Udaipur is a city that dazzles not only with its palaces and lakes but also with its deep-rooted culinary culture. From royal feasts once served in marble halls to spicy street snacks at local markets, Rajasthani food in Udaipur offers an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. If you're a foodie or even a curious traveler, this city is sure to awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
To enjoy these flavors up close, book a Budget Hotel in Udaipur for easy street food access or relax at a Luxury Hotel in Udaipur that often includes gourmet Rajasthani cuisine in their dining menus.
1. Start With the Rajasthani Thali
No better way to sample a full spectrum of local dishes than with a traditional Rajasthani thali. Typically served in steel or brass plates, these thalis include:
Dal Baati Churma – the iconic trio of lentils, baked wheat balls, and sweet crushed wheat
Gatte ki Sabzi – chickpea flour dumplings in spicy yogurt curry
Ker Sangri – desert berries and beans cooked in tangy spices
Papad ki Sabzi and Bajra roti – regional sides with rustic flair
Thali meals are available at heritage restaurants like Krishna Dal Bati Restro or traditional setups like Natraj Dining Hall.
2. Savor the Street Food Scene
Udaipur’s street food is equally rich in flavor and character. Locals love gathering at popular corners like Sukhadia Circle and Chetak Circle, especially in the evenings.
Some must-try items include:
Kachoris stuffed with spicy moong dal or onions
Mirchi Vada – green chilies filled with potato masala and deep-fried
Dabeli and Vada Pav with a Rajasthani twist
Kulhad Coffee – hot milk coffee served in clay cups
Rabdi Malpua – a sweet pancake paired with thickened milk
These snacks are perfect for light bites between sightseeing or a casual evening meal.
3. Experience Royal Cuisine
Rajasthani royalty had a flair for intense, flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Many of these recipes have survived and are served at luxury dining destinations across Udaipur.
Some highlights:
Laal Maas – fiery red mutton curry made with Mathania chilies
Safed Maas – creamy mutton stew flavored with cashews and yogurt
Junglee Maas – a simpler yet robust hunter-style meat preparation
Biryani Udaipuri style – infused with saffron and local spices
You can enjoy these royal recipes at places like Ambrai Restaurant, Raaj Bagh, or in-house palace hotels.
4. Sweet Endings: Rajasthani Desserts
Desserts are an essential part of Rajasthani dining. From festivals to daily meals, no feast is complete without something sweet.
Don’t miss:
Ghewar – honeycomb-textured dessert topped with rabdi
Mohanthal – a dense gram flour sweet flavored with cardamom
Balushahi – crisp on the outside, syrupy inside
Churma Laddoo – made with ghee, jaggery, and wheat flour
Most sweet shops like JMB or Bikaner Mishthan Bhandar carry a wide range of traditional mithai.
5. Best Rooftop Spots for Dining
Why just eat, when you can eat with a view? Udaipur’s rooftop cafés and restaurants offer unforgettable ambiance paired with local food.
Top picks include:
Upre by 1559 AD – elegant dining with lake views
Jagat Niwas Palace Restaurant – candlelight dinners with a traditional thali
Rainbow Restaurant – casual meals and snacks with panoramic city views
These spots serve a variety of cuisines but always include a Rajasthani section on the menu.
6. Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Want to learn how to make your favorite Udaipur dish? Several families and local chefs offer cooking workshops for visitors. You’ll get hands-on experience with spice blending, dough kneading, and curry preparation.
Popular classes include:
Shashi’s Cooking Class (near Jagdish Temple)
Spice Box (off Chandpole Road)
Apani Dhani cultural kitchen
These classes offer not just recipes but cultural insight into Rajasthani hospitality and traditions.
7. Food Walks and Culinary Tours
Food tours have become a popular way to explore Udaipur’s flavors. You’ll walk through old markets, visit hidden snack stalls, and sample seasonal delicacies with a local guide.
Highlights include:
Old City Food Walks
Sweet Tooth Trails
Night Bazar Bites Tour
Many tours can be arranged through your hotel or online platforms, offering a perfect intro for food-curious travelers.
8. Where to Stay for Food Lovers
Your food journey in Udaipur starts with where you stay:
Budget Hotel in Udaipur: These hotels often lie close to bustling markets like Bada Bazaar or Hathipol, where you can walk to food stalls and try new snacks every day.
Luxury Hotel in Udaipur: Many palace and lakefront hotels offer authentic Rajasthani fine dining experiences—some even serve meals once offered to royalty.
From traditional breakfasts to curated dinner buffets, these stays double as culinary journeys in themselves.
Final Thoughts
Udaipur’s food is a celebration of tradition, taste, and culture. It bridges the gap between history and hospitality, offering everything from royal delicacies to soul-satisfying street bites.