Authentic foods of Rajasthan

The Rajasthani cuisine is just as colorful as its culture. Due to the influence of the Rajput clan, there are various food items ranging from spicy starters to crunchy veggies and delicious sweets. It is believed that the authentic food of Rajasthan is inspired by war-like lifestyles and the availability of ingredients in the arid region. 

Although there are limitations on fresh fruits and vegetables, authentic foods still manage to be one of the most famous in Rajasthan. In Rajasthani food, people use common ingredients such as lentils, beans, gram flour, millet, bajra, and especially clarified butter (ghee). While most people in the state prefer vegetarian food, dishes also incorporate meat.

Here are the 10 most authentic foods that you need to try during your trip to Rajasthan:

 

1. Dal Bati Churma 

If Rajasthan had a national dish, it would most definitely be Dal Bati Churma. This is a traditional Rajasthani dish, without which your entire trip would be incomplete.

Whole wheat flour, roasted over firewood, makes the batis crispy. They are round, dumpling-shaped, with a hard exterior but a soft interior. Various lentils and spices compose the Dal. The churma involves crushing bati, soaking it in ghee, and mixing it with jaggery and sugar.

When you combine the three, Bati, Dal, and Churma, they make up for one hearty meal.

The best place to have Dal Bati Churma in Rajasthan is in the pink city of Jaipur. Various authentic restaurants specialize in this dish.

 

2. Laal Maas 

One of the best non-vegetarian foods in Rajasthan is Laal Maas. A meat curry is essentially made with a yogurt-based sauce, tomatoes, and hot spices like the red Mathania chilies.

It is through the chilies that the meat gets its rich red color and fiery taste. You can enjoy the Laal Maas best with aromatic rice or chapati (Indian flatbread).

The best places to have Laal Maas are in Jaipur and Jodhpur.

 

3. Gatte Ki Sabzi 

Gatte Ki Sabzi is a traditional delicacy of Rajasthan. The typical Rajasthani platters are incomplete without gattes.  

This vegetable dish has steamed or fried gram flour (besan) balls which are then cooked in curd gravy. A lot of Indian spices are added which results in a tangy flavor. Gatte Ki Sabzi is best eaten with roti or chapati (Indian flatbread).  

There is also a variety of gatte, such as masala gatte, Shahi gatte, and gatte covered in spicy gravy.

Gatte Ki Sabzi is available in restaurants in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Udaipur.

 

4. Mohan Thaal 

Mohan Thaal is a prominent sweet dish in Rajasthan and one that satisfies your sweet tooth. It is gram flour (besan) fudge filled with cardamon flavor and topped with dry fruits like almonds and pistachios.

The sweet grainy taste, chewy texture, and aroma of ghee are what make Mohan Thaal a unique dish in Rajasthan. It is a perfect go-to dessert after lunch and dinner.

You can enjoy authentic Mohan Thaal at sweet shops in Udaipur and Jaipur.

 

5. Mirchi Bada 

One of the most famous snacks in Rajasthan is the iconic Mirchi Bada. Although this food item is available in most states, nothing competes with Rajasthan’s Mirchi Bada.

These are spicy fritters filled with potatoes and chilies and then served hot with tomato and mint sauce. It is hard to stop at one with this sweet and spicy combination. Mirchi Badas are paired mostly with evening teas or morning breakfasts.

The best Mirchi Badas can be eaten in Jodhpur.

 

6. Ker Sangari 

Ker Sangari is a dish that has its roots in Rajasthan. A wild berry, Ker, grows in the heart of the Thar desert along with a dried wild bean, Sangari. Both belong to Rajasthan’s state tree, khejiri. Ker and Sangri are stir-fried along with an array of local spices and herbs.

This dish might not look appealing visually, but the burst of delightful flavors makes it a must-try in Rajasthan. The authentic taste of piquant and tangy Rajasthani sabzi is best savored through Ker Sangri.

You can enjoy it with delicious bajre ki roti (millet or wheat flatbread) and topped with melting butter.

The traditional Ker Sangri can be eaten at Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Mandawa, and Jaipur restaurants.

 

7. Ghevar 

Ghevar, a signature sweet dish of Rajasthan, graces almost all festivals and occasions. The enticing dessert involves blending milk, flour, and ghee. Afterward, it undergoes a delightful bath in sugar syrup and gets adorned with almonds, pistachios, and saffron on top.

Ghevar is prepared in a mould and available in different shapes and sizes, the common one being disc-shaped. Varieties of ghevar include Malai ghevar, plain ghevar, and Mava ghevar. Nonetheless, it is a heavenly dessert of Rajasthan and a delight for people with a sweet tooth.

You can find ghevar readily available in sweet shops all over Rajasthan. The best shops are in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner.

 

8. Rajasthani Kadhi 

There is diversity in Indian Kadhi, each having its distinct flavor and texture. Generally, people make Rajasthani kadhi from gram-flour dumplings (besan pakodis). The dumplings have a spicy taste, and people combine them with a tangy yoghurt sauce.

Usually, hot rice accompanies the mouth-watering and flavorful kadhi.

Restaurants in Jaipur and Udaipur serve the best and most authentic Rajasthani kadhi.

 

9. Mohan Maas 

Mohan Maas is a meat dish and a royal cuisine of Rajasthan. Dry fruits and spices stuff the meat, and it simmers in milk and cream. Finally, garnish it with cinnamon and cardamom.

Mohan Maas stands apart from Laal Maas with its white gravy, mild flavor, and delicious creamy taste. It pairs well with a portion of rice and paratha.

You can eat Mohan Maas in any of Udaipur’s authentic restaurants serving it.

 

10. Kachori 

Kachori is a fried pastry that can be found anywhere in India. However, there are several varieties of Kachori prepared in Rajasthani style. The best ones include pyaaz ki kachori, which is savoury, and mawa kachori, which is sweet.

The onion kachori stuffs onions, potatoes, and spices and serves hot with sweet and sour tamarind sauce. The Mawa kachori uses ingredients such as dried fruits and khoya soaked in sugar syrup. These kachoris make up for a lip-smacking item for morning breakfast. 

The best kachoris, whether savoury or sweet you can experience in Jodhpur.

 

These authentic foods of Rajasthan, bound to mesmerise you with their flavorful taste. In this pan-India food tour specially curated by Wild Voyager, you can taste some of the most authentic Rajasthani dishes, among others.

 

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