We were supposed to be in Ajmer for only a day, post which we were to head to Jaipur. The day-long trip was obviously dedicated to a nice and peaceful visit to the iconic Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a Sufi tomb of the revered Sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti located in Khadim Mohalla, Diggi Bazaar. Following instructions of one of our hotel staff, we flocked the Dargah in morning to avoid the rush, and completed our ‘nice and peaceful visit’, just as we had planned. Everything actually, was going by the plan, until the inviting aroma of Chicken Biryani made us, a group of eight, scoot on a bench of a dingy Dhaba situated in close proximity of the Dargah. You can say, we had Biryani for breakfast and it was epic. To satiate our post-biryani sweet cravings, we also headed to the Halwai shop next to the dhaba and feasted on hot Jalebis and packed some Sohan Halwa for our journey. If you ever visit Ajmer, try to keep a day or a half for exploring the foodie side of the city, for you really are in for a surprise. Ajmer’s street food fare is all things vibrant and diverse. Here are a few that should be on your bucket list.
1. Biryani
This had to top our list. The Biryani found on the streets may be all things heavy and wholesome, but super light on pocket. Served straight from the aluminum Degchi to your plate, this classic dish is made with long grain Basmati rice and meat, where one grain is usually off white, while the other has a lovely orange hue. If you are craving Biryani right now, here's a recipe.
2. Sohan Halwa
Sohan Halwa is a dense, sweet confection made with milk, flour, sugar and loads of ghee. Even though it is categorised as a ‘Halwa’, it appears much like a thick biscuit. The lovely golden colour of the halwa and the crunchy nuts can impress just about anyone. A recipe if you are craving Sohan Halwa right now.
3. Doodh Jalebi
Crispy jalebis mixed with milk is a refreshing medley of textures and flavours you must try once. In many places in Ajmer, you can find a peculiar combo of the two, where the hot jalebis are crushed and served in a kullhad filled with milk, which is further topped with malai and nuts. Drooling much?
4. Kachori Kadi
This is not the Kadi that you are imagining. There is no trace of yogurt or besan in this super hot curry that may or may not have potatoes but has heaps of red chillies. Kachori is a puffed pastry, crisp and golden fried. It may be stuffed with a bold mixture of lentils or onions. The Kachori used in Kachori Kadi is mostly the lentil variety. These Kachoris are crushed and served in the curry with the topping of chopped onions and masalas.
5. Saakhe
Looks like a Mathri, but is much crispier. Saakhe can also be found in shapes of Namak Pare. This savoury snack is like a very crispy biscuit. In some places you, you can also find Saakhe dunked in Kadhi, or a fiery curry. A must try.