Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, showcases the vibrant spirit of this royal state like no other. The ‘Pink City’ is famous the world over for its rich cultural heritage and traditional vegetarian food. While dishes like Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Ghevar and Gujia are already popular across the country, the city also offers many relatively unknown delights. Here are some Jaipur delicacies that you cannot afford to miss:
Aam ki Launji: Nothing is more soothing on a hot summer day in Jaipur than this finger-licking pickle made of raw mangoes, jaggery, and nigella seeds. Served with every meal, you can enjoy Aam ki Launji with papad or poppadams, chapatti, or just by itself.
Mirchi Bada: It is a deep-fried pakoda or fritter prepared by dipping green chilies in gram flour paste and deep frying them. The whole green chillies are generally deseeded and stuffed with a spiced mashed potato mixture. The spicy Mirchi Bada makes for a perfect tea time snack. Tastes best with green mint chutney.
Rajasthani Kadhi: Though similar to its Punjabi counterpart with regard to the yoghurt base, it differs in taste due to the usage of spices such as asafetida or hing and fennel seeds or saunf during its preparation. It’s hard to beat the taste of a well-made Rajasthani Kadhi served with steamed rice.
Papad ki Sabzi: An easy-to-prepare yet little-known dish, the mouthwatering papad ki sabzi consists of bite-sized pieces of papad or poppadams cooked in a spiced yoghurt-based gravy. An unusual yet, brilliant dish.
Gatte ki Khichdi: Made using gram flour dumplings and rice flavoured with whole spices and dried fruit, Gatte ki Khichdi will certainly change your perception of khichdi. One of the best rice dishes of the region, it is served at all standard hotels in Jaipur.
Shahi Gatte: This dish is different from the regular gattes. Also known as Govind gatte, it is prepared by adding nuts and khoya or dried whole milk to the gram flour dumplings before boiling them. Shahi Gatte’s thick spice-laden gravy tastes delicious with ghee-smeared chapattis.
Badam Halwa: Made by cooking almonds, full-fat milk, sugar, cardamom and ghee, this rich dessert comes straight from the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. It’s incredibly velvety texture will leave you craving for more.
Gond Ke Laddu: Different from the well-known churma laddu, Gond ke Laddu is prepared with whole wheat flour, ground sugar, makhaane or puffed lotus seeds, edible gum resin or ‘gond’, and dried fruit. A real treat for dessert lovers.
