If you've ever visited Jaipur, you know that the city is renowned for its delicious street food. India is known for its rich and varied cuisine, and Jaipur is no exception. Here, you'll find a range of local dishes that are packed full of flavor and will leave you wanting more. In this article, we'll explore the delicious delights of Jaipur's street food scene, the best dishes to try, the history and culture of the city's street food scene, and some tips for eating street food in India. So, let's dive in!
What is Jaipur's Street Food scene?
Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" due to its distinctive color scheme, and it's also renowned for its bustling street food scene. The city is home to a range of street food vendors, serving up delicious dishes to hungry locals and visitors alike.
Street food vendors have been a part of the city for centuries, offering up tasty dishes that have been passed down through the generations.
The best street food in Jaipur
From spicy curries to tangy chutneys, sweet desserts to crunchy snacks, there's something for everyone.
Here are some of the best dishes to try in Jaipur:
• Laal Maas: Laal Maas is a spicy curry that's popular all over India, but it's particularly popular in Jaipur. The dish is made with spicy red chilies, and it's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
• Pyaaz Kachori: This is a popular snack in Jaipur, and it's made with deep-fried pastry filled with onions and spices.
• Mirchi Vada: This is another popular snack in Jaipur, and it's made with deep-fried chilies filled with a spicy potato filling.
• Malpua: This is a sweet dessert that's popular all over India, and it's particularly popular in Jaipur. The dish is made with a sweet batter fried in ghee, and it's served with syrup or honey.
• Rajasthani thali: This is a popular dish in Jaipur, and it's a great way to sample a range of local dishes. It's usually served with a range of curries, chutneys, and rotis.
• Aloo Tikki: This is a popular snack in Jaipur, and it's made with potato patties that are deep-fried and served with chutneys.
• Paneer tikka: This is a popular dish in Jaipur, and it's made with chunks of paneer that are marinated in spices and grilled.
• Kulfi: This is a popular Jaipur dessert that is a creamy ice cream flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater.
Street Food Hotspots in Jaipur
Jaipur is home to a range of street food vendors, and there are some hotspots that are particularly popular. Here are some of the best street food hotspots in Jaipur:
1. Golgappa at Chawla's and Nand’s: These spicy delights (spicy, flavored water filled with dough balls), also known as puchka and paani-puri, are out of this world. Nand and Chawla's serves up the best golgappa in all of Jaipur. An assortment of chutneys, both sweet and savory, is at your disposal.
2. Tripolia Bazaar: This is one of the most popular street food hotspots in Jaipur, and it's a great place to sample some of the city's best dishes. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, there's something for everyone.
3. Pyaaz Kachori at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar: If you're looking for something delicious to eat in Jaipur, you absolutely must visit Rawat Mishthan Bhandar and order some Pyaaz Kachori. They don't just sell pyaaz kachori, though; they have nearly 50 different kinds of candy. Other options include samosas, mirchi-vadas, aloo bondas, and dal kachori.
4. Chaura Rasta: This is another popular street food hotspot in Jaipur, and it's a great place to sample some of the city's best dishes. The best tea in Jaipur, known as "Sahu Chai," can be found here.
5. Cafe Al Bake's Famous Kaathi Roll: Located in what has become known as "Chicken Paradise," Al Bake serves a wide variety of chicken dishes, from shawarma to tikka. This spot is famous for its Kaathi rolls and can be found on MI Road. It's a hotspot for young people and stays open until midnight, making it a convenient hangout option.
6. Chokhi Dhani: This is a popular tourist destination that offers a taste of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. You can try dishes such as dal baati churma, bajre ki roti, and gatte ki sabji.
7. Masala Chowk: Jaipur's newest open-air food court, Masala Chowk, can be found in the park's Ram Niwas Garden. Samosa, Jalebi, Gol Gappa, Chole Bhature, Tea, Mishri Mawa, and even South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa and Utthappa can all be found at this tourist trap, which has become a favorite hangout spot for locals.
8. Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar: Located in the heart of the city, LMB is a popular street food destination that serves a variety of dishes, including chaat, samosas, and biryani.
9. Rawat Kachori Bhandar: This is a popular street food joint that serves delicious kachoris (deep-fried dough balls filled with spicy lentils or vegetables) and samosas.
10. Pandit's Pav Bhaji: Visitors and locals alike flock to Pandit's Pav Bhaji stall, which is situated close to the Birla Mandir and serves up freshly made, spicy pav bhaji doused in butter. This delicious fare is offered at a price that won't break the bank.
11. Choti Chaupar: Located in the old part of the city, this is a popular street food destination that serves a variety of dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and chaat.
12. Sindhi Camp: This is a popular street food destination that serves a variety of dishes such as gol gappe, chaat, and biryani.
Jaipur is renowned for its delicious street food, and it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. So, if you're planning a trip to Jaipur, don't forget to sample some of the city's irresistible street food. You'll be well rewarded!