The wonderful amalgamation of the old city and its modern-day avatar has opened a fabulous banquet of culinary delights for the foodie in the Pink City, Rajasthan’s top tourist destination.
The trick to having a palate-thrilling, no-holds-barred adventure, is to go completely local in your mindset when exploring the eat-streets of the Walled City, the neighbourhood markets, the stand-alone restaurants and the multiple F&B options of the posh hotels in town. That said there are plenty of mid-sized hotels where their restaurants have become very popular for a family outing.
Chinese and Indian at Niros (319, Panch Batti, MI Road)
Dating back to the late 40s, it's popular for the paneer butter masala and mutton offerings. The taste of the Pindi chana has changed over the decades. Head here if you love Indian-style Chinese, because this has been one of the top favourites amongst the locals for years; that’s because the quality is reliable, and the food is fresh. Niros was amongst the first standalone restaurants in town to offer a Chinese and Continental menu. Don’t miss the beautiful Satish Gujral mural.
Traditional Rajasthani meals at Natraj Restaurant, (MI Road)
This popular hub has been going strong since 1967, unfazed by the growing competition. It relies on its vintage approach to fresh and tasty meals, featuring authentic Rajasthani dishes, served in a warm and friendly ambience. Top favourites still are their yummy ghia ki barfi and iconic gulab jamuns.
Going Posh
Multicuisine at Shikaar Bagh (Naraian Niwas Palace)
Amongst the posh hotels for a wonderful culinary experience, you must save up money and time to go to Shikaar Bagh, nestled amidst lush greenery in the luxurious Narain Niwas Palace. Popular with a discerning clientele, who frequents it for big events and family get-togethers, this beautiful bar-restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. In the warm winter days, you can plump for their elevated, open-sided terrace under canvas. Shikaar Bagh’s tastefully curated menu features Indian and multi-cuisine meals including popular favourites with all age groups…We are talking about pizzas, pasta and sliders. A cold beer by the side, or a chilled white, for the older ones in a group is just perfect over a leisurely luncheon. In the traditional Indian section top favourites are Angara Paneer Tikka, Navratan Korma and Handi Biryani with Raita. If you are really into heritage beverages check out Chandrahaas, the heirloom brew that is a seamless blend of natural ingredients of 80 herbs, spices and dry fruits.
High Tea at Ram Bagh Palace
If you are visiting Jaipur a traditional English high tea served in style high tea in the Verandah Café, overlooking the gardens dotted with foraging peacocks Located in the stunning Ram Bagh Palace this leisurely experience should definitely be on your foodie bucket list. There’s the Royal Afternoon High Tea which serves Indian savoury snacks and sweets, and there’s the more traditional Victorian one with its English pastries, finger cucumber sandwiches, scones with traditional Cornish clotted cream, homemade preserves, vegetable curry puffs, and fragrant teas, complete with teapot and strainer.
Street Food Highs on Nostalgia and Culinary Expertise
Thalis at Mahaveer Rabdi at Masala Chowk (Mishra Rajaji Ka Rasta, Chandpole Bazar, Chandpole)
Go for the thali featuring the very unique bejad roti, a massive affair made with gehu, jowhar and besan flour served with traditional Rajasthani subzis including aloo-pyaz subzi, a fiery mirchi tapore (pickle) and accompanied by the evergreen favourite lehsun chutney; you should also try their gehu ka churma or besan ka churma.
Creamy lassis from Lassiwala (312, MI Rd, Jayanti Market, New Colony)
The original one set up in 1944 is still going strong with its creamy lassis served in kulhads. The earthy flavour of the terracotta tumbler adds its own nuances to the lassies. Perfect for a hot summer day, or quenching your thirst during a shopping spree Available in two sizes (small and large!) they offer both sweet and salt lassis— and now they also have a sugar-free one.
Pyaz kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar located on Station Road is a huge success for its tempting pyaz kachori which are crispy and fried in ghee. But other offerings are also nudging their way into local palates such as their mirchi vada with the traditional whole green chilli and a stuffing with the dominant nuances of mango powder (amchur) asafetida.
Unmissable
Chai from Gulabji Chai Walle (Ganpati Plaza, Mirza Ismail Rd, Nirmal Vihar, Sindhi Camp)
Open from 1965. Try with maska-bun.
Mithai from Sodhani Halwai (Shop No. SB 108, Main Tonk Road, Lal Kothi)
Mithais from many parts of India, including rosogollas since 1857. Moong Thal is another bestseller here.
Milk products from Gulabchand Dairy (Shop No. 280, Chaura Rasta)
Try their kesar pista makhan
Sindhi-style dal pakwan with mirchi ke tapore at Shree Shyam Dal Pakwan Center (Shop No.5, Baba Harishchandra Marg)
Boondi ladoos from Bhagat Mishtan Bhandar (Shop No. 185, Kishan pole bazar, Choti Chaupar)
Moongthal and gulab kesari from the 180-year-old Bhawar Lal Kailash Chand Halwai (32, Lalji Sand Ka Rasta, Chaura Rasta, Modikhana)
Fire paan from Murli Pan Bhandar (Nawab Sahab Ki Hawali, Tripolia Bazaar)
Ghewar from Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (98-99, Bapu Bazar, Johari Bazaar Road)
Well, that’s just a small window to this amazing culinary destination, which is the Pink City, which makes you glow with delight with the fantastic food adventures it has in store for all tastes. It's never enough! You gotta come back again and again…