Udaipur, often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” is not only renowned for its breathtaking palaces and serene waters but also for its rich and diverse culinary landscape. The city’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of traditional Rajasthani flavors and contemporary culinary innovations. This guide will take you through the most delicious eats in Udaipur, ensuring that your gastronomic journey is as memorable as its stunning vistas.
Start your culinary adventure with a visit to the local street food stalls. One cannot talk about the best food in Udaipur without mentioning its iconic street food. A must-try is the famous dal baati churma, a quintessential Rajasthani dish. The baati, a hard wheat roll, is traditionally baked and served with a savory lentil dish known as dal, complemented by churma, a sweet crumble made from crushed baati, ghee, and sugar. Head to Santosh Dal Baati Churma on Lake Palace Road for an authentic taste.
For those with a sweet tooth, Jagdish Misthan Bhandar is a haven. Located near the Jagdish Temple, this sweet shop is renowned for its wide array of traditional Rajasthani sweets. Indulge in ghewar, a disc-shaped sweet made from flour, ghee, and sugar syrup, often adorned with mawa (condensed milk) and dry fruits. Another favorite is malpua, a pancake-like dessert soaked in sugar syrup and served with rabri, a thickened sweet milk.
Exploring Udaipur’s culinary delights wouldn’t be complete without trying its famous street-side snacks. Stop by Sukhadia Circle for an assortment of chaats and other street food staples. From pani puri to bhel puri and kachoris, this bustling spot offers a variety of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
For a more upscale dining experience, Udaipur boasts several fine-dining restaurants that showcase the best of Rajasthani cuisine. One such place is Ambrai, located on the banks of Lake Pichola. With a view that is as enchanting as its menu, Ambrai offers dishes like laal maas, a fiery red meat curry that is a staple of Rajasthani cuisine, and ker sangri, a traditional dish made from desert beans and capers. The restaurant’s ambiance, coupled with its delectable food, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.
Another notable mention is 1559 AD, a restaurant that combines history with culinary excellence. Housed in a building dating back to the year it’s named after, 1559 AD serves an array of traditional and contemporary dishes. Their murgh ka swaad, a chicken dish marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection, is highly recommended. Pair it with their extensive wine list for an exquisite meal.
When talking about the best food in Udaipur, one cannot overlook the role of hotels in enhancing the city’s culinary scene. Many of the Best Hotel in Udaipur house restaurants that are destinations in their own right. The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Udaipur, for instance, offers an exceptional dining experience. Their in-house restaurant presents a menu that features both local Rajasthani dishes and global cuisines, prepared with the freshest ingredients and utmost care. Whether you are a guest at the hotel or just visiting for a meal, the culinary offerings at Howard Johnson are sure to leave a lasting impression.
For those who enjoy a combination of good food and great views, the rooftop restaurants in Udaipur provide the perfect setting. Upre, located atop Lake Pichola Hotel, offers stunning views of the lake and the cityscape. The restaurant specializes in a variety of cuisines, but their Rajasthani thali is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike. The thali, a platter offering a little bit of everything, includes dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and papad ki sabzi, ensuring you get a taste of multiple flavors in one meal.
Another rooftop gem is Hari Garh Restaurant, which also provides a panoramic view of Lake Pichola. Known for its warm hospitality and delicious food, the restaurant’s menu features a mix of Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes. However, their Rajasthani offerings, like ker sangri and gatta curry, stand out and are a must-try.
To round off your culinary tour of Udaipur, make sure to visit a traditional Rajasthani thali restaurant. Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant is famous for its unlimited thali, where you can relish a variety of dishes in a single meal. The flavors are rich, and the portions are generous, making it a perfect spot to experience the essence of Rajasthani hospitality and cuisine.
Udaipur’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its cultural heritage. From street food stalls to fine-dining restaurants and everything in between, the city offers a plethora of options that cater to every palate. Whether you’re staying at one of the best hotels in Udaipur like the Howard Johnson or exploring the local eateries, the flavors of Udaipur are sure to captivate and delight you. So, embark on this gastronomic journey and discover the best food that Udaipur has to offer.
