I’ve always prioritized finding a good food spot before heading anywhere. Whether I’m running errands, attending a party, or planning a trip, my first thought is always about the food options. I probably got this habit from my brother—or maybe it’s just in the genes! Coming from a Jain family, my choices are a bit limited, as we avoid onion and garlic. Fortunately, over the years, we’ve discovered some amazing places in this Nawabon ka Shehar, Bhopal, that cater to our dietary preferences while delivering incredible flavors. So here I am, sharing a full-fledged list of the Best Jain Food in Bhopal!
I recall my brother’s European friends visiting India and loving the vegetarian food here, despite initially preferring non-vegetarian options. Jain food can be a bit polarizing; people either love it or are hesitant, thinking it’s bland due to the absence of onion and garlic. But trust me, it’s all about tasting the right dishes at the right places.
So, if you’re a Jain in Bhopal or simply curious about Jain cuisine, here are my top picks for flavorful and varied options. All these places are perfect for dining with family or friends and are budget-friendly to mid-range in pricing. I hope this helps you discover your next favorite Jain food spot!
1. Agra Jalebi & Bedai Sabzi– 6 No. Hawkers’ Corner, Shivaji Nagar
The first shop to your right as you enter Hawker’s Corner is Agra Jalebi. Start your day with their Bedai-Aalu ki Sabzi, or Samosas; it’s hands down one of the best in town. Pair it with jalebis, and for the perfect breakfast combo, get chai from the stall next door, Saran. It’s what we call a complete breakfast! And if somebody is driving for 6-9km in the morning just to have this, you know it’s worth it.
Must try: Bedai-Aalu ki Sabzi, Samosa, Jalebi.
2. Manohar Dairy, MP Nagar
Beloved spot for sweets generally, but I’d recommend their snacks here. Their Chole Bhature is especially popular. It’s a great spot for a quick brunch.
Must try: Chole Bhature, Aalu Tikki, Dhokla, Jalebi
3. Hotel Rajhans Regent, ISBT
There are four branches of Rajhans in town, the owners are related but they’re different, so I’d be very specific. Rajhans Regent is a cozy three star hotel with a fine-dining restaurant that offers a hygienic and comfortable ambience, perfect for family meals. Owned by a Jain family, this establishment serves a variety of dishes tailored to Jain dietary preferences. They offer both à la carte and thali options, and I recommend trying both!
For the à la carte menu, you can enjoy their soups, Paneer dishes, Dahi Bhalla, and Kala Jamun. Personally I would skip their pizza though.
If you’re up for the unlimited Jain thali, go when you’re really hungry! It includes a starter, buttermilk, dal-baati, kadhi, a few sabzis, stuffed paratha, different type of rotis, and dessert options like gulab jamun among other things. Just make sure that the whole staff including the server is aware that yours is a Jain meal.
Must try: Jain Thali, Paneer dish, Gulab Jamun, Dahi Bhalla.
4. Bapu Ki Kutia, Roshanpura
Again this is a place with multiple outlets in and around the town. I’d stress this particular location. Bapu Ki Kutia is a long-standing spot for quick (really fast) and tasty meals. If you want simple, good food without any fuss, this is the place for you. You might have to wait in the queue for a bit during peak times, but it’s worth it!
Must try: Paneer Bhurji, Dal Tadka.
5. Sharma Chaat Bhandaar, near Shiv Mandir, Itwara, Old Bhopal
If you’re in Old Bhopal aka City, do not, I repeat, do not miss going to this shop to satisfy your cravings for Chaat. I’ve been such a fan that every visit to the city starts with a check on this place. Also, don’t take your vehicle there because the roads are single-lane as well as narrow.
Must try: Paani Puri and Aalu Tikki
6. Firecraft by Jain’s Hotel Rajhans, MP Nagar
I remember when I first renounced garlic; I didn’t really crave things I’d once loved but could no longer eat—like pizza. But a few months later, out of nowhere, I had a sudden urge for one. I tried Jain pizzas from a few places, but they just didn’t hit the mark. Since I’d loved Firecraft’s wood-fired crust before, I decided to try their Jain version. And, a person who typically doesn’t finish a regular-sized pizza on her own devoured this entire medium-sized pizza in one go here. Perfectly crispy crust, moderately cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy.
7. Sankalp, Bansal One, MP Nagar
If you’re craving authentic South Indian food but need it Jain-style, Sankalp is your spot. Known for its rich, tangy sambhar, this place serves up the perfect blend of flavours in every dish. They offer a variety of options and accommodate Jain preferences, customizing dishes as needed. It’s always been a soulful experience!
8. Gaagar Dairy, MP Nagar
Situated right across from Manohar Dairy, Gaagar again is known for its sweets. I think I’ve to do a separate post regarding sweets to try in Bhopal haha. Anyways, back to the topic, they set up a tikki stall in the evening. They provide a quite fulfilling and crispy aalu tikki.
9. Brijwasi Mishthan Bhandaar, TT Nagar
You can’t visit New Market and skip Brijwasi! This is a classic spot in the New Market area that serves a variety of Jain-friendly dishes.
Must try: Chole Bhature
10. 32 Degree North East, Neelbad
Located on the Kerwa Dam road, this place offers a relaxing open-air dining experience surrounded by nature. It is a café-restaurant which caters to Jain preferences with a dedicated Jain menu, making it a reliable option for a good dinner.
Must try: Paneer Angara
–
All these eateries are purely vegetarian. Also if you’re okay dining at places serving veg and non-veg, consider Hotel Radisson & Hotel Regenta Place. They offer Jain options, separate kitchens, and excellent taste.
So, these are my favourite go-to places for Jain food in town! Also on a side note, if you ever find yourself somewhere that doesn’t seem to cater to Jain preferences, don’t hesitate to ask! I’ve had restaurants bring out special dishes even if it wasn’t on their usual menu. My latest experience coming from Atmosphere– loved the gesture! Indeed that’s not sure shot, and takes a bit longer but it’s fresh and tastier and goes as per your preference. People respect each others’ belief, and what’s a more beautiful way to tell that?
Give these places a shot, and if you do get to try any, don’t forget to let me know your experience!