best non-veg restaurants in bhopal (2026)

tldr: my top picks from 18 non-veg restaurants - bapu ki kutia (best seekh kebabs, near jama masjid, rs 600 for two, 9.5/10), lazeez hakeem (best biryani and overall non-veg, hamidia road, rs 450 for two, 9/10), and under the mango tree (best upscale non-veg, jehan numa palace, rs 2000 for two, 8.5/10). bhopal’s non-veg food culture is built on 200+ years of nawabi tradition, and old bhopal is where the magic happens. full reviews with prices and honest opinions below.

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i haven’t been to bhopal yet. this guide is built from extensive research - food blogs, youtube food tours, google reviews (thousands of them), quora threads about bhopali cuisine (which are surprisingly passionate), and direct recommendations from people who live in bhopal. the research consistently revealed something: bhopal’s non-veg food scene is one of the most underrated in india.

here’s why. bhopal was ruled by nawabs for over two centuries. more specifically, it was ruled by the begums of bhopal - a dynasty of female rulers that governed from the 1800s to indian independence. the nawabi kitchen tradition here is as deep and refined as lucknow’s or hyderabad’s. the seekh kebabs use a bhopali masala blend with javitri (mace), nutmeg, and cardamom that’s distinct from lucknowi or hyderabadi kebabs. the biryani is a sealed-handi dum style with lighter spicing than hyderabadi biryani. the nihari and paya have their own character. this is a fully evolved non-veg cuisine with its own identity.

but nobody talks about it. the non-veg food conversation in india goes: hyderabad biryani, lucknow kebabs, kolkata rolls, mughlai in delhi. bhopal gets left out. this is a mistake, and this guide is my small attempt to fix it.

the non-veg geography of bhopal is important: old bhopal (hamidia road, chowk bazaar, ibrahimpura, jama masjid) is where the nawabi tradition lives. this is kebab country. new bhopal (mp nagar, arera colony) has modern restaurants that serve non-veg but in a more commercialized, diluted style. for the real thing, old bhopal is the answer. always.

all ratings are based on aggregated reviews and consistent local feedback. prices are approximate for two people.

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bhopal’s non-veg cuisine: a quick primer

dish	what it is	where to find it	price range
bhopali biryani	dum biryani in sealed handi, lighter than hyderabadi, heavy on mace and nutmeg	old bhopal, esp. hamidia road	rs 200-500 for two
seekh kebab	hand-minced mutton kebabs with bhopali spice blend, charcoal-cooked	bapu ki kutia, chowk bazaar	rs 100-200/plate
nihari	slow-cooked bone marrow stew, overnight preparation, eaten for breakfast	old bhopal, hakeem’s	rs 100-200/plate
paya	goat trotters stew, gelatinous and spiced, another breakfast dish	old bhopal	rs 80-150/plate
korma	rich, yoghurt-based curry with meat, nuts, and cream	restaurant menus citywide	rs 200-400/plate
rogan josh	aromatic red curry, kashmir-influenced but bhopali version is milder	old bhopal restaurants	rs 200-350/plate
boti kebab	marinated mutton chunks, grilled on skewers	chatori gali, old bhopal	rs 100-200/plate
galouti kebab	ultra-soft minced mutton patty, melts on tongue	premium restaurants	rs 200-400/plate
bhopali gosht	generic term for bhopali-style mutton curry, slow-cooked	old and new bhopal	rs 200-400/plate
tandoori chicken	clay-oven roasted chicken, available everywhere	citywide	rs 200-400/half

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the awards (top picks)

• best overall non-veg: lazeez hakeem - biryani, kebabs, everything is excellent
• best seekh kebab: bapu ki kutia - the seekh kebab benchmark of bhopal
• best biryani: lazeez hakeem - the definitive bhopali biryani
• best nihari: hakeem’s, chowk bazaar - overnight-cooked, served at dawn
• best upscale non-veg: under the mango tree - nawabi food in a heritage garden
• best chicken: manohar dairy - the crowd-pleasing all-rounder
• best kebab variety: chatori gali stalls - seekh, boti, tikka, all on one street
• best late-night non-veg: zam zam, old bhopal - open late, good chicken biryani
• best budget non-veg: jai hind dhaba - non-veg thali at rs 300 for two
• best mutton curry: lazeez hakeem - the gosht here is slow-cooked perfection

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the full list

#	restaurant	area	famous for	cost for two	rating
1	bapu ki kutia	near jama masjid, old bhopal	seekh kebab, boti kebab	rs 600	9.5/10
2	lazeez hakeem	hamidia road, old bhopal	biryani, seekh kebab, gosht	rs 450	9/10
3	hakeem’s	chowk bazaar, old bhopal	nihari, paya, biryani	rs 400	9/10
4	under the mango tree	jehan numa palace, shamla hills	mughlai, kebabs, biryani	rs 2000	8.5/10
5	manohar dairy	mp nagar + multiple outlets	biryani, chicken, all-rounder	rs 400	8.5/10
6	chatori gali stalls	chatori gali, old bhopal	kebab rolls, tikka, seekh	rs 200	8.5/10
7	zam zam	old bhopal	chicken biryani, late-night	rs 300	8/10
8	jai hind dhaba	lalghati road, new bhopal	non-veg thali, budget	rs 300	8/10
9	chowk bazaar handi stalls	chowk bazaar, old bhopal	handi biryani, street-level	rs 150	8/10
10	oggy’s	mp nagar	tandoori, tikka, modern	rs 700	7.5/10
11	lake view ashok	shamla hills	mughlai, lake view dining	rs 1500	7.5/10
12	shabnam restaurant	hamidia road, old bhopal	kebabs, biryani, old-school	rs 400	8/10
13	baigan ki kutia	old bhopal	seekh kebab, boti	rs 500	7.5/10
14	firangi bake	mp nagar	fusion non-veg, continental	rs 800	7/10
15	ibrahimpura kebab stalls	ibrahimpura, old bhopal	seekh kebab, tikka	rs 200	8/10
16	10 downing street	mp nagar	pub food, tandoori	rs 1200	7/10
17	al bake	mp nagar	shawarma, grills	rs 500	7/10
18	delhi darbar	tt nagar	north indian non-veg	rs 500	7/10

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old bhopal non-veg legends

old bhopal is the soul of bhopali non-veg cuisine. the hamidia road, chowk bazaar, and jama masjid areas have been serving nawabi food for generations. the recipes are inherited, the techniques are traditional, and the flavour profiles are distinct from any other city. if you eat non-veg in bhopal and skip old bhopal, you’ve missed the point.

1. bapu ki kutia

near jama masjid, old bhopal / rs 600 for two / 9.5/10

bapu ki kutia is the kebab temple of bhopal. the seekh kebabs here are hand-minced (not machine-ground - there’s a massive difference in texture), spiced with the traditional bhopali masala blend of javitri (mace), nutmeg, black cardamom, and green cardamom, and cooked slowly over charcoal. the result is a seekh kebab that’s smoky, melt-in-mouth, and aromatic in a way that no machine-ground kebab can replicate.

the boti kebab (marinated mutton chunks on skewers) is equally outstanding. the mutton is tender - clearly marinated for hours in yoghurt and spices before grilling. the fat drips onto the charcoal and creates that smoky crust that defines great kebab cooking.

the setting is old bhopal at its most authentic. a small shop near jama masjid, charcoal grills out front, smoke wafting across the street, and a crowd of locals who’ve been coming here for years. there’s no menu card, no fancy seating, no instagram-worthy decor. just kebabs that are among the best in central india.

the catch: limited seating. the area around jama masjid is crowded and narrow. they run out of the best cuts by late evening. go before 8 pm for the full experience.

verdict: the best seekh kebabs in bhopal. possibly the best seekh kebabs between lucknow and hyderabad. if you eat one thing in bhopal, make it the seekh kebab here.

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2. lazeez hakeem

hamidia road, old bhopal / rs 450 for two / 9/10

lazeez hakeem is the biryani benchmark of bhopal, and i’ve covered the biryani in detail in the best biryani in bhopal guide. but this restaurant is much more than biryani. the seekh kebabs are excellent (not bapu ki kutia level, but close). the mutton curry (bhopali gosht) is slow-cooked and deeply flavoured. the nihari on weekends is rich and gelatinous.

the biryani itself is the definitive bhopali style - cooked in a sealed copper handi with goat meat, basmati rice, and the signature spice profile dominated by javitri and nutmeg. it’s lighter and more aromatic than hyderabadi biryani, less creamy than lucknowi. it has its own identity, and lazeez hakeem represents that identity better than anyone.

the restaurant is a simple old bhopal establishment. hamidia road setting, basic furniture, no frills. the crowd is a mix of locals, families, and increasingly, food tourists who’ve read about bhopali biryani online. the service is efficient if not polished.

the catch: can get very crowded during lunch hours, especially on weekends. the mutton biryani sometimes runs out by 2 pm. the chicken biryani is good but the mutton is the reason to come.

verdict: the best all-round non-veg restaurant in bhopal. the biryani is the star, but everything else is excellent too. if you can only eat at one non-veg restaurant in bhopal, this is it.

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3. hakeem’s

chowk bazaar, old bhopal / rs 400 for two / 9/10

hakeem’s is the nihari-paya specialist of bhopal. nihari is a slow-cooked bone marrow stew that’s prepared overnight - the pot goes on the stove at night and the nihari is ready by morning. traditionally, it’s a breakfast dish eaten with naan or sheermal. the nihari at hakeem’s is dark, rich, gelatinous from the bone marrow, and deeply spiced.

paya (goat trotters stew) is the other speciality. like nihari, it’s an overnight preparation. the collagen from the trotters creates a thick, glossy stew that’s simultaneously delicate and intense. it’s not for everyone - the texture is unusual if you’re not used to it - but it’s a nawabi-era dish that represents the deep end of bhopali non-veg cuisine.

hakeem’s also serves biryani, seekh kebabs, and standard mughlai fare. everything is good. but come for the nihari and paya because nobody in bhopal does them better.

the catch: you need to come early for nihari - by 9-10 am, the best batches are gone. the chowk bazaar location is in the heart of old bhopal’s narrow lanes. not the easiest place to navigate if you’re new to the city.

verdict: the best nihari in bhopal. the paya is equally good. these are dishes that represent the deepest layer of nawabi cuisine, and hakeem’s does them justice.

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4. shabnam restaurant

hamidia road, old bhopal / rs 400 for two / 8/10

shabnam is an old-school hamidia road restaurant that’s been serving non-veg food for decades. the menu covers the full mughlai range - biryani, kebabs, korma, rogan josh, tandoori chicken. nothing here will blow your mind like bapu ki kutia’s seekh kebab, but everything is consistently good.

the strength of shabnam is reliability. it’s the restaurant that old bhopal families go to for a regular non-veg meal. the biryani is solid (not lazeez hakeem level, but dependable). the kebabs are well-made. the curries are flavourful. the prices are honest.

the catch: nothing stands out as “the best in bhopal.” it’s a strong all-rounder in a city where the specialists (bapu ki kutia for kebabs, lazeez hakeem for biryani, hakeem’s for nihari) are exceptional.

verdict: the reliable old bhopal restaurant for everyday non-veg. good for a family meal when you want everything to be solid without chasing specific dishes.

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chatori gali and street-level non-veg

chatori gali (literally “street of cravings”) is bhopal’s non-veg street food epicenter. a narrow lane in old bhopal lined with kebab stalls, tikka counters, and roll shops. this is where bhopal’s non-veg culture lives in its most raw, accessible form.

5. chatori gali stalls

chatori gali, old bhopal / rs 200 for two / 8.5/10

chatori gali isn’t one restaurant - it’s a whole street of non-veg vendors. seekh kebab stalls with charcoal grills out front. tikka counters marinating chicken in yoghurt and spices. roll shops wrapping kebabs in roomali roti. the air smells like charcoal smoke and roasted meat.

the seekh kebabs here are street-level - not as refined as bapu ki kutia, but made fresh on charcoal and costing rs 30-50 per plate. the chicken tikka is marinated and grilled to order. the kebab rolls (roomali roti wrapping seekh kebab with onion and chutney) are the quintessential bhopal street eat.

the best time to visit is evening, around 6-9 pm, when all the stalls are firing and the smoke creates that atmospheric haze that every bhopal food blogger has photographed a thousand times.

the catch: it’s a street food area, not a restaurant. no seating, no hygiene certificates, no ambience beyond the raw energy of a kebab street. if that sounds unappealing, this isn’t for you.

verdict: the most authentic non-veg street food experience in bhopal. the kebab rolls alone are worth the trip.

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6. chowk bazaar handi stalls

chowk bazaar, old bhopal / rs 150 for two / 8/10

the handi biryani stalls in chowk bazaar cook biryani in small clay handis over charcoal - the most traditional method. each handi serves one or two portions. the biryani is sealed with dough, cooked low and slow, and opened in front of you. the aromatic steam that escapes when the seal breaks is one of the great food moments.

the quality varies stall to stall, but the best ones use proper goat meat and the traditional bhopali spice blend. at rs 60-80 per handi, this is the cheapest proper bhopali biryani you’ll find.

the catch: very basic setup. hygiene is hit or miss. pick the stall with the longest queue - the turnover means fresher food.

verdict: the cheapest and most traditional biryani experience in bhopal. street-level cooking that’s been done this way for generations.

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7. ibrahimpura kebab stalls

ibrahimpura, old bhopal / rs 200 for two / 8/10

ibrahimpura is a residential area in old bhopal with several kebab stalls that serve the local community. the seekh kebabs and chicken tikka here are excellent and less touristed than chatori gali. the prices are lower because you’re eating where locals eat, not where food bloggers go.

the catch: harder to find if you’re not familiar with old bhopal. no google maps presence for most stalls. ask locals for directions.

verdict: the local’s alternative to chatori gali. same quality, fewer crowds, lower prices.

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biryani restaurants

i’ve written a full best biryani in bhopal guide with 12 restaurants and a detailed breakdown of the bhopali biryani style. here’s the quick version for this list.

8. manohar dairy

mp nagar + multiple outlets / rs 400 for two / 8.5/10

manohar dairy is bhopal’s most iconic restaurant chain. it started as a sweet shop and expanded into a full restaurant serving north indian food, biryani, and snacks. the chicken biryani is the crowd-favourite - flavourful, accessible, and consistent across outlets. the seekh kebabs are decent. the butter chicken is solid.

manohar dairy is not the best non-veg in bhopal. that title belongs to old bhopal. but it’s the most accessible, the most reliable, and the most universally liked. if you’re with a group that includes vegetarians, manohar dairy handles both menus well.

the catch: the mp nagar outlets get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. the biryani is good but not bhopali-traditional - it’s a crowd-pleasing version that doesn’t take risks.

verdict: the safe choice. consistently good, universally acceptable. bhopal’s mcdonald’s of biryani (that’s a compliment, mostly).

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9. zam zam

old bhopal / rs 300 for two / 8/10

zam zam is the late-night biryani spot in old bhopal. open later than most restaurants, it serves chicken biryani, seekh kebabs, and basic mughlai fare to the post-dinner crowd. the chicken biryani is good - not lazeez hakeem level, but solid and satisfying at 11 pm.

the catch: the late-night crowd can be rowdy. the area around zam zam isn’t the most comfortable for solo dining after dark.

verdict: best late-night non-veg in bhopal. the 11 pm biryani you didn’t know you needed.

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upscale and modern non-veg

10. under the mango tree

jehan numa palace, shamla hills / rs 2000 for two / 8.5/10

under the mango tree is bhopal’s premium non-veg dining experience. located in the jehan numa palace hotel (a heritage property), the restaurant serves mughlai cuisine in a garden setting with actual mango trees. the seekh kebabs are refined - same bhopali spice profile but with higher quality meat and more precise cooking. the biryani is served in individual handis. the galouti kebab is excellent.

this is where bhopal’s nawabi food tradition meets modern hospitality. the food is genuinely good, not just “good for a hotel restaurant.” the setting is beautiful - garden dining under trees with heritage architecture around you. the service is polished. it’s the closest you’ll get to the nawabi dining experience that the begums of bhopal might have had.

the catch: expensive by bhopal standards (though still cheap compared to delhi or mumbai fine dining). the food is excellent but not dramatically better than old bhopal’s best at a fraction of the price. you’re paying for ambiance, service, and setting.

verdict: the best non-veg restaurant in bhopal for a special occasion. the food is great, the setting is unmatched. take someone you want to impress.

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11. lake view ashok

shamla hills / rs 1500 for two / 7.5/10

the restaurant at lake view ashok hotel offers mughlai food with a view of the upper lake. the tandoori chicken and kebabs are good. the biryani is passable. the view is the selling point - dining while looking at bhopal’s upper lake is a genuinely nice experience.

the catch: the food doesn’t match the setting. it’s hotel food - competent but not exciting. you’re paying for the view more than the plate.

verdict: come for the lake view, stay for the adequate food. a nice setting for an average meal.

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new bhopal restaurants

new bhopal (mp nagar, arera colony, tt nagar) has a more commercial, modern restaurant scene. the food here is less traditional than old bhopal but more accessible and comfortable.

12. jai hind dhaba

lalghati road, new bhopal / rs 300 for two / 8/10

jai hind dhaba is the best value non-veg meal in bhopal. the non-veg thali includes roti, rice, dal, a chicken or mutton curry, raita, and salad for around rs 150. the mutton curry is well-spiced. the chicken is tender. the portions are generous. this is honest, no-frills dhaba food that fills you up without emptying your wallet.

the catch: dhaba setting - basic furniture, no AC, noisy. the food is good but it’s dhaba-level presentation, not restaurant-level.

verdict: best budget non-veg in bhopal. the non-veg thali at rs 150 is genuine value.

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13. oggy’s

mp nagar / rs 700 for two / 7.5/10

oggy’s is a modern restaurant in mp nagar that does tandoori, tikka, and north indian non-veg in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. the tandoori chicken is well-marinated. the butter chicken is crowd-pleasing. the ambiance is modern-casual.

the catch: this is generic north indian non-veg, not bhopali cuisine. you could get this food in any north indian city. nothing here has the nawabi character of old bhopal’s restaurants.

verdict: decent modern non-veg in mp nagar. fine for a comfortable meal, but you’re not experiencing bhopal’s food identity.

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14. firangi bake

mp nagar / rs 800 for two / 7/10

firangi bake does fusion food - tandoori pizzas, butter chicken pasta, kebab wraps. the non-veg options are decent for what they are, but this is not where you go for bhopali cuisine. it’s where you go when you want non-veg food with a modern twist.

the catch: fusion food in a city with one of india’s deepest traditional non-veg cuisines feels like ordering a hamburger in naples.

verdict: fun for a change. not why you eat non-veg in bhopal.

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15. 10 downing street

mp nagar / rs 1200 for two / 7/10

a pub-restaurant in mp nagar that serves tandoori and north indian non-veg alongside drinks. the tandoori chicken and tikka are passable pub food. the atmosphere is the draw - it’s one of the few places in bhopal where you can have a drink with your non-veg meal.

the catch: pub food quality, pub food prices. the non-veg is a supporting act to the drinks menu.

verdict: a pub with non-veg food. fine for a night out, not for a food experience.

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16. al bake

mp nagar / rs 500 for two / 7/10

al bake specializes in shawarma and grilled meats. the chicken shawarma is well-made, the grilled chicken is flavourful, and the hummus is above average. it’s a different genre of non-veg - middle eastern rather than mughlai - and it does that genre competently.

the catch: not bhopali food. a perfectly fine shawarma restaurant that could exist in any indian city.

verdict: good shawarma. if you want a break from mughlai, this works.

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17. delhi darbar

tt nagar / rs 500 for two / 7/10

delhi darbar serves standard north indian non-veg - butter chicken, kadhai paneer, biryani, dal makhani. the food is decent, the prices are fair, and the portions are generous. it’s the kind of restaurant that exists in every indian city. nothing special about the bhopal version.

verdict: generic north indian non-veg. fine for a regular meal, not worth a special trip.

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18. baigan ki kutia

old bhopal / rs 500 for two / 7.5/10

baigan ki kutia is another old bhopal kebab shop, less famous than bapu ki kutia but with a loyal local following. the seekh kebabs are good - not bapu ki kutia level, but charcoal-grilled and properly spiced. the boti kebab is well-marinated. a solid old bhopal option when bapu ki kutia has a long queue.

verdict: the backup to bapu ki kutia. same neighbourhood, similar food, shorter queue.

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old bhopal vs new bhopal: where to eat non-veg

	old bhopal	new bhopal
cuisine	traditional nawabi, mughlai	generic north indian, modern
signature dishes	bhopali biryani, seekh kebab, nihari, paya	butter chicken, tandoori, fusion
price range	rs 150-600 for two	rs 300-2000 for two
ambiance	raw, chaotic, authentic	air-conditioned, comfortable
best for	food purists, kebab lovers, biryani hunters	families, comfortable dining, groups
hygiene	variable (pick crowded stalls)	generally better
example	bapu ki kutia, lazeez hakeem	manohar dairy, oggy’s
my recommendation	come here first	come here for convenience

the answer is not complicated. if you care about non-veg food and you’re in bhopal, old bhopal is where you go. the nawabi tradition is alive in those narrow lanes around hamidia road and chowk bazaar. new bhopal has comfortable restaurants with passable food. old bhopal has uncomfortable settings with exceptional food. choose accordingly.

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the bhopal non-veg itinerary (if you have one day)

morning (8-9 am): hakeem’s in chowk bazaar for nihari and naan. this is how bhopal has eaten breakfast for generations.

lunch (12-1 pm): lazeez hakeem on hamidia road for bhopali biryani. get the mutton. arrive before 1 pm or it might run out.

afternoon snack (4-5 pm): chatori gali for kebab rolls and tikka. walk the street, try multiple stalls, spend rs 200.

dinner (7-9 pm): bapu ki kutia near jama masjid for seekh kebabs and boti kebabs. the charcoal grills are at peak performance in the evening.

dessert: manohar dairy for rabri or kulfi. or the best street food in bhopal guide for late-night options.

total cost: under rs 1200 for four meals. quality of non-veg food: genuinely world-class.

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frequently asked questions

which is the best non-veg restaurant in bhopal? under the mango tree at jehan numa palace for premium dining. lazeez hakeem on hamidia road for the best bhopali biryani at honest prices. bapu ki kutia near jama masjid for the best seekh kebabs. it depends on what you’re looking for.

best seekh kebab in bhopal? bapu ki kutia near jama masjid. hand-minced, charcoal-cooked, spiced with the bhopali masala blend of mace, nutmeg, and cardamom. the best seekh kebabs between lucknow and hyderabad.

best biryani in bhopal? lazeez hakeem near hamidia road. see the full best biryani in bhopal guide for 12 restaurants and a comparison of bhopali vs hyderabadi biryani.

where to eat non-veg in old bhopal? bapu ki kutia (seekh kebabs), lazeez hakeem (biryani), hakeem’s (nihari, paya), chatori gali (kebab rolls, tikka), and chowk bazaar handi stalls (street biryani). old bhopal is the heart of bhopali non-veg cuisine.

is bhopal good for non-veg food? bhopal is one of the best cities in india for non-veg food. the nawabi tradition of the begums of bhopal created a distinctive cuisine - bhopali biryani, seekh kebabs with mace and nutmeg, nihari, paya, korma. it rivals lucknow and hyderabad but doesn’t get the same recognition. that’s slowly changing.

best non-veg in new bhopal? jai hind dhaba for budget (non-veg thali at rs 150 for two), manohar dairy for all-round reliability, oggy’s for modern tandoori. but old bhopal is where the real non-veg food is.

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read more

the best biryani in bhopal goes deep into 12 biryani spots with a comparison of bhopali vs hyderabadi styles. the best restaurants in bhopal covers the full dining scene including vegetarian. the best street food in bhopal covers chatori gali and the hamidia road circuit in detail. the bhopal food guide provides the full picture of the nawabi food heritage.

for non-veg food guides in other cities, see the best north indian food ranking where bhopal’s mughlai cuisine is an underrated contender alongside lucknow and delhi.