We all know how much Sara Ali Khan enjoys her food. Almost every interview of hers has a little section dedicated to food. As food writers, it’s always a pleasure for us to see people who truly enjoy food and love talking about it. Not just talking about it, Sara is very fond of posting the foods she eats on her travels around the world. We remember photos of some sumptuous food she has eaten around the world: a 12-course Korean meal in London that had fried chicken, tempura, kimchi, dim sum, and so much more; caramelized bananas with sesame seeds and ice cream; gorgeous pizzas ("the pizza life chose me"); a decadent looking cheesecake at Il Burro Tuscan Bistro Dubai; Turkish food including kebobs in Amsterdam; and countless other pictures of food from around the world.
Sara seems to be in Udaipur at the moment, where she is on holiday with her mother, Amrita Singh. It looks like they are at the Lake Palace, which, as you know, was famously also used as a shooting location in Octopussy, a James Bond film. Now, when in Udaipur, how can you ignore the food there? Sara posted a photo of a thali overflowing with Rajasthani goodness. And we thought this was as good a time as any to tell you all about the best places to eat the best food in Udaipur, the Venice of the East.
1. Uprè by 1559 AD
1559 is already a famous brand in Udaipur. Almost a hundred years old, the place is a well-known institution in Udaipur. Uprè, started by Arjun Shaktawat in 1559, has managed to replicate the success of 1559. Dungaar Maas, Khargosh Keema, Kebabs, and, of course, Lal Maas are the most popular dishes at Upre among locals and visitors alike.
Address: Roof Top Hotel, Lake Pichola Road, Outside Chand Pole, Lake Pichola, Udaipur 313001
2. Khamma Ghani
Khamma Ghani, located near the Rang Sagar Lake, is one of the more common pitstops on the culinary journey within Udaipur. Khamma Ghani is well-known for both its vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings and looks especially beautiful at night.
Address: No. 53, Near Hotel Natural Lake View, Rang Sagar, Ambamata, Udaipur 313001
3. Ambrai
Ambrai at the Amet Haveli is widely acknowledged as the best restaurant in Udaipur, and certainly a restaurant with the best location. The view of Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Gangaur Ghat, Lal Ghat and even the Sajjangarh Fort together make it seem like an almost dream sequence played out in real life.
Address: Hanuman Ghat Road, Outside Chandpole, Ambamata, Udaipur 313001
4. Sheesh Mahal
Set in the iconic Leela Palace Hotel, this is a favorite with those who have a somewhat heavier wallet than others. On the top floor of the eatery, you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake while indulging in an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Epicureans highly recommend ordering their Bhutte ke Govind Gatte, Murg ka Mokul, Dahi ke Kebab, Tabak Maas, and Rofta-e-Sheesh Mahal dishes.
Address: The Leela Palace, Lake Pichola, Udaipur 313001
5. Natraj Dining Hall
For every 5-star Leela-like dining experience, one cannot miss out on authentic, not 5-star but still exquisite, dining experiences such as Natraj Dining Hall. Located near the railway station, Natraj is synonymous with Dal Bati Churma. While the restaurant is known for its Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis, there are also other kinds of cuisines on offer.
Address: 22-24, City Station Road, Railway Station Road, Udaipur 313001
6. Millets of Mewar
Udaipur can get a bit heavy on the stomach. So, if you want to live a healthy lifestyle in Udaipur but believe you have no options, you are mistaken. In the International Year of the Millet, head over to Millets of Mewar, where you will happily find even vegan and gluten-free options.
Address: Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, 25, Sajjan Vihar, Near Biological Park, Udaipur 313001
7. Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar and Bakery
Located near the famous Bagore ki Haveli and Gangaur Ghat, Jheel’s is the place to be if you just want to grab a pizza and read your book by the lake. They have two sections. The rooftop is naturally our preference. But do be warned: weekends are usually very busy.
Address: 52, Jheel Guest House, 56, Gangaur Ghat Marg, Udaipur 313001
Udaipur’s reputation as one of the country’s most beautiful cities is well-earned. And living up to this reputation is also just how strong the culinary scene of the city is. So, make like Sara Ali Khan and head on over to Udaipur and eat a thali or two!