Culture of Indore district is evident from its varied food habits from south Indian dishes to the Chinese cuisines. Over the years, the district of Indore has welcomed people from different castes, creed and colour. People from different corners of the country particularly from Kerala have migrated and settled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh for their livelihood, education or just for its peaceful culture.
The people of this district are highly social and progressive. All cultures from south, north, east and west have mingled in the life of the people of Indore. The district of Indore reflects the true spirit of unity in great diversity. The mixed culture can be very well seen in the typical food habits ranging from South Indian `Idli-Dosa`, `Vada-Sambhar` to `Dal-Bafla` and other typical Malwa Food. This district is known for its wide variety of `Namkeens`, Gujarati and Chinese food restaurants, Bengali sweets, and many more.
The life in the district of Indore starts early with the sip of `Chay` or tea with `garam garam poha and Jalebi` followed by delicious lunch which invariably includes popular `besan preparations`. Later in the day one can easily find snacks like `Khaman`, `Kachori - aaloo kachori, dal kachori etc` , `samosa`, `bhel puri`, `petis`, `baked samosa`, `mathri`, `pani puri`, etc. Several shops of sweets have enjoyed nice business in Indore.
Some of the delicacies of the district of Indore are Moong ka Halua, Ras-Malai, Rabri Gulab Jamoon, Gajar ka Halua, Rasgulla, all Bengali sweets, Dhania-Chivda, Son Papdi, Dal Moth, Khaman, Kachori-Samosa, Gathiya, Petis, Aalo Tikiya, Garadu, Bhel-Puri, Saboodana Khijadi, Pani-Puri, Dahi Bara , Bhutte ka Kis, Pakoda, etc. Some of the other items available in this district are Lassi, Hot Boiled Milk with Malai and dry fruits and Keshar, Cold Milk, Jal-Jira, Nimboo Shikanji, Shakes, Fruit Juice, Ice cream Soda, Santrola, etc.
The people in the district of Indore enjoy all the festivals with equal ease and comfort. The national festivals of Nagpanchami, Holi, Rakhi, Ahilya Utsav, Rang Panchmi, Lord Ganesha Utsav, Annat Chaudas, Garba (Navratri Utsav), Diwali, Dussehra, New Year`s Eve, etc are celebrated in a grand way.
