The availability of traditional tribal dishes at select tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh promises to be a unique draw for visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. Offering a taste of regional flavors, dishes like bhutte ka kees, maande, and gul bhajiya reflect the culinary traditions of local tribes and provide tourists with an opportunity to savor rustic, earthy flavors. For travelers, indulging in these traditional foods not only enhances their cultural immersion but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage. This culinary attraction allows tourists to engage with the rich traditions of Madhya Pradesh, making their experience unforgettable and drawing them back for more.
MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the state government is setting up tribal cafeterias at major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh to promote tribal culture and economically empower the local tribal communities. Tribal cafeterias are under construction at Turia village near Pench National Park in the Seoni district of the state, near Kanha National Park in the Balaghat district, and at Mandu in Dhar district. Through these cafeterias, tourists can experience the regional tribal culture, food, cuisine, and craftsmanship.
CM Dr. Yadav said that the objective of this initiative is not only to promote tourism but also to provide employment opportunities to the local tribal communities. It will give recognition to the art and culture of the tribal community at the national level. Local tribal cuisine, handicrafts and traditional decorations will be available in the cafeteria, allowing tourists to enjoy a unique cultural and family experience. The establishment of these cafeterias will provide employment to the local tribal communities, which will increase their income. New opportunities will also be created in the tourism industry.
A formal proposal in this regard was prepared by Vanya Sansthan under the Tribal Affairs Department and sent to the government. Approval for 5 trial cafeterias has been received from the government. The Tribal Cafeteria will be operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPT).
For this, self-help groups of the tribal class will be linked. These groups will prepare traditional dishes of regional tribes and sell them through this cafeteria. In the Tribal Cafeteria, nutritious food of the tribes, dishes made from Kodo-Kutki, Jowar-Bajra, Maize-Mahua, Char-Achar, etc., sweets, halwa, etc. will be prepared and sold to the tourists. Besides, tribal crafts, paintings, toys, bamboo products, etc. will also be sold. This will provide new means of livelihood to the tribal community and will also generate additional income.
In the first phase, work has been started by selecting the site (land) for setting up tribal cafeterias in 3 districts of the state. The design for the tribal cafeteria has also been passed. In the second phase, similar tribal cafeterias will be opened in other districts including Chhatarpur.
These tribal cafeterias will be run by MPT through Vanya Sansthan under the full ownership of the Tribal Affairs Department. MPT will also provide proper training and technical guidance to the self-help groups of the tribal category for the Tribal Cafeteria.
