What to Eat in Udaipur? Exploring the Flavours of Mewar!
Nestled among shimmering lakes and royal palaces, Udaipur is not only the City of Lakes but also a city of flavours. Its food reflects the rugged Aravallis, the royal kitchens of Mewar, and the ingenious use of local ingredients that turn scarcity into artistry. Every meal here tells a story — of heritage, spice, and hospitality that stretches back centuries.
For those travelling through Udaipur, these seven dishes offer an authentic taste of Mewari culture — hearty, aromatic, and unforgettable.
1. Dal Baati Churma – The Royal Comfort Food of Rajasthan
If there’s one dish that defines Rajasthan, it’s this.
The Dal Baati Churma is a glorious combination of smoky baked wheat balls (baati), spiced lentil curry (dal), and sweetened crushed wheat (churma) drenched in ghee. The baatis, crisp on the outside and soft within, are traditionally cooked over charcoal embers. They give them a rustic flavour that pairs perfectly with the buttery dal.
Where to Try:
Krishna Dal Baati Restro, Surajpole
Santosh Bhojanalaya, near Gulab Bagh
Traditional Thali at Natraj Dining Hall, Bapu Bazaar
Traveller’s Tip: Order a thali version — it comes with papad, garlic chutney, and mirchi ka achar for an authentic kick.
2. Gatte ki Sabzi – A Vegetarian Masterpiece of Spices and Texture
Born out of Rajasthan’s arid lands, Gatte ki Sabzi transforms gram flour dumplings into a soft, spongy delight simmered in a tangy yoghurt-based curry. It’s creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced — the gram flour absorbs the spices while maintaining a firm bite.
Where to Try:
Thali House, near Jagdish Temple
Govinda’s Café, Chetak Circle
Don’t Miss: Try the masala gatta curry version — slightly spicier, with a deeper roasted flavour.
3. Laal Maas – The Fiery Pride of Rajput Kitchens
A dish that speaks of valour and vigour, Laal Maas was once the sustenance of Mewar’s warriors. Tender mutton is slow-cooked in a blend of Mathania red chillies, garlic, and curd, creating a fiery red curry that’s surprisingly balanced and addictive. It’s bold, smoky, and best enjoyed with bajra roti or plain steamed rice.
Where to Try:
Ambrai Restaurant, on Lake Pichola (for the view and authenticity)
1559 AD, near Fateh Sagar Lake
Krishna Dal Baati Restro, for a homely version
Special Tip: Pair it with a glass of chaas (buttermilk) to balance the heat.
4. Ker Sangri – The Desert’s Gift to the Plate
Unique to Rajasthan, Ker Sangri is a combination of wild desert berries (ker) and beans (sangri), sautéed in oil and local spices. Tangy, nutty, and spicy, it’s the kind of dish that defines the resourcefulness of desert cooking. In Udaipur, it’s often served as a side to bajra roti or daal-baati.
Where to Try:
Traditional Meal at Jagat Niwas Palace
Millets of Mewar, a sustainable café that celebrates local ingredients
5. Mirchi Vada and Kachori – The Perfect Street Food Duo
Udaipur’s mornings begin with the sizzling sound of Mirchi Vada being fried in street stalls. These stuffed green chillies, filled with spiced potatoes and coated in gram flour, are golden and crisp outside, fiery inside, and best enjoyed with tangy tamarind chutney.
Pair them with Pyaaz Kachori—flaky pastry stuffed with a spicy onion mixture. Together, they represent Udaipur’s love for bold, fried indulgence.
Where to Try:
JMB (Jodhpur Misthan Bhandar), Chetak Circle
Devi Garh Tea Stall, near Surajpole
6. Rajasthani Thali – A Feast of Mewar on a Plate
If you want to experience everything at once, order a Rajasthani Thali. From spicy curries to tangy chutneys, rotis made of millet, corn, and wheat, and sweets like ghevar and mohanthal — this platter is a celebration of diversity.
Where to Try:
Natraj Dining Hall, Bapu Bazaar
Garden Restaurant, opposite Gulab Bagh
Each thali is a lesson in Mewari hospitality — endless refills, generous ghee, and a smile that insists you eat more.
7. Sweets of Mewar – Where Milk and Sugar Turn into Art
Mewar’s sweet shops are temples of temptation. Try Ghevar (disc-shaped honeycomb sweet soaked in syrup), Mohanthal (gram flour fudge), and Kalakand (crumbly milk cake). Each bite is a balance of texture and flavour — rich yet delicate.
Where to Try:
JMB Sweets, Chetak Circle
Sukhadia Circle Market, known for traditional mithai and modern twists
Bonus: 5 Lesser-Known Traditional Mewari Dishes You Must Try
While these dishes are the stars of every menu, Udaipur hides some culinary secrets worth seeking out:
Aam ki Launji – A sweet-sour mango relish spiced with cumin and chilli, served with roti during summer.
Papad ki Sabzi – Crunchy papads cooked in tangy yoghurt gravy; a unique vegetarian delicacy.
Jhakolma – A traditional wheat dish similar to dumplings, cooked in spiced dal.
Raab – A millet and buttermilk porridge perfect for chilly Udaipur mornings.
Kairi Ka Paani – A cooling raw mango drink flavoured with rock salt and mint, essential for summer travellers.
Why Udaipur’s Cuisine Deserves Attention
Mewari food isn’t just about spice or richness — it’s about balance, adaptation, and respect for the land. Every dish, from the fiery Laal Maas to the humble Ker Sangri, reflects centuries of history, climate, and creativity. For travellers, eating in Udaipur is more than a meal; it’s a tasting legacy.
