Rajasthani Food Guide: Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas and Sweets
What to eat in Rajasthan: dal baati churma, laal maas, ker sangri, kachori, ghewar and mawa sweets, with tips for vegetarians and where each dish shines.
Rajasthani food is rich, spicy and shaped by the desert. Dishes were built to last in the heat, with ghee, lentils, dried vegetables and millet doing the work that fresh produce could not.
This guide lists the dishes to try and how to order them.
A Jaipur bazaar, where much of the street food is found.
Dish | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Dal baati churma | Baked wheat balls, lentils and a sweet crumble | Vegetarian |
Laal maas | A fiery red mutton curry | Non-vegetarian |
Ker sangri | Desert beans and berries in a tangy mix | Vegetarian |
Pyaaz kachori | Fried pastry with an onion filling | Vegetarian |
Ghewar | A honeycomb-like sweet, soaked in syrup | Vegetarian |
Mawa kachori | A sweet pastry filled with milk solids | Vegetarian |
The main dishes
Dal baati churma is the best-known meal of the state. The baati is a hard wheat ball baked and dunked in ghee. It is served with a mixed lentil dal and a sweet, crumbly churma.
Laal maas gets its colour and heat from local red chillies. It is usually quite spicy, so ask for it milder if you prefer.
Ker sangri is a desert dish made from dried beans and berries. It has a tangy, earthy taste and is common in thalis.
Street food and sweets
Look for pyaaz kachori in the morning, and fresh lassi or buttermilk with lunch. Ghewar is popular during the monsoon festival season, while mawa sweets are available all year. See our Jaipur markets guide.
Vegetarian and Jain visitors
Rajasthan is one of the easiest states for vegetarians. Most dishes above are vegetarian, and Jain options without onion and garlic are common in restaurants and hotels. Ask in advance, and tell the kitchen about any allergy.
Eating safely
Choose busy places with a high turnover, and drink bottled water. If you are new to Indian food, start mild and build up. See our food safety guide.
Where to try it
Jaipur: thalis, kachori and sweets in the old city.
Udaipur: lakeside dining with local dishes. See the Udaipur honeymoon guide.
Palace hotels: set menus that show the regional cuisine. See the palace stay guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous Rajasthani dish?
Dal baati churma.
Is Rajasthani food very spicy?
Some dishes are, notably laal maas. Ask for less heat.
Is it good for vegetarians?
Yes. Most of the state's famous dishes are vegetarian.
What sweet should I try?
Ghewar or a mawa kachori.
Can hotels cook without chilli?
Usually yes, if you ask ahead.
Plan your Rajasthan food trip with us
We can add a cooking class, a thali lunch or a heritage dinner to your route. Explore the Rajasthan destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Photo reused from our Jaipur markets guide. The credit is listed there, via Wikimedia Commons.
Journeys for this trip
Plan your Rajasthan trip
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