I spent the past 15-20 days going around Rajasthan, which also happens to be the state I hail from. Rajasthan, as a state is extremely famous for its palaces, forts, Rajputs, dance, jewelry, colors, Balika Vadhus, peacocks, clothes, dead Black buck killed by Salman Khan, desert, Ila Arun aka India's megaphone, etc. Rajasthan flows through every fiber of my being, my blood, and most importantly, my digestive system. The variety of food available here boggles your mind, and tempts your gustatory organs. The same delicacy is cooked in different parts, over the topography of the state, and even if it's prepared the same way, it would still entice your taste buds all the same. The point is, I'm an extreme 'Chatori' and I believe that we should live to eat. Also, as much as we all love to frequent elite places for sophisticated dining, I believe street-food is irreplaceable.So, based on my travels, here is a small compilation of the foodstuffs from Aapno Desh, that totally blew my mind!
1. Panipuri/Golgappe at Famous Chat Bhandar (Jaipur)
Located right opposite to the National Handloom, amongst the small clutter of thelas and gaadis at Vidyadhar Nagar, is a young man named Raj, who spreads happiness in the form of, what happens to be the best street food ever. Panipuri is known more popularly, as "Pani ki Pataashi" in Rajasthan, and they serve two variants of pooris, i.e., flour and semolina. Filled with delicious mashed potatoes and onions (no ragda, period) and flavorful paani tasting beautifully of raw mangoes and mint, these little bombs of chatkaaras are absolutely refreshing! If you wish to continue your food journey, gorge on delicious Aloo Chole Tikiya, Dahi Wadas and Papdi Chaat at the adjacent stalls, and calm the monsters in your tummy!
2. Kachori Chaat at Bhajanlal Kachoriwala (Salasar)
When I say Kachori Chaat, I mean it, that it's a proper chaat and not just pure regular Kachori. Mr. Bhajanlal has been running this thela at a chouraha near the Patanjali Store for the past 19 years, and the number of people you'll see here is crazy! Salasar is a place eminent for it's Hanuman Temple, but if you happen to visit this place, or even remotely pass through it, you dare not miss this man! The kachoris have an outer crispy shell made of flour, and are filled on the inside with a masala of minced onions and chilies, which ignite a total firecracker in your mouth. Once deep fried till they're beautifully golden, they are cut into small pieces and topped with a delicious black chickpea gravy. Based on your preference, they are spiced and topped with mouth watering chutneys of garlic and tamarind. The final ingredient of brilliance is fresh dahi, and the combination of all the above things is among the most beautiful things you'll ever taste! We were here at 8 in the morning, and people were already queuing up to grab a bite, and Mr. Bhajanlal is extremely hospitable and attends to you even after he's done serving, adding spoonfuls of extra toppings, as and when you demand. Also, if you desire for a garam chai ki pyaali, there is a tea stall neighbouring to it.
3. Kesariya Pedha at Sanjay Mishthan Bhandar (Chirawa)
If you are a yeda, who loves their pedha, this is one thing you just cannot miss! Every marwari person, in his life, has at least once had this extremely famous oval shaped ball of mawa, with two khaddas, in it, topped with dry fruits and cardamom seeds. Available in two varieties, plain and saffron-infused!
4. Rasgullas at Bikaner Sweets House and Agarwal Mishthan Bhandar (Bikaner)
The city, more popularly known for its Bhujiya over the world, has a wide variety of delicacies to offer. Also, rosogolla is called rasgulla here, in shuddh hindi, is an absolute must-have! Both these shops are located at a stone's throw from each other, and I'd suggest you check out both and select your pick of farsan from their respective collections. And don't forget to have an evening filled with their mirchi wadas and samosas!
5. Kachoris at the market (Jodhpur)
During our trip, we heard legends about the kachoris at Jodhpur, and the place didn't disappoint one bit. The market has so many shops that dish out hot kachoris, which are bigger than the size of your palm! Do not forget to try the Mogar (Dal), Pyaaz and Mawa Kachoris here! Also, the best accompaniment to the savory kachori is warm jalebi being served, right out of simmering hot oil!
Also, the panipuriwallahs in Jodhpur serve three varieties of pooris, i.e, plain (golden), tomato (red/orange) and pudina (green). How cool is that?!
6. Pav Bhaji and soda at Pandit Pav Bhaji (Jaipur)
Right opposite the beautiful Birla Temple, on Takht-e-Shahi road, is Chaat Paradise Maximus! There are roughly around 20 stalls, all selling themselves under the name of Pandit, who has somewhat been the pioneer of Pav Bhaji in Jaipur. The original Pandit, uses the prefix "Puraana" to distinguish himself from the rest. Dig in your dish filled with mouth-watering pav bhaji with tons of butter, and sip intermediately on some refreshing masala soda to cool your senses. also the panipuri available here is totally try-worthy!
7. Barfi from Vijayvargiya Mishthan Bhandar (Chomu)
Chomu, here, is not an adjective popularized by Ranbir Kapoor from Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, but a village located on the fringes of Jaipur, and the barfi here is something all travelers pick up, on their way to The Pink City. There are mithais, and then there is this! It looks extremely plain,being rhomboid shaped, and white in colour. But the taste, is so simple, and so fresh, that it transports you to a beautiful place in your own head, and that is what makes it so brilliant. Also, Chomu is also famous for a particular namkeen, which has fried dal and sev, and is extremely light and yummy.
8. Sugarcane Juice at Sukhadiya Circle (Udaipur)
Right outside the fence of this very popular sightseeing spot, are infinite number of chaat places and juicewallahs, and you can pick up any stall you like, since prices are more or less the same. One glass of the most common juice on the planet will cost you a cheap 20 bucks, and the size will be as big as a Punjaabi pehelwaan's daily dose of lassi! While you're here you can also grab a bite and taste dal pakodis, ragda patties and parathas at other stalls.
9. Gunjhiya at Amber (Jaipur)
Amber (pronounced as Ah-Mer) as most tourists know, is the most eminent fort in Jaipur. However, there is a small township on the hillock surrounding the fort, and the entire region is collectively addressed as Amber by localites. In this small historic settlement, there are various shops selling small soft sweetmeats called gunjhiya (not Gujhiya which is a fried shell containing a couscous filling), that are so soft, that sometimes two pieces coalesce into one, and you can't tell the difference.
10. Kesariya Chai at Kanji (Nagaur)
Nagaur, a district famous for it's cattle and Nilgai, is a beautiful city that we happened to pass through en route Pushkar. Their saffron spiced chai is extremely rich with loads of pure non-skimmed, fat containing milk.
11. Malai Ghewar and Mawa kachoris at Rawat (Jaipur)
A lot has already been said about kachoris in the state, but foodies swear by the taste of Kachoris at Rawat. Marwaris all over Mumbai get parcels of Mawa Kachori from this place, and the place, till date has lived up to its hype! Ghewar is a plate-sized disc of all purpose flour soaked in sugar syrup and topped with dry fruits, and has porosities all over like a honey comb. It is traditionally associated with festivals such as Teej and Gangaur, and my mother likes to call it Rajasthani cake, thanks to the size and shape. Malai Ghewar is the rich brother of the ordinary Ghewar, and comes with a thick layer of condensed milk which translates to more fat. I prefer plain Ghewar, and just by the way, that tastes awesome with Maple/Chocolate syrup poured all over it,too!
12. Thali at Brahma Bhoj (Udaipur)
In case you've had enough of Rajasthan in your gastrointestinal tract and are longing for some humble ghar ka khaana, this is the place to go to. The place is pure vegetarian, like most other places mentioned above, but the carnivores amongst us didnt seem to complain at all. The food is simple, wholesome and maa ke haath jaisa.
13. Lassi at Lassiwala (Jaipur)
Located in Bapu Bazaar, people literally mob outside this place to grab a sip in cute earthenware glasses, which is already served malaai maar ke. They make their lassi by churning in the ancient machinery right in front of your eyes, and not modern machines. There are usually pani-patashiwallahs, and tikiyawallahs standing right outside the store, in case you need a spice lift. Also, don't forget to try the malai kulfi and rabdi here!
14. Dal Baati Choorma at a local dhaba (Ranakpur)
Ranakpur is a small quaint spot hidden amidst hills full of natural green bounty, and monkeys. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Jains, and the temple here is one of the most magnificent works of architecture and carving. On the exit route, lies pure heaven, in terms of food. Dal-Baati-Choorma, is the most essential Rajasthani staple, and the one that we had a tiny local Dhaba here was the best we tasted over the entire perimeter of the state. The menu barely consists 10 odd items and they have a thaali system. Baatis are doughballs that are slow cooked over the flame and served with oodles of ghee to soften their core. In this case, the baatis served to us were cooked directly over a chulha(earthen stove), which gave them a rustic taste and appeal. Baati is usually eaten with dal, and this place serves dal in a pot with a ladle, so that you can help yourself as much, and as many times as you like. The tadka is the most integral part, and the dal tastes beautifully of fried onions, tomatoes, chilies and cumin. Sometimes, there is gatte ki sabzi served in posh restaurants alongside dal-baati. Choorma is ground wheat, crushed and cooked with ghee and sugar/jaggery, and is a specialty of the state. It may be served in a powdered form, or as laddoos. A plate of choorma costed a measly 10 bucks here, and you can also add ghee over the top again, in case you want to. The best accompaniment to have here is garlic chutney and diced onions with a dash of lemon. Order a plate of masala khichiya while you wait for your order to be placed on the table, and sip on cool buttermilk to beat the Rajasthani heat. Also, don't forget to bargain and settle your bill properly, since they try to make the most out of tourist pockets!
THERE IS NO LOVE GREATER THAN THE LOVE FOR FOOD.
BURP!
ABHI TOH, PADHAARO MHAARE DES?
1. Panipuri/Golgappe at Famous Chat Bhandar (Jaipur)
Located right opposite to the National Handloom, amongst the small clutter of thelas and gaadis at Vidyadhar Nagar, is a young man named Raj, who spreads happiness in the form of, what happens to be the best street food ever. Panipuri is known more popularly, as "Pani ki Pataashi" in Rajasthan, and they serve two variants of pooris, i.e., flour and semolina. Filled with delicious mashed potatoes and onions (no ragda, period) and flavorful paani tasting beautifully of raw mangoes and mint, these little bombs of chatkaaras are absolutely refreshing! If you wish to continue your food journey, gorge on delicious Aloo Chole Tikiya, Dahi Wadas and Papdi Chaat at the adjacent stalls, and calm the monsters in your tummy!
2. Kachori Chaat at Bhajanlal Kachoriwala (Salasar)
When I say Kachori Chaat, I mean it, that it's a proper chaat and not just pure regular Kachori. Mr. Bhajanlal has been running this thela at a chouraha near the Patanjali Store for the past 19 years, and the number of people you'll see here is crazy! Salasar is a place eminent for it's Hanuman Temple, but if you happen to visit this place, or even remotely pass through it, you dare not miss this man! The kachoris have an outer crispy shell made of flour, and are filled on the inside with a masala of minced onions and chilies, which ignite a total firecracker in your mouth. Once deep fried till they're beautifully golden, they are cut into small pieces and topped with a delicious black chickpea gravy. Based on your preference, they are spiced and topped with mouth watering chutneys of garlic and tamarind. The final ingredient of brilliance is fresh dahi, and the combination of all the above things is among the most beautiful things you'll ever taste! We were here at 8 in the morning, and people were already queuing up to grab a bite, and Mr. Bhajanlal is extremely hospitable and attends to you even after he's done serving, adding spoonfuls of extra toppings, as and when you demand. Also, if you desire for a garam chai ki pyaali, there is a tea stall neighbouring to it.
3. Kesariya Pedha at Sanjay Mishthan Bhandar (Chirawa)
If you are a yeda, who loves their pedha, this is one thing you just cannot miss! Every marwari person, in his life, has at least once had this extremely famous oval shaped ball of mawa, with two khaddas, in it, topped with dry fruits and cardamom seeds. Available in two varieties, plain and saffron-infused!
4. Rasgullas at Bikaner Sweets House and Agarwal Mishthan Bhandar (Bikaner)
The city, more popularly known for its Bhujiya over the world, has a wide variety of delicacies to offer. Also, rosogolla is called rasgulla here, in shuddh hindi, is an absolute must-have! Both these shops are located at a stone's throw from each other, and I'd suggest you check out both and select your pick of farsan from their respective collections. And don't forget to have an evening filled with their mirchi wadas and samosas!
5. Kachoris at the market (Jodhpur)
During our trip, we heard legends about the kachoris at Jodhpur, and the place didn't disappoint one bit. The market has so many shops that dish out hot kachoris, which are bigger than the size of your palm! Do not forget to try the Mogar (Dal), Pyaaz and Mawa Kachoris here! Also, the best accompaniment to the savory kachori is warm jalebi being served, right out of simmering hot oil!
Also, the panipuriwallahs in Jodhpur serve three varieties of pooris, i.e, plain (golden), tomato (red/orange) and pudina (green). How cool is that?!
6. Pav Bhaji and soda at Pandit Pav Bhaji (Jaipur)
Right opposite the beautiful Birla Temple, on Takht-e-Shahi road, is Chaat Paradise Maximus! There are roughly around 20 stalls, all selling themselves under the name of Pandit, who has somewhat been the pioneer of Pav Bhaji in Jaipur. The original Pandit, uses the prefix "Puraana" to distinguish himself from the rest. Dig in your dish filled with mouth-watering pav bhaji with tons of butter, and sip intermediately on some refreshing masala soda to cool your senses. also the panipuri available here is totally try-worthy!
7. Barfi from Vijayvargiya Mishthan Bhandar (Chomu)
Chomu, here, is not an adjective popularized by Ranbir Kapoor from Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, but a village located on the fringes of Jaipur, and the barfi here is something all travelers pick up, on their way to The Pink City. There are mithais, and then there is this! It looks extremely plain,being rhomboid shaped, and white in colour. But the taste, is so simple, and so fresh, that it transports you to a beautiful place in your own head, and that is what makes it so brilliant. Also, Chomu is also famous for a particular namkeen, which has fried dal and sev, and is extremely light and yummy.
8. Sugarcane Juice at Sukhadiya Circle (Udaipur)
Right outside the fence of this very popular sightseeing spot, are infinite number of chaat places and juicewallahs, and you can pick up any stall you like, since prices are more or less the same. One glass of the most common juice on the planet will cost you a cheap 20 bucks, and the size will be as big as a Punjaabi pehelwaan's daily dose of lassi! While you're here you can also grab a bite and taste dal pakodis, ragda patties and parathas at other stalls.
9. Gunjhiya at Amber (Jaipur)
Amber (pronounced as Ah-Mer) as most tourists know, is the most eminent fort in Jaipur. However, there is a small township on the hillock surrounding the fort, and the entire region is collectively addressed as Amber by localites. In this small historic settlement, there are various shops selling small soft sweetmeats called gunjhiya (not Gujhiya which is a fried shell containing a couscous filling), that are so soft, that sometimes two pieces coalesce into one, and you can't tell the difference.
10. Kesariya Chai at Kanji (Nagaur)
Nagaur, a district famous for it's cattle and Nilgai, is a beautiful city that we happened to pass through en route Pushkar. Their saffron spiced chai is extremely rich with loads of pure non-skimmed, fat containing milk.
11. Malai Ghewar and Mawa kachoris at Rawat (Jaipur)
A lot has already been said about kachoris in the state, but foodies swear by the taste of Kachoris at Rawat. Marwaris all over Mumbai get parcels of Mawa Kachori from this place, and the place, till date has lived up to its hype! Ghewar is a plate-sized disc of all purpose flour soaked in sugar syrup and topped with dry fruits, and has porosities all over like a honey comb. It is traditionally associated with festivals such as Teej and Gangaur, and my mother likes to call it Rajasthani cake, thanks to the size and shape. Malai Ghewar is the rich brother of the ordinary Ghewar, and comes with a thick layer of condensed milk which translates to more fat. I prefer plain Ghewar, and just by the way, that tastes awesome with Maple/Chocolate syrup poured all over it,too!
12. Thali at Brahma Bhoj (Udaipur)
In case you've had enough of Rajasthan in your gastrointestinal tract and are longing for some humble ghar ka khaana, this is the place to go to. The place is pure vegetarian, like most other places mentioned above, but the carnivores amongst us didnt seem to complain at all. The food is simple, wholesome and maa ke haath jaisa.
13. Lassi at Lassiwala (Jaipur)
Located in Bapu Bazaar, people literally mob outside this place to grab a sip in cute earthenware glasses, which is already served malaai maar ke. They make their lassi by churning in the ancient machinery right in front of your eyes, and not modern machines. There are usually pani-patashiwallahs, and tikiyawallahs standing right outside the store, in case you need a spice lift. Also, don't forget to try the malai kulfi and rabdi here!
14. Dal Baati Choorma at a local dhaba (Ranakpur)
Ranakpur is a small quaint spot hidden amidst hills full of natural green bounty, and monkeys. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Jains, and the temple here is one of the most magnificent works of architecture and carving. On the exit route, lies pure heaven, in terms of food. Dal-Baati-Choorma, is the most essential Rajasthani staple, and the one that we had a tiny local Dhaba here was the best we tasted over the entire perimeter of the state. The menu barely consists 10 odd items and they have a thaali system. Baatis are doughballs that are slow cooked over the flame and served with oodles of ghee to soften their core. In this case, the baatis served to us were cooked directly over a chulha(earthen stove), which gave them a rustic taste and appeal. Baati is usually eaten with dal, and this place serves dal in a pot with a ladle, so that you can help yourself as much, and as many times as you like. The tadka is the most integral part, and the dal tastes beautifully of fried onions, tomatoes, chilies and cumin. Sometimes, there is gatte ki sabzi served in posh restaurants alongside dal-baati. Choorma is ground wheat, crushed and cooked with ghee and sugar/jaggery, and is a specialty of the state. It may be served in a powdered form, or as laddoos. A plate of choorma costed a measly 10 bucks here, and you can also add ghee over the top again, in case you want to. The best accompaniment to have here is garlic chutney and diced onions with a dash of lemon. Order a plate of masala khichiya while you wait for your order to be placed on the table, and sip on cool buttermilk to beat the Rajasthani heat. Also, don't forget to bargain and settle your bill properly, since they try to make the most out of tourist pockets!
THERE IS NO LOVE GREATER THAN THE LOVE FOR FOOD.
BURP!
ABHI TOH, PADHAARO MHAARE DES?
Yayyyy... !!
ReplyDeleteThis was "amazeballs" Krits!! ;)
Indeed food is an integral part of any road trip, and so it was ours.
Luckily, our tongue tips were well satiated with a vareity of marwari food.
Well written dear, I could do wow n yumm after reading your descriptions... :)
#foodporn ;)
Thanks Arch!
DeleteYayyyy... !!
ReplyDeleteThis was "amazeballs" Krits!! ;)
Indeed food is an integral part of any road trip, and so it was ours.
Luckily, our tongue tips were well satiated with a vareity of marwari food.
Well written dear, I could do wow n yumm after reading your descriptions... :)
#foodporn ;)