Street foods in Rajasthan are like nowhere else. Having created such culinary delights as the kachori, and sugary squiggles of jalebi; Rajasthan’s menu of colourful, easy-eats is tempting for many of our guests.
At the same time, they are naturally concerned about the dreaded Delhi-Belly. On a privately guided tour with Indian Excursions, any street foods we recommend are hygienic. Not only that, but they’ll also be some of the tastiest, most flavoursome, more-ish mouthfuls you’ve ever had! Allow us to introduce the best street foods in Rajasthan that every foodie must try:
A vendor fries samosas at a market in Old Delhi
1. Parathe
Parathe are much loved by Rajasthanis but are not exclusive to Rajasthan. In fact, you’ll find some of the tastiest parathe in Chandni Chowk, on our Old Delhi tour, down Parathe-wali-gali (‘Parathe street’). It’s a flatbread smothered in ghee and stuffed with anything from spiced potatoes to cauliflower and cheese.
2. Chaat
Chaat describes an entire category of street foods in Rajasthan, rather than a specific one. There are a plethora of chaat dishes, but they all share a common combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy and savoury. One of the most popular is aloo chaat, a bolshy bowl of potatoes, chickpeas, spices, chutneys and yoghurt finished with the sweet tang of tamarind.
3. Lassi
Lassi is a popular yoghurt-based drink blended with water, spices and sometimes fruit. Mango lassi is particularly delicious, but most of the lassi you’ll find in Rajasthan is plain. When ordering, they’ll ask if you’d like your lassi sweet or salted, or you can go for a mix of the two. Jaipur is famous for its lassi, and your guide can show you the best spots. LMB is one of them.
Lassi is one of the most famous street foods in Rajasthan, particularly in Jaipur
4. Jalebi
Perhaps one of the sweetest things you’ll ever eat, jalebi are ingeniously simple spirals of batter crisped in oil and soaked in sugar syrup. In any market in Rajasthan, you’ll be able to watch jalebi-wallahs deep-frying these edible squiggles and enjoy them fresh.
Jalebi
5. Samosa
You’re likely already familiar with samosa, a fried or baked pastry with a savoury filling such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, or lentils. They take different forms; most of those you’ll find in Rajasthan are triangular.
Samosa and Mirchi Vada
6. Mirchi Vada
Most famous in Jodhpur, mirchi vada or mirchi bada consists of a chilli stuffed with potato and spices, deep-fried and served hot with chutney.
7. Gulab Jamun
One of India’s most popular sweets, you’ll find gulab jamun at every wedding, party, birthday and festival, as well as in every market. These more-ish deep-fried dumplings are made of dried milk and dipped in a sugar syrup flavoured with rose and cardamom.
Gulab Jamun
8. Masala Chai
If you decide to try just one of our favourite street foods in Rajasthan, please, let it be masala chai! This milky, gingery, flavoursome tea served in a little earthen cup is the taste of India. You’ll come across masala chai wherever you are in Rajasthan – ask your guide, or driver if you’d like to try some (or wait for our morning market walk in Jaipur where you’ll have the opportunity to try some of the city’s best).
A man sells masala chai near Amber Fort in Jaipur
9. Pakora
Pakora, also called pakoda, pakodi, or bhaji, is a fried snack. Usually a slim slice of potato, or onion. What’s the difference between a pakora and a samosa I hear you ask? Pakora is the Indian version of tempura, whereas a samosa is more of a filled dumpling.
While you’ll find all of these delicious and colourful snacks in the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, you can also find them served in your hotel. For further foodie-inspiration you might like to check out our Top 10 Rajasthani Foods You Must Try!
If you’d like to try some scrumptious and flavoursome street foods as part of a more comprehensive, tailor-made itinerary, do get in touch. As specialists in private, luxury tours of this specific region we’d be an ideal match to assist with your arrangements.
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