Sarafa Bazaar: A Foodie’s Delight and Shopper’s Paradise

Bhutte ka Kees is a seasonal specialty made with cooked milk, coconut, and spices with the main ingredient ‘Corn’ cooked until there is a smooth texture. It will be garnished with fresh coriander, grated coconut, and lemon juice.

Sarafa Bazaar located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh is a bustling market that transforms from a mesmerizing jewellery market to an amazing nightlife destination for street food. 

Once the sun sets, Sarafa Bazaar is renowned for its wide variety of food options. The market is lined with numerous food stalls offering a diverse range of dishes, snacks, and sweets. The street food in Sarafa Bazaar Indore has its roots in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

 History of Sarafa Bazaar Indore

Initially called Chhappan Bazaar, it was a hub for gold and silver merchants. Over time, it became Sarafa Bazaar, specializing in jewellery, precious metals, and delicious street food. The Bazaar is located right outside the Rajwada Palace. In the past, the Royal Court would march through the Bazaar, and merchants would try to sell their finest jewels to the royal women.

Sarafa Bazaar street food market

The Sarafa Bazaar Indore offers around 50 different kinds of dishes. Most of them have a rich flavor and a tangy, sour taste. The most famous dish is called Poho Jalebi, which combines cooking styles from Maharashtra and Arabic cuisine. 

It tastes light and mild and is served with a spicy, crunchy curry side dish called missal. 

Sarafa Bazaar is famous for the most popular recipes including:

1. Bhutte ka Kees

Bhutte ka Kees is a seasonal specialty made with cooked milk, coconut, and spices with the main ingredient ‘Corn’ cooked until there is a smooth texture. It will be garnished with fresh coriander, grated coconut, and lemon juice.

2. Jalebi

Jalebi, a spiral-shaped Indian sweet, is fried in desi ghee. It is crispy on the outside but soft and syrupy on the inside as it has been soaked in sweet sugar syrup.

3. Ratalu

Sweet potato or Ratalu is a winter special dish(deep-fried purple yam). The chili powder generously spread makes it a perfect dish to taste.

4. Khopra Pattice

Khopra Pattice are potato balls stuffed with coconut, fried right in front of the customers. These are served with tamarind chutney. It is recommended to try Khopra Pattice at Vijay Chat House to experience the authenticity.

5. Garadu

Garadu is sold by street vendors pushing small carts. These yam chunks are topped with spices, chili peppers, and lemon juice, which makes them quite spicy and yummy.

6. Poha-Jalebi

Poha-Jalebi is a signature breakfast dish that is a fusion that has two different roots. One from Maharashtra and the other from Arabic origins. The dish is light, mild, and served with spicy crunchy missal.

7. Malpua

The delicious Malpua —- A pancake made of flour and semolina, dunked in sugar syrup, and often served with rabdi.

Suggested Read: 8 Places To Eat In Indore For A Culinary Delight

8. Dal Batti

Made of lentils, Dal Batti is a popular delicious dish in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Dal Batti is best served with coriander dip and salad.

9. Kachori

Kachori is a round flour ball, stuffed with mostly potato stuffing and is deep fried. It is served with unique green chili chutney. Explore different stalls in the Sarafa Market to enjoy some delicious and spicy kachoris.

10. Mawa Baati

Mawa Baatis are richer and bigger versions of gulab jamuns, which you would never regret having them.

11. Coconut Crush

Sarafa Bazaar is famous for serving kulhad coconut crush made of real coconut flesh and water.

12. Sabudana Khichdi

You wouldn’t expect the plain sabudana to be one of the best street foods in Indore. Sabudana mixed with various savory namkeen snacks and crunchy chips, then topped with spices, and lemon juice.

This transforms the sabudana into one of the most delicious versions you’ve ever tasted.

13. Dal Balfa

The bafla is similar to the Rajasthani dal baati churma. It’s a wheat and semolina bread ball that is baked in an oven. After baking, the bafla is crushed/broken up and dipped in ghee before serving.

14. Pani Puri

Sarafa Bazaar is well-known for stalls that serve different flavors of Pani Puri. It is one of the must-try street food at Sarafa Bazaar.

15. Bina Tala Samosa

Bina Tala Samosa is one of the must-try foods in Sarafa Bazaar Indore. It is prepared with flour and stuffed with boiled potato. This crispy dish is best served with tomato ketchup and is almost everyone’s favorite.

16. Moong Bhajia

Bhajia is prepared from gram flour or lentils and is the most common food in every household. In Indore, the bhajia made with Moong dal is the favorite snack of all locals.

17. Parathe

Parathe is one of the most eaten dishes in India. Visit ‘Aadesh Shahi Paratha’ at Sarafa Bazaar Indore to taste different flavors of paranthe.

18. Egg Benjos

Egg Benjos is a spicy masala omelet sandwiched between buns served with chutney and ketchup. Egg Benjos is a popular dish at ‘Johnny’s Hot Dogs’.

19. Shikanji

Shikanji is a flavourful beverage enjoyed by many. This milk variant has a thick consistency garnished with dry fruits

20. Kaanji Vada

Kaanji Vada is a twist on the classic dahi vada. Instead of yogurt, in this dish, the plump vadas are soaked in kaanji. Kaanji is a tangy, digestive drink made by fermenting mustard seeds and is flavored with a strong dose of asafoetida.

Sarafa Bazaar is a place that makes food lovers want to come back again and again, not just for the unique and delicious food but also for the rich culinary culture of Indore. 

Watching this lively scene, you realize why the bustling Sarafa Bazaar is the most celebrated landmark in the city of Indore. It’s definitely a must-visit place for anyone who loves amazing street food!

Interesting Things to Do in Sarafa Bazaar

1. Take a Food Tour

Sarafa Bazaar, a foodie’s paradise that awakens after the late-night hour, calls food enthusiasts to indulge in its culinary delights.

2. Explore the Architectural Legacy

Explore the city’s historic buildings and grand palaces like Lalbagh Palace and the Rajwada Palace to discover its rich architectural legacy.

3. Awaken Your Inner Shopaholic

Some of the best things to do in Sarafa Bazaar —- Kothari Market is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide variety of items to satisfy your desire for buying and collecting things.

4. Rejuvenate Your Spiritual Essence

Indore is a home to some of the famous temples near by Sarafa Bazaar like Maa Vaishno Daam, Shri Ranjeet Hanuman Mandir and more.

5. Sightseeing Adventures

There are incredible local attractions near by Sarafa Bazaar like Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Indore Zoo etc..

Popular Places to Visit Near Sarafa Bazaar

Apart from the delicious food and shopping at Sarafa Bazaar, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting in Indore that to near Sarafa Bazaar.

1. Rajwada Palace

Explore this magnificent palace that blends Maratha, Mughal, and French architectural styles. At Rajwada Palace you can learn about the history of the Holkar dynasty that ruled the palace.

Rajwada, also known as the Holkar Palace or Old Palace located in the city of Indore. It is a 7 storied structure located near the Chhatris and one of the most famous and oldest tourist spots in Indore.

2. Central Museum

Visit this museum to see a diverse collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and archaeological exhibits from various periods. For history and art enthusiasts,  it offers a captivating haven, inviting visitors to explore its enlightening galleries and delve into the depths of the nation’s past.

3. Lal Bagh Palace

Step into this grand 19th-century palace with beautiful European architecture, lush gardens, and a remarkable antique collection. Lalbagh Palace was built by the Holkar Dynasty. The Holkar family resided in the palace up to 1978. The palace is now a museum which is home to a collection of artifacts and paintings that showcase the history of Indore. 

4. Pipliyapala Regional Park

Pipliyapala Regional Park is one of the biggest in Indore. Spend a relaxing day at this park. Spreading over an area of around 120 acres, the park has been developed by the Indore Development Authority and draws several visitors. You can take a boat ride on the serene lake, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and captivating sculptures.

5. Maa Vaishno Daam

Maa Vaishno Daam is located in Guru Nanak colony near Lalbagh Palace. This temple is built by taking an inspiration of original Maa Vaishno Devi temple at Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.

6. Holkar Stadium

Holkar Stadium is owned and operated by Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association. Known for its magnificent architecture and state-of-the-art facilities this stadium holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.

7. Indore Zoo

Indore Zoo or Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya is a zoological garden located in Navlakha, Indore nearby Central Museum. It is a must visit and refreshing attraction.

8. Shree Ranjeet Hanuman Mandir

Shree Ranjeet Hanuman Mandir is the only Hanuman temple in the world where Hanuman Ji is standing with a shield and sword in his hand and Ahiravana at his feet. It is a famous temple and every Hanuman devotee wants to come here as the wishes will be fulfilled undoubtedly.

9. Khajrana Ganesha Temple

Visit this revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the elephant-headed deity). Admire the intricately carved idols and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Khajrana Ganesha Temple was constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. This temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. As per local belief, all the wishes of the devotees will be fulfilled once this temple is visited.

10. Annapurna Temple

You can pay your respects at this temple dedicated to the goddess Annapurna (the goddess of food and nourishment), known for its distinctive architecture and religious significance.

The entrance of the temple is adorned with four life-size statues of elephants. It houses gods like Sivan, Hanuman, and Kalabhairava. 

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Indore: Exploring The Hidden Gems

11. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore this sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy nature trails, birdwatching, and serene surroundings.

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1989 in Indore and is home to different species of birds and other wildlife. The sanctuary was primarily used as a hunting hut known as shikargah.

12. Kanch Mandir

Kanch Mandir the Temple of Glass is a famous Jain temple in Indore. The temple was built by Sir Seth Hukumchand Jain. This temple is known for its amazing architecture and beauty. Because of this, it became a famous tourist attraction and one of the popular places to visit near Sarafa Bazaar.

13. Chhatribagh

Chhatribagh is a residential area in Indore known for its historical cenotaphs or ‘chhatris’ —- dome-shaped pavilions dedicated to the Holkar rulers. These Maratha-style monuments like Krishnapura Chhatri offer architectural significance.

14. Meghdoot Garden

Meghdoot Garden is one of the most popular urban parks in the city. The garden is named after the famous lyrical poem ‘Meghaduta’ by poet Kalidasa. It offers a serene and lush green landscape, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and family outings.

How to Reach Sarafa Bazaar

If you’re looking for options about how to Reach Sarafa Bazaar, we’ve got you covered. 

By Rail

Sarafa Bazaar is 2 km away from the  Indore railway station. Once we reach the station, we can take a rickshaw to reach Sarafa Bazar easily. 

By Bus 

The bus stand from Sarafa Bazaar is just 4 km away and the busses are easily accessible. 

By Air 

 The distance of Sarafa Bazar from Indore airport is 6 km, from here you can book a cab and reach the bazaar.

By Road

cabs, local taxis, and auto rickshaws are available easily to travel to Sarafa Bazaar.

Best Time to Visit Sarafa Bazaar

The best time to visit Sarafa Bazaar depends on your choice to explore the nightlife or shopping the jewellery. 

Sarafa Bazaar Indore timings for jewellery market: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Sarafa Bazaar Indore timings timings for street food: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

If you want to enjoy street food after tiring day of shopping, it best to visit Sarafa Bazaar around 4pm or 5pm, so that you can also experience how the street changes completely.

Safety While Shopping at Sarafa Bazaar

When shopping at Sarafa Bazaar, bargaining is expected, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices for better deals. Since it’s a crowded market, take care of your belongings and surroundings for a safe experience. With some awareness, you can thoroughly enjoy the shopping and food experience.

Conclusion

Sarafa Bazaar in Indore is a really special place that offers a great mix of shopping, eating, and cultural experiences that make it a top spot to visit. During the day, it’s a busy market known for selling beautiful jewellery, with a long history going back to when it served the royal courts. But when night falls, Sarafa Bazaar becomes a food lover’s paradise, with endless options to delight your taste buds.

The street food at Sarafa Bazaar is truly amazing, with stalls selling all kinds of dishes inspired by the cooking styles of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. One highlight is the Poho Jalebi, a unique blend of Maharashtrian and Arabic flavors. There’s also the Bhutte ka Kees, a seasonal treat made with milk, coconut, and spices mixed with corn. Other must-try foods include the crispy Jalebi sweets, the spicy Garadu snack, and the delicious Malpua pancakes soaked in sugar syrup.

But Sarafa Bazaar offers more than just food. Nearby, you can explore grand palaces like Rajwada and Lal Bagh to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. For a break from the city, you can relax at parks like Pipliyapala Regional Park or see wildlife at Ralamandal Sanctuary. Religious sites like the Khajrana Ganesha Temple and Maa Vaishno Daam offer spiritual experiences. And places like Holkar Stadium and Indore Zoo provide entertainment for sports and animal fans.

Getting to Sarafa Bazaar is easy, with trains, buses, flights, and roads all providing access. The best time to go depends on if you want to shop for jewellery (during the day) or enjoy the lively street food (at night). Just be cautious in the crowded market and watch your belongings.

Overall, Sarafa Bazaar is a truly special place in Indore that perfectly combines the city’s fascinating culture and traditions with an incredible food scene. Whether you love shopping, eating, history, or just soaking up local life, Sarafa Bazaar has something amazing for every visitor.