The Real Taste of Rajasthan

A trip to Jaipur (or anywhere in Rajasthan) is not complete without digging into authentic Rajasthani food. Whether you’re craving dal bati churma, laal maas, kachoris or ghevar, Jaipur is foodie’s paradise.

If you’re new to this cuisine you can’t return without trying dal bati churma, the flagship dish of Rajasthani cuisine. Bati is a baked ball made from flour which is then covered in ghee and eaten with the dal. Churma is a flaky sweet dish made from flour that goes with the dish.

Dal Batti Churma

Recognised as a Rajasthan speciality, Dal-batti-churma, is a wholesome Rajasthani meal. Dal, or lentil curry, is served with Bhatti, a roundel of stuffed flour that's baked in a charcoal fire or oven. Choorma is a sweet dish made with flour, jaggery or sugar and ghee.

Bhatti comes in varieties acts as a substitute for rotis. You could opt for plain batti, or try the more exotic masala, dry fruit or missi battis. Batti is made out of wheat, flour, millet or a mix of maize and wheat flour, with loads of ghee.

There is also an unending variety in churma - the colour of which depends on the ingredients. To relish Dal-bhatti-churma at a nominal expense, check out the dhabas near Sindhi Camp (Central) Bus Stand.

Mawa Kachori

A kachori filled with mawa and sugar syrup, this delicacy is not to be missed. It is available at all sweet shops. In Jaipur, try famous sweet shops such as Rawat sweets and Kanji sweets near the bus stand and at LMB, Johri Bazar.

Ghewar

A deep-fried sweet dish, Ghewar is in great demand during festivals such as Gangaur and Teej. It comes in varieties such as plain, desi ghee and mawa. The best shops for this are LMB at Johri Bazar and Rawat Sweets.

Mirchi Bada

Sharing prime spot with samosas and kachoris in the snack market are Mirchi Badas - green chillies dunked in besan and deep fried. You can even find vendors selling these on makeshift handcarts by the roadside.

Rajasthani Subji

Gatte ki subji, Rajasthani curry, Mangori, Pakodi and Ker Sangari, the traditional subjis, are part of the daily meals here. A papad - plain or masala - is a must to sum up meals, as a tradition in Rajasthan.

Chapati/Roti

What is interesting about Rajasthan is the variety of rotis one gets, even in the smallest eating place. Bajre Ki Roti, Makki Ki Roti, Jau-Channa Ki Roti, Besan Ki Roti, Cheelra, Paratha, Puri, Methi Puri, Rumali Roti ... the list is endless.