Explore Raipur's Vibrant Street Food Scene With Our Ultimate Guide

Capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is a blend of culture and its traditional appeal, the capital city. The city is spread across vibrant street food stalls of various spicy and sweet Central Indian cuisine. This guide will share the food to try, places to go and secret ingredients for the authentic street food in Raipur.

Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur is a fusion of cultures with modernity and traditions coexisting together. With a cultural heritage and lifestyle that is captivating, Raipur has an equally incredible street food culture that shows the diversity of cuisines from Central India. From spicy chaats to sweet delicacies, the street food culture in Raipur offers something for every palate. This guide will provide you with all the information you need regarding must-try dishes, locations, and little known places to get authentic Raipur street food.

1. Poha-Jalebi

One of the go-to breakfast options for people residing in Raipur is the classic Poha Jalebi combo. The flattened rice, known as Poha, is cooked with mustard oil, seasoning, turmeric, curry leaves, and is complemented with fresh coriander and lemon juice. The meal itself is light yet extremely filling. The combination of the crispy, sweet jalebis offers the ideal balance between both sweet and savory.

Where to Try: For the best preparation visit Shri Balaji Poha Wala near Shankar Nagar. You can also try any roadside stalls during the early hours.

2. Dabeli

Dabeli is one of the beloved dishes originating from Gujarat. It consists of a scrummy soft bun stuffed with a potato mixture and topped with peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and sev. The flavor of the bun is sweet and mildly spicy making it a crowd favorite.

Where to Try: Search for smaller food stalls running near Pandri Market at evening hours as this is the time of peak business activity.

3. Chana Bhature

In the Northern regions of India, Chana Bhature is a well known dish and it has also become widely popular in Raipur. This delightful dish consists of a spicy chickpea curry served with deep fried bread also known as Bhatura. This meal is also accompanied by rich tangy flavored chutney and pickles, adding more depth to the entire dish.

Where to Try: If you want to try this dish, head to Gopal Ji Chole Bhature located in Telibandha Market, they have the best version of this dish.

4. Samosa-Pav

Indian street food samosa is incomplete without pav. In Raipur, these samosas have a stuffing full of spiced potatoes and peas soaking in fried oil, served with mint-coriander chutney. These are generously fried until they become golden brown, and coupled with a side of mint-coriander chutney.

Where to Try: Rajeev Chowk or Birgaon Road has stalls that sell hot samosas during evening hours.

5. Kadhi-Chawal

'Kadhi-Chawal' is a popular Chhattisgarhi dish ideal for anyone looking for comfort food, yogurt-based gravy fried with gram flour and spices served with steamed rice. Many eateries do not classify this as street food but do add this to their menu.

Where to Try: Local places like Baba Ka Dhaba around Lalghati claim to serve the most authentic Kadhi-Chawal.

6. Bafauri

One such specialty from Chhattisgarh most have not heard of or experienced is Bafauri. These dumplings served with tangy tamarind chutney are made from steaming chana dal seasoned with spices. This dish presents a new spin on the region's culinary traditions.

Where to Try: This dish is rarely seen but occasionally sold at specialty stalls in parts of Purani Basti.

7. Ice Gola

To escape the blistering heat, nothing can beat Raipur's innovative ice golas. Just picture gulab jamuns placed inside an ice cream, a dessert that mashes up two delicacies into one mouth-watering creation.

Where to Try: Street-side ice cream corners in Vivek Nagar often try these unusual combinations and their gains.