Ratlam, nestled right in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, feels like a hidden gem of the Malwa region-vibrant, bustling, and full of surprises that stick with you long after you leave. During the Malwa Media Fest, I stumbled upon so many little-known facts about this town that locals guard like treasures, from its industrial backbone to the everyday magic in its streets. It’s no wonder Ratlam earns its fame as the “sev capital” of India, with those crispy Ratlami sevs spilling out of every corner shop, their spice-kissed aroma pulling you in like a magnet.
Flavours and Traditions
Ratlami sev isn’t just a snack here; it’s woven into the town’s soul, made with gram flour, a special masala blend, and that perfect crunch that travels across the country. Walking through the morning markets, you’d catch the kadhais bubbling with fresh batches, steam rising alongside the smell of kadak chai being poured from height into tiny glasses-pure theater. People huddle over plates of poha before heading to work, and here’s the twist I discovered: they often sprinkle in a bit of sugar for that subtle sweet edge, turning the usual savory bite into something unexpectedly addictive.
Garadu stole the show for me, though-a humble shoot potato-like veggie that’s deep-fried till golden, hit with a squeeze of lemon, and dusted with jeeravan, that tangy dry masala hailing from Pratapgarh in Rajasthan. For just 40 rupees a plate, it hits like a flavor bomb, and locals pair it with poha, samosas, or kachoris for that extra kick. Then there’s Bajrang Tea Stall near the railway station, a perpetual crowd-magnet: mornings mean hot, crunchy namkeen over poha with steaming chai, while evenings flip to crispy vadas that vanish as fast as they’re fried.
Street Whispers
Beyond the eats, Ratlam hums with industry-textiles, chemicals, and factories keeping the economy ticking, yet it holds onto this old-world charm. Foggy mornings amplify it all: the chill air carrying sev scents, folks savoring their chai rituals, and that lively hum of life before the day ramps up.
It’s mesmerizing how this central Indian hub blends workaday grit with these sensory delights.
Serenity at Mangalya Temple
Our team timed a visit to Mangalya Temple perfectly one foggy morning during the fest-cold mist blanketing the sprawling complex, making the heart-shaped layout of its seven shrines feel otherworldly. We were among the rare early souls there, soaking in the quiet vibe amid elephant carvings and gardens, as the first light pierced the haze. In a town pulsing with energy, this spot offered a peaceful counterpoint, enhancing Ratlam’s pull as a place of contrasts.
While strolling into Ratlam’s morning market, you get mesmerized: tea pouring into cups with that rhythmic pour, the aroma of kadak chai wrapping around you, people relishing poha before the workday grind, the irresistible pull of fresh Ratlami sev wafting from kadhais-hot, golden, alive. In this industrial hub turned flavor haven, every whiff and bite whispers stories of tradition, drawing you deeper into the gentle rhythm of a town that feels like home.
(Writer of this article is Lakshya Govani, a class IX student from APS Jaipur)