Dahi Wada: It is a round and soft snack made of flour which is topped with curd and sprinkled with spices.
 

Rajwada: It is a palace with seven storey gate and was built by the famous Holkars of Indore.

Sheesh Mahal: A beautiful structure built with myriad colored glass to lure the spectators.

Lal Baug Palace: It was the official residence of the royal family of Indore. Currently it is converted into a museum.

Chattris: The cenotaphs of royal family which were built in ancient architectural styles also have temples adding splendor to them.

There are many means of local transport in Indore including its taxis, star cabs, buses, and auto rickshaws. This place is especially well connected from all parts of the city as it is located in proximity from the famous Rajwada of Indore.


You can visit it from Rajwada and if you go by your own vehicle, prefer leaving it there only as Sarafa Bazaar is too over crowded for parking and you can easily reach there by walking from Rajwada. Though fare for taxi is fixed in Indore, you have to negotiate it for auto rickshaws that do not run on meter in this city.