10 Must-Try Dishes in Udaipur

Dal Baati Churma is the meal that best captures the essence of Rajasthan. Imagine ghee-drenched, crispy fried dough balls (baati) accompanied by a dish of crumbly, sweet churma and a fiery lentil stew (dal). This trio fills your palate with the sound of a symphony. The dal gives a spicy kick, the churma is delicious, and the baati has a rustic appeal. It's the delightful epilogue you were unaware you needed.

Where to Try: For a real Dal Baati Churma experience, visit Natraj Dining Hall or Santosh Bhojanalaya.

Laal Maas is a passionate ode to meat lovers rather than merely a meal. This classic Rajasthani mutton curry gets its distinctive "laal" (red) hue from cooking an absurd quantity of red chilies. Even if you want to go for a drink of water, you won't be able to stop eating since the tastes are so rich and deep despite the severe heat.

Where to Try: For a dining experience as spicy as the food itself, order Laal Maas at Jagat Niwas Palace or Ambrai.

Have you truly gone to Rajasthan if you haven't had kachori? This spicy, deep-fried snack is the ideal little taste explosion. The best street cuisine in Udaipur is kachoris, which are filled with anything from tart onions to spicy lentils. When paired with tamarind chutney, this snack combines flavors of crunch, spice, and sweetness.

Where to Try: JMB (Jagdish Misthan Bhandar) is known for its renowned kachoris, and for good reason!

Gatte ki Sabzi is evidence that even gram flour can be elevated to a fine dining experience in Rajasthan. This recipe calls for gram flour dumplings, or "gatte," to be fried in a hot yogurt sauce. It has a lot of taste and is rich and sour. The gravy offers the perfect amount of heat to make things interesting, and the gatte is firm but soft.

Where to Try: For a dish of Gatte ki Sabzi that will leave you wanting more, visit Palki Khana or Krishna Dal Bati Restro.

Although kachori has already been mentioned, Pyaaz kachori merits its own category. This version has a savory and somewhat sweet stuffing made of spicy onions. In Udaipur, this dish is often consumed for breakfast, although, to be honest, we could eat it anytime of the day.

Where to Try: If you're looking for some of the greatest Pyaaz Kachoris in town, head straight to JMB or Neelam Restaurant.

Dabeli, a dish originally from Gujarat, has won over the hearts of culinary enthusiasts in Udaipur. This street food snack resembles a Rajasthani version of a burger, consisting of a spicy mashed potato interior encased in a soft bread and garnished with sev, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds. It tastes crunchy, acidic, spicy, sweet, and almost explodes on your tongue.

Where to Try: You can get some amazing Dabeli from the street vendors in Sukhadia Circle, which will make your taste buds dance.

The ultimate comfort dish is Kadhi Pakora, a tart curry made with yogurt and soft gram flour fritters (pakoras) floating in it. It's the ideal recipe for days when all you want is something warm and comforting, and it comes with steamed rice. The pakoras offer a lovely texture, and the kadhi is perfectly spicy, creamy, and slightly sour.

Where to Try: Delightful renditions of classic Rajasthani comfort cuisine may be found at Natraj Dining Hall and Neelam Restaurant.

Shall we talk about dessert now? An irresistible traditional Rajasthani dessert is rabdi malpua. Deep-fried sweet pancakes called malpua are covered with creamy rabdi (thickened milk) after being drenched in sugar syrup. It is really rich, opulent, and wonderful. Sweet dreams are created by the mix of the creamy rabdi and the crunchy malpua.

Where to Try: The divine Rabdi Malpua at JMB or Bhole Mishthan in Udaipur will satisfy your sweet craving.

A must-try for anyone who wants their appetizers somewhat spicy is Mirchi Bada. Large green chilies filled with a seasoned potato mixture, coated in gram flour batter, and then deep-fried till perfectly crispy make up this hot and spicy delicacy. The tamarind chutney that goes with it provides a tart counterpoint to the spice. This type of food piques your interest and leaves you craving more.

Where to Try: Local booths close to Hathipole Market serve some of the tastiest Mirchi Badas.

You heard correctly—gulab jamun in a curry! This is a special Rajasthani recipe that cooks the popular sweet gulab jamun in a thick, hot stew made with tomatoes. As a consequence, the gulab jamun absorbs the spices and adds a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, creating a meal that is both sweet and spicy. For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, it is a must-try.

Where to Try: This unusual and delectable meal is served well at Neelam Restaurant.

Udaipur is not just a feast for the eyes but also a feast for the taste buds. From the fiery Laal Maas to the comforting Kadhi Pakora, the city offers a culinary journey that’s as rich and diverse as its history. Each dish tells a story, not just of flavors but of tradition, culture, and the love that Rajasthani people pour into their food.

So, whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new or just someone who loves good food, Udaipur is your go-to destination. And if you’re smart, you’ll plan your trip around your meals because, trust us, each bite is worth the journey.

Now that you’re armed with this guide, go forth and eat your way through Udaipur. Your taste buds will thank you!