5 must-try dishes in the Pink City of Jaipur, India

Laal maas cooked according to the original recipe. Image by azerbaijan_stockers on freepik.com

One of the standout dishes in Jaipur and Rajasthani cuisine is laal maas. This is a rich and flavorful meat curry that's a real treat for anyone looking for the genuine tastes of the Pink City. Originally, this dish was cooked by chefs, called khansamas, for the royal family during their hunting expeditions.

Today, following the ancient recipe, laal maas is made with lamb and a special Mathania chili mixture that gives the curry its signature bright red color. What's funny is that in some restaurants, chefs take shortcuts by preparing a tomato-onion paste. When an order comes in, they just add a pinch of spices to make the meat sauce look scarlet. But this is not how the iconic curry should be made because the original recipe avoids tomatoes, cumin, or coriander powders.

For a regular tourist trying Rajasthani cuisine, it's not easy to spot such unscrupulous chefs. But don't worry; with our following recommendation, you'll get to taste the authentic version of laal maas, just as it was prepared centuries ago.

Right in the heart of Jaipur, you'll find the truly luxurious Hotel Pearl Palace, complete with Peacock Restaurant on its rooftop. The essence of this place revolves around preserving the cultural heritage of the region, evident in its vibrant and authentic design. You'll encounter intricately carved wooden furniture, fantastic frescoes on the walls, colorful local textiles, and mesmerizing patterns on the ceiling and floor. Despite all this opulence, the prices for both the rooms and the restaurant service remain moderate, which attracts many young travelers and makes this place a legend among budget hotels.

The menu primarily features Rajasthani dishes, but there's also a substantial section for continental breakfast, and a long list of cocktails that will surely surprise you. We highly recommend trying one of their non-vegetarian curries. In addition to red mutton curry (laal maas), they excel in preparing murgh methi (chicken cooked with fenugreek) and coastal curry with shrimp in a thick coconut sauce. After a hearty dinner, indulge in something from their cocktail collection, dedicated to different Indian states. For instance, you might want to try the Valley of Flower devoted to Uttarakhand, made with chamomile gin, elderflower cordial, citrus, and sparkling wine.

Refreshing Rajasthani khadi. Image by freepik on freepik.com

Rajasthani kadhi is a classic dish in Jaipur's cuisine that you can enjoy in both top-notch restaurants and humble street food stalls, making it a must-try for anyone on a culinary adventure.

This creamy, pale-yellow curry is crafted from fresh yogurt, thickened with gram flour, and seasoned with a blend of fragrant spices. The smooth texture of kadhi pairs wonderfully with crispy fritters, steamed rice, or traditional Rajasthani bread, such as bajra or missi roti. The taste of kadhi strikes a perfect balance between tanginess and spiciness, where the yogurt's piquancy blends harmoniously with the warmth of various herbs.

This dish is a culinary cornerstone of Rajasthani cuisine and holds significant cultural value. It's frequently served at festivals, weddings, and special occasions, showcasing the ingenuity of local people who can prepare it even in dry seasons when fresh vegetables are in short supply.

Govindam Retreat is a must-visit spot in Jaipur, located near the City Palace Museum – one of the top tourist attractions. Apart from a delectable vegetarian menu it also showcases Rajasthan's heritage featured in the elegant interior. Inside, you'll find roomy, brightly lit dining halls with wooden columns, stunning stained glass chandeliers, low sofas, and an abundance of vibrant local textiles.

Their menu beautifully represents the heart of Rajasthan, focusing on the royal lifestyle, the emotions, and the idea of 'manuhar,' an invitation to indulge to your heart's content. Apart from the rich and flavorful yellow kadhi served with missi roti, don't miss trying sabjh sair cofta, which is fried vegetable balls in a creamy spiced curry, and kadi pagoda, lentil powder dumplings in yogurt sauce, packed with protein and iron. For dessert, we highly recommend exploring another local favorite, strawberry ghewar, which we'll tell you more about in a moment.

Mawa kachori, a guilty pleasure for everyone. Image by 2140440SushilKSoni, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped from original

One of the popular street foods in Rajasthan is kachori, which are crispy, deep-fried golden balls filled with various delicious stuffings. This treat is beloved all over India, from Delhi to Bangalore, and in each state, chefs get creative by using different ingredients for the fillings.

In the northern parts of India, they put spiced potatoes and mango powder inside. In West Bengal, kochuris, similar to puris, are filled with green peas and are often enjoyed for breakfast.

However, sweet mawa kachori is a delightful twist that breaks away from the norm. It's a decadent dessert filled with a dairy product akin to ricotta cheese, and nuts. These kachoris are deep-fried to a beautiful golden color, then generously soaked in sugar syrup, and finally melt in your mouth with an amazing crunch. This is a sinful pleasure loved by both the people of Rajasthan and tourists, who often savor it with a strong masala tea or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

A must-visit iconic place in Jaipur, especially for those arriving by train, is Rawat Mithan Bhandar, also known as RMB. Situated close to the Jaipur Railway Station, this shop has been a local favorite since its establishment in the late 1950s.

The undeniable stars of the menu here are mawa kachori and pyaaz kachori. The latter is filled with vegetables and onions, celebrated for its rich and spicy flavor. These kachoris are always served steaming hot, and every bite of the crispy outer layer gives way to perfectly seasoned stuffing that will leave you wanting more.

However, in addition to these beloved treats, their menu boasts a wide variety of other dishes. You'll find hearty thalis, bowls of dal and vegetables, a range of dosas, and curries, along with Chinese chow mein and colorful pasta that even impresses guests from Milan.

Rarely does a tourist leave the city without packing some Rawat kachori for the journey, so we recommend you do the same.

Delicious rasmalai soaked in a milky syrup. Image by Shaharbano, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Rasmalai is a renowned Indian dessert, often hailed as one of the best sweet dishes worldwide. It consists of soft, small balls or disks made from chhena (cottage cheese), soaked in a syrup of milk, sugar, cream, and saffron.

This dessert brings together the gentle, milky, and buttery flavors with traditional Indian spices and sweetness, making rasmalai a unique and exotic treat for Europeans. However, they readily savor it at restaurants and even carry it home in canned jars available at supermarkets.

Just like many Indian dishes, rasmalai comes in various versions. Some people make it with chocolate, or they add rosewater for a more fragrant twist. In any case, it's a remarkable dessert to serve on special occasions, and, most importantly, it's incredibly delicious, especially when you're in the mood for something sweet.

A true oasis of luxury in Jaipur is the grand Crowne Plaza hotel on Tonk Road, home to The Royal Root restaurant. Inside, you'll find a blend of shimmering brass and copper ceilings, along with lavish furniture adorned in rich velvet and leather upholstery. The intricate floor patterns and numerous mirrors create an ambiance that transports you back to the palaces of past maharajas, known for their extravagant lifestyles.

The extensive menu at The Royal Root highlights the exceptional skills of its chefs. You can savor dishes like murgh kali mirch, which features slow-grilled chicken seasoned with cracked Kerala pepper, or satwar piste ka shorba, a roasted pistachio and asparagus cream soup. For those seeking local flavors, there's laal maas with pudina paratha, cooked according to the original recipe.

The dessert selection is equally delightful. Try chocolate dome kesari angoori rasmalai, a treat of milky balls soaked in cream with a saffron topping, or elaichi gulab jamun, a regional favorite featuring golden dumplings stuffed with green cardamom and soaked in sugar syrup.

Don't forget to explore their extensive wine menu, offering some of the world's finest beverages. Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial would be the cherry on top of your royal dinner.

Special paneer ghewar from Laxmi Misthan Bhandar. Image by LMB from facebook.com/laxmimisthanbhandar

Ghewar takes the spotlight in the world of Rajasthani and Indian desserts. It's a sweet, round cake with a classic filling of saffron, pistachios, almonds, and spices. The process starts with a lightly fermented dough poured into a lattice-shaped mold, followed by deep-frying, which creates its distinct honeycomb texture. This classic version of ghewar is just one of the many variations available. Sweet makers have introduced creative renditions that include malai (a type of clotted cream), khoya (solidified milk), Nutella, Biscoff, fresh fruit, and more.

Certain nutrition experts propose that ghewar crafted from white flour is good for your digestive health, whereas the milk-based variety offers a swift energy boost. This could explain why people tend to whip up this dessert more often during the rainy season. Even though it's savored year-round, ghewar sees a surge in popularity when monsoon festivities like Sinjara or Teej start. On these days, it rapidly vanishes from store shelves, and folks exchange boxes of it as gifts.

Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, also known as LMB, is a contemporary sweet shop, restaurant, and hotel situated in the heart of Jaipur's Johari Bazaar. With a remarkable 290-year history, they have mastered the art of crafting traditional Indian sweets to perfection. LMB’s desserts are celebrated for exceptional flavors and quality, and are shipped not only across India but also to international destinations, counting Arabian sheiks among their loyal clientele.

The dessert selection is vast and varied. While we can't make the choice for you, you should definitely sample ghewar (which is available in a sugar-free version), delectable stretchy milk cake, laddu, churma, an assortment of wafers, and exclusive mithais. Make sure to check out the Rajasthani specials section on their website. Stepping into Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, you'll find yourself in a desserts’ paradise crafted with the grandeur of Jaipur, and rest assured, we'll be seriously jealous of your sweet journey.

Can't speak for you, but we're eager to book a plane ticket just to savor all these Jaipur delicacies. Did we forget to mention your favorite dish that's a signature of this region? Feel free to tell us in the comments and pass on your travel tips to fellow adventurers.