Rajasthan is like a real lifetime machine, it takes you back to the time of the royals, palaces, forts, and maharajas. The opulence and elegance of the typical Rajasthan architecture are enough for you to take a plunge into the rich historical and well-preserved past of Indian culture. What stands out is the delicious food whose fragrance encapsulates your senses from the time you step into this glorious state. A typical Rajasthani Cuisine is prepared by using the ingredients grown locally. The chutneys, vegetarian sabzis, delicious desserts and sweets, and of course refreshing spicy drinks like Chaach.
Must – Use Ingredients for Rajasthani Dishes
One can get to know more about the rich heritage and background of the vibrant Rajasthan. The food prepared here shows heavy influences from its bygone past that has been kept alive through these delicacies. Primarily 70% of Rajasthan is vegetarian and uses locally grown vegetables and other things like beans, lentils, corn, barley, etc. however, non-vegetarian items and various meats are also present. Here are some of the most famous vegetarian and non-vegetarian traditional food of Rajasthan:
Vegetarian Food
Daal Baati Churma: This food defines the true flavours of Rajasthan and is like a landmark iconic face of the food of Rajasthan. Tourists from all over the world make their way to this place to taste the best Daal Baati Churma. However, it is also a local favorite. The dish consists of a baked Baati, special Daal called Panchmel and Jaggery which is combined with Churma which is responsible for the sweet and savoury taste. It tastes the best if dipped in pure Desi ghee.
Where to Eat – Chokhi Dhaani, Thaali & more, Lakshmi Mishthaan Bhandar, Virasat Restaurant.
Gatte Ki Sabzi: This delicious gram flour or besan delicacy is the authentic Rajasthani cuisine which truly represents the rich culture and heritage of this wonderful land. The curry is prepared by combining various locally prepared spices and curd that provides it its typical sour and spicy taste. The small balls of gram flour are dropped into the curry which adds a lot of texture to the cuisines. This lip-smacking dish is mostly served hot along with Chapati or steamed rice.
Where to Eat – Krishna Dal Bati Restro, Natraj Dining Hall And Restaurant, and Traditional Khana.
Rajasthani Kadhi: We all know this humble Kadhi Dish is one of the top favourite dishes for the people of north India. It is especially a staple in Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand of course Rajasthan. But everywhere the Kadhi is prepared differently keeping their real flavors of the place intact. A typical Rajasthani Kadhi is made by combining the buttermilk, gram flour, and ghee. Everything is flavoured with fragrant and aromatic spices which also adds a lot of local flavors. This is a famous summer dish since it is easily digestible and very refreshing.
Where to Eat – Thali House, Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant, Santosh Bhojnalaya, and Jodhpur Bhojanalaya.
Ker Sangri: This is one of the most underrated Rajasthani Cuisine but is a delightful eating experience. This dish can be easily found in the different districts of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. This is probably one of the most authentic dishes prepared the best locally in Rajasthan itself and found anywhere. This dish consists of the combination beans and berry which is a Ker Berry. All of this is stir-fried along with flavorful spices. It is best served with steaming hot and freshly prepared Bajre Ki Roti. Your Rajasthan visit will remain incomplete if you don’t try this dish.
Where to Eat – Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, 1135 AD, Kilo Subzi, Jaigarh Restaurant, and Rawat Mishthan Bhandar.
Non-Vegetarian Food
Laal Maas: This is probably one of the most popular non-vegetarian delicacy prepared in Rajasthan and an authentically prepared mutton dish that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Not just in the state of Rajasthan this particular dish is famous all over the country as one of the top dishes of India. The signature thing about this delicacy is that the curry of this meat is extremely spicy and hot with the obvious presence of intensely hot red chilies. This is a local favorite and when it comes to traditional Rajasthan food Laal Maas is a must-try if you are non-vegetarian.
Where to Eat – Handi Restaurant, Niro’s, 1135 AD, Peacock, Talk Of The Town, and Rasoda.
Bhuna Kukda: As the name suggests this may be clear to you that this is a chicken dish and by bhuna, you must know that it means fried. This is a typical, authentic, and delicious fried desi chicken recipe. The main key thing about the preparation of this dish is to marinate the chicken in its various spices and yogurt for a very long time so that everything gets absorbed and each bite is flavor-packed. It is a dry dish devoid of gravy of any kind and is best served with hot Ghee Roti.
Where to Eat – Spice Court, Niros, Slap By Grill And Curries, Farzi Cafe, Sethi Tikka Kabab Curry.
Banjara Gosht: The Banjaras of Rajasthan are a community of people that remains always on the move and rely on locally occurring ingredients to prepare their food and meals. An authentic and typical Rajasthani banjara gosht is made up of juicy and flavor-packed mutton pieces which are initially marinated in garlic, coriander, and turmeric before cooking it till it is tender. The rustic nature of this dish makes it worth at least a try. Just like most of these dishes, it tastes best when paired up with hot steaming white rice or Bajre Ki Roti covered in Desi Ghee.
Where to Eat – Banjara Restaurant, Niros, Mughal Rasoi, Handi Restaurant, Old Takeaway – The Kebab Shop.
Apart from the dishes the locally made spicy and refreshing chaach drink accompanied with delicious desserts makes your stay in Rajasthani worth it every day.
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