Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is celebrated not only for its stunning architecture and beautiful sunsets but also for its incredibly vibrant and diverse street food scene. For any food enthusiast visiting this Rajasthani gem, the local flavours offer an unforgettable culinary adventure. Here is a unique guide to the nine street food delights you absolutely cannot miss.
The Savoury Stars of Udaipur
When the sun sets over Lake Pichola, the streets of Udaipur come alive with the aromas of deep-fried snacks and spicy delicacies. These savoury treats form the backbone of the city's street food culture.
Leading the pack is the legendary Pyaaz Kachori. This isn't your ordinary snack; it's a deep-fried pastry bursting with a fiercely spicy onion masala. It's traditionally served with generous helpings of tangy tamarind or refreshing green chutney, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavour.
Another crowd-puller is the Mirchi Vada, a true test for spice lovers. This popular evening snack features large green chillies that are carefully stuffed with a fiery potato mixture. The stuffed chillies are then dipped in a gram-flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Locals swear by enjoying this fiery treat with a comforting kulhad of masala chai.
For a quick and satisfying bite, Aloo Tikki is a universal favourite. These spiced potato patties are fried until they achieve a beautiful golden crust and are then served with an array of chutneys. Often, they are garnished with papdi and other chaat elements, adding a delightful crunch.
Iconic Rajasthani Specialties
No visit to Udaipur is complete without indulging in the dishes that define Rajasthan itself. These are the flavours that tell the story of the region's rich culinary heritage.
The undisputed king of Rajasthani cuisine is Dal Baati Churma. This iconic dish is a complete meal in itself. It consists of baati, which are hard wheat dumplings that are baked or roasted, and are served with a flavourful dal, or lentil curry. The third component, churma, is a sweet counterpart made from crushed baati that is lovingly mixed with ghee and sugar or jaggery.
A unique variation of the classic kachori is the Hing Kachori. This version gets its distinct and powerful aroma from asafoetida, or hing, which is blended with other spices and a stuffing of dal or potato. It's a flavour experience that is uniquely Rajasthani.
Sweet Endings and Classic Combos
Udaipur's streets cater to every palate, offering everything from comforting breakfast combinations to decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
One of the most beloved food pairings in the city is Poha and Jalebi. The poha is a comforting dish of flattened rice cooked with peanuts and vegetables, often topped with sev or fresh onions. This savoury element is perfectly contrasted with hot, crispy, and syrupy jalebis, making it a classic breakfast or snack combo that defines mornings in Udaipur.
To cool down your palate, Dahi Vada is the perfect choice. This famous street food consists of soft urad dal dumplings that are deep-fried, then soaked in creamy, chilled yogurt. The dish is finished with a drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney, green chutney, and a dusting of spices, creating a symphony of textures and flavours.
No culinary tour of Udaipur is complete without a kulhad of Masala Kulhad Chai. Like in every Indian city, the street chai here is a ritual. Served in traditional clay cups, or kulhads, the tea is flavoured with a robust blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, with the strong, warm aroma of ginger taking centre stage.
Finally, for a truly royal sweet treat, you must try Mawa Kachodi. This is a decadent, sweet version of the kachodi. The dough is filled with a rich mixture of sweetened mawa (milk solid) and dry fruits, deep-fried, and then dunked in fragrant sugar syrup. It is often adorned with silver varq and served at room temperature, making it a truly indulgent end to your street food journey.
