Referred to as the Pink City of India – Jaipur has royalty in every aspect. A city of Rajputs, a home to 2 major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jaipur is both historically fascinating and aesthetically striking. It is the heart of Rajasthan, one of India’s most flamboyant states. Between rugged hills and besieged walls are a city bursting with colorful streets, chaotic bazaars and touristy buzz. In the midst of this mayhem, Jaipur’s fairy-tale grandeur is calm evoking. Regarded as a heaven for foodies, the place offers the royal treats of Rajasthan in its narrow bylanes that gives you pleasure and insight into the old-city culture and the traditional food. The same is enjoyed in our Jaipur Street Food Walking Tour, a city that defines royalty in its every alley.
Some people like it sweet, some like it savory and well, some dishes have the power to be both. Listing here a quick guide to the famous and finger-licking Street Foods of the Royal City.
1. Samosa
Want to taste the best Samosas in town, visit the one near Golcha Cinema. The stall here serves the best Samosa made of Ghee – clarified butter. Stuffed with potatoes, peas, and ginger, this is an ultimate delight for the locals there as well as for the guests. There are very few samosa-sellers where you will find ginger in their stuffing because it is not liked by many, but the truth is it is a blessing for your digestion. So taste the never-tasted before samosa at this 70 years old eatery joint.
2. Kachori
A simple puffed-up fried snack belonging to Rajasthan is a Jaipurite’s heartbeat. The texture of this Indian snack is crispy, flaky with a delicious base which can be packed with all manner of delicious fillings. Such is the Radhe Kachori in Jaipur which is popularly known to serve the best Hing ki Kachori in town since 1963. Hing ki Kachori – (Asafoetida Kachori) is prepared with ground urad dal, with refreshing flavors of asafoetida and is often accompanied by Dahi and Coriander Chutney – A combination that is rarely available.
3. Moong Thal
A lentil dessert prepared and served in a big thal – (big round plate) in the form of Barfi is a specialty of the city. Available in the inside of the old city, the dessert has a luscious flavor that melts in the mouth. Made with pure Ghee, it is highly delectable. Most of our guests loves the melting taste of it in the mouth.
4. Farsan Namkeen
Refers to a salty snack, Farsan is a very important part of Rajasthani Cuisine. A combination of different ingredients like peanuts, poppy seeds, gram pulses, etc. it has a sweet and sour taste. Favorite tea-time snacks of the locals, a mild taste of it is loved by all, especially in Winters. Serving a variety of such snacks like fried namkeens, Spicy Namkeen, Lentil, and potato salty snack is a famous shop called Shankar Namkeen Bhandar.
5. Kulfi
How can we forget our traditional ice-cream – Matka Kulfi? Approx. 60 years old shop near Hawa Mahal famously called Pandit Kulfi is the very famous point for this denser creamier flavor which is not found anywhere else. A simple mixture of dense evaporated milk, flavored with sugar, pistachios, and saffron, packed into metal cones and immersed in slurry ice, resulting in the invention of Kulfi. Do not miss to taste it our mouth-melting Street Food Tour to the city.
6. Dal Baati Choorma
Next to tickle your taste buds with the authentic Rajasthani cuisine is the flagship dish of Rajasthan is Dal Baati Churma. Comprises of three main ingredients, Dal (Lentil), Baati (Baked balls of wheat which are usually stuffed) and Choorma (A sweet made of cereal crumbs) with Ghee – clarified butter gives it a scrumptious flavor. Churma and Baati come with lots of varieties and color which depends again on the ingredients used. Regarded as the King of Rajasthani food, one can explore this authentic cuisine at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar behind Hawa Mahal from where you can have a view of the place besides enjoying the rich delicacy.
7. Aloo Tikkad
A traditional favorite in the state of Rajasthan, “Aloo pyaaz sabzi with tikkad” is a combination of potatoes and onions with Tava – (flat Pan) roasted Rotis – a preparation that is popular during weddings and feasts. Basically made of full raw potatoes, in the initially cooked gravy of onions, this dish is prepared after hours of cooking. Served with a big multigrain roti – (Chapatti), the dish dominates the taste-buds of many.
8. Laal Maas
A very popular non-vegetarian dish of the princely state that actually gave birth to a royal cuisine. This dish is prepared by mutton and red chilies are added to give it a red color and make it more attractive. Served in almost every nuke and corner of the city, this mouth-watering dish is quite easy to prepare at home even. Accompanied by a chapatti or a naan, the dish is famously found at Handi Restaurant in the old city.
9. Jungli Maas
A decade-old meat dish cooked with lots of chilies along with moderate spices makes a perfect dinner. A delicious fiery hot mutton dish that is a specialty in Rajasthan is prepared after hours of cooking. Taking into account the wild boar or deer that had a very strong and peculiar taste the dish was first invented by kings of Rajashtan depending on their day’s catch. Again this mouth-watery delight is best served at Handi Restaurant in the old city where our number of non-vegetarian guests enjoy their supper.
10. Ghevar
A traditional sweet dish of Jaipur made with maida (refined flour) and soaked in sugar syrup is a disk-like cake that comes in many varieties. Being a seasonal dessert, it is generally prepared in the month of festivals during Teej and Rakshabandhan, one of the famous festivals of the city. The variation of Ghevar including ghee, ice cubes, and cream ghee, is best served by garnishing with fruits on the top. Try this rich delicacy in Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar.
It is appropriately said, “Laughter is brightest where food is best”. So enjoy the royal city of Rajasthan with Love, Laughter and exquisite food.