Navigating Rajasthan's royal street food trail
Rajasthan's essence extends beyond its majestic forts and colorful culture. It's a plunge into a culinary legacy brimming with flavors that tell stories of regal splendor and desert life's simple artistry. Every city greets you with a tempting array of spicy treats and sweet indulgences. This guide is your map to the unmissable street food experiences awaiting you in the vibrant lanes of Rajasthan.
The iconic pyaaz kachori
In Jaipur, missing out on pyaaz kachori is a culinary sin. This deep-fried delicacy, stuffed with a flavorful onion filling, is the go-to breakfast for locals. Available at practically every street corner, especially in the old city, it's a steal at just ₹30-₹50 per piece. Pair it with tangy tamarind chutney or refreshing mint sauce for an extra flavor kick.
Savory delight: Mirchi bada
Jodhpur is super proud of its mirchi bada - This spicy treat is crafted from chili and potato stuffing, enveloped in a chickpea flour coating, and deep-fried to perfection. It's the perfect sidekick for your evening tea on a rainy day. And, with prices ranging from ₹20 to ₹40 a piece, it's a delicious deal for everyone.
Sweet indulgence: Ghevar
Ghevar is a beloved Rajasthani delicacy, especially during the celebration of Teej. This deep-fried disc of deliciousness, created with flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar syrup, comes in several versions: simple/plain, mawa (milk solids)-topped, or malai (cream)-drizzled. In Rajasthan, sweet shops sell ghevar for a starting price of ₹100/piece during the festive season.
Cooling charm: Kulfi faluda
To combat Rajasthan's intense summer heat, nothing beats a refreshing kulfi faluda. This delicacy features rich and creamy kulfi (Indian ice cream) layered over glass noodles drenched in fragrant rose syrup, all topped with a crunchy medley of chopped nuts and seeds. You can find it everywhere during summer, especially in cities like Udaipur and Ajmer. And the best part? It's super affordable, starting at just ₹50 per serving!
Street sip: Makhaniya lassi
No Rajasthan trip is complete without savoring the famous makhaniya lassi. This creamy, cardamom-infused yogurt drink, garnished with clotted cream, is a specialty of Bikaner. It serves as a refreshing palate cleanser and digestive aid. And, at just ₹40-₹60 for a glass, it's a luxurious treat that's easy on the wallet.
