When visiting Udaipur, it’s not just the lakes and palaces that stay with you — it’s also the flavors. The city is a gateway to Rajasthan’s legendary cuisine, offering a bold, spicy, and soulful food experience that’s unlike anywhere else in India.
Whether you’re staying at a Budget Hotel in Udaipur close to bustling street food corners or indulging in a Luxury Hotel in Udaipur with curated Rajasthani thalis, the local food will satisfy both your curiosity and your appetite.
1. Dal Baati Churma – The Quintessential Rajasthani Plate
You simply can’t leave Udaipur without tasting Dal Baati Churma. This iconic dish consists of:
Baati: Hard, baked wheat dough balls drenched in ghee
Dal: A flavorful mix of five lentils cooked with spices
Churma: Crushed sweet baati mixed with jaggery or sugar and dry fruits
Served traditionally on large plates, this dish is a symbol of Rajasthan’s resourceful desert cooking.
Where to Try: Krishna Dal Baati Restro, Natraj Dining Hall
2. Gatte ki Sabzi – A Curry of Chickpea Flour Dumplings
This vegetarian favorite features gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt-based curry. It's creamy, comforting, and goes best with hot chapatis or rice. The spiced curd base gives the dish a tangy twist that lingers on the palate.
Try It At: Traditional thali restaurants near Lake Pichola and old city
3. Laal Maas – A Fiery Affair for Meat Lovers
Originating in the royal kitchens, Laal Maas is a hot and spicy mutton curry made with red Mathania chillies, garlic, and whole spices. The fiery color isn’t just for drama—it reflects the boldness of Rajasthani food.
Pro Tip: Enjoy it with bajra (pearl millet) roti or steamed rice, and a glass of buttermilk to cool the spice.
Where to Taste: Tribute, Upre by 1559 AD
4. Ker Sangri – A Desert Vegetable Delight
This unique dish is made from ker (wild berries) and sangri (desert beans), cooked in oil with minimal spices. Originally born out of scarcity, this flavorful preparation is now a Rajasthani delicacy known for its earthy, tangy taste.
Best With: Bajra roti and garlic chutney
Local Secret: You can buy dry ker sangri mix in the bazaars and take it home.
5. Mohan Maas – A Royal Meat Dish
If Laal Maas is fiery, Mohan Maas is subtle and royal. This slow-cooked lamb dish is made in rich milk and cream, with light spices and cardamom, giving it a silky, mildly sweet finish.
Why Try It: It was a favorite of Rajasthani royals during royal banquets.
6. Mirchi Bada and Kachori – Street Food Staples
No walk through Udaipur’s streets is complete without grabbing:
Mirchi Bada: Large green chillies stuffed with potato masala, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried
Pyaaz Kachori: A flaky, spicy stuffed pastry filled with caramelized onions and masala
Both are crispy, filling, and best enjoyed with tamarind chutney.
Top Spots: Jagdish Misthan Bhandar (JMB), Chetak Circle stalls
7. Rajasthani Thali – A Grand Culinary Sampler
If you’re short on time but want to taste everything, go for a Rajasthani Thali. These large platters offer small servings of:
Dal Baati Churma
Gatte ki Sabzi
Ker Sangri
Bajra roti
Rice
Sweets like moong dal halwa or churma laddoo
Best Experiences: Garden Restaurant, Gordhan Thal
8. Rajasthani Sweets – A Sweet End to Every Meal
Udaipur’s sweet offerings are just as rich as its savory ones. Try:
Ghewar: A disc-shaped honeycomb sweet soaked in syrup and topped with rabdi
Mohanthal: A dense sweet made of gram flour and ghee
Malpua: A syrupy pancake, especially popular during festivals
Best Shops: Bhole Misthan, Shastri Circle sweets shops
9. Where to Eat Like a Local
If you're looking to escape fancy hotel restaurants and eat like a local, explore:
Chetak Circle for early morning poha and samosa
Sukhadia Circle for evening snacks and rabdi kulfi
Bapu Bazaar for street chaat and dahi puri
Don’t hesitate to try kulhad chai, served in traditional clay cups!
10. Cooking Classes for Foodies
Want to learn how to make Rajasthani dishes? Udaipur has several cooking classes and homestay kitchens that teach you how to prepare dal baati, laal maas, or gatte ki sabzi — with hands-on experience and personal stories.
Recommended: Shashi’s Cooking Class (old city), Sadhna Women’s Enterprise
Where to Stay for the Best Food Access
Budget Hotel in Udaipur: Stay close to the markets and popular street food hubs for a true culinary adventure.
Luxury Hotel in Udaipur: Indulge in curated Rajasthani thalis and rooftop dining with lake views.
Final Thoughts
Rajasthani food is not just about flavor—it’s about resilience, culture, and celebration. Every dish has a story, every ingredient has a reason, and every bite connects you to the desert land's proud culinary heritage.