Rajasthan, known for its royal heritage, vibrant culture, and grand forts, also boasts an equally rich culinary tradition. The street food in Rajasthan is a delightful reflection of the state’s colorful character and diverse history. From spicy to sweet, every street corner offers a bite of something unique, leaving an indelible mark on your taste buds.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Rajasthan’s most popular street foods, exploring the best places to find them and the rich history behind each dish.

1. Pyaaz Kachori: The Spicy Snack of Rajasthan

Pyaaz Kachori, a famous snack in Rajasthan, is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy onion mixture. Its crispy exterior and spicy filling make it a must-try for food enthusiasts. Originating in Jodhpur, Pyaaz Kachori quickly spread throughout the state and can now be found in every city, especially Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota.

• Best places to try: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar in Jaipur, Surya Namkeen in Jodhpur
• Ingredients: Flour, onion, spices, and ghee
• Why you’ll love it: The spicy, crispy layers and burst of flavors in every bite

2. Dal Baati Churma: A Traditional Rajasthani Meal

While Dal Baati Churma is traditionally a meal served during festivities and special occasions, it has become a beloved street food in Rajasthan. The dish consists of baati (round, baked bread), dal (lentil curry), and churma (sweetened, crushed baati). Dal Baati Churma is filling and flavorful, showcasing the unique mix of savory and sweet that defines Rajasthani cuisine.

• Best places to try: Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur, Santosh Bhojanalaya in Jodhpur
• Ingredients: Wheat flour, ghee, lentils, jaggery, and spices
• Why you’ll love it: The perfect balance of flavors — the richness of ghee, the savory dal, and the sweet churma

3. Mirchi Bada: A Spicy Delight

For spice lovers, Mirchi Bada is a Rajasthani street food that brings the heat. This snack consists of large green chilies stuffed with a spiced potato filling, dipped in a gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden brown. Originating in Jodhpur, it’s a popular snack throughout the state.

• Best places to try: Shahi Samosa in Jodhpur, Bhagat Misthan Bhandar in Bikaner
• Ingredients: Green chilies, potatoes, gram flour, and spices
• Why you’ll love it: The contrast of crispy batter and the fiery heat of the chili is unforgettable

4. Ghewar: A Sweet Treat for Festivities

Ghewar is a traditional Rajasthani dessert that’s often associated with festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan. This disc-shaped sweet, made from flour, soaked in sugar syrup, and topped with cream or nuts, has a delicate texture and melts in your mouth.

• Best places to try: LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) in Jaipur, Jodhpur Sweets in Jodhpur
• Ingredients: Flour, sugar, ghee, milk, and saffron
• Why you’ll love it: Its crisp yet soft texture, combined with the sweetness of the syrup, makes it a dessert like no other

5. Bhutte Ka Kees: A Corn-Based Snack

Originally from Madhya Pradesh but loved across Rajasthan, Bhutte Ka Kees is a street food made from grated corn cooked with spices, milk, and ghee. It is a light and flavorful snack, often served during the monsoon season.

• Best places to try: Street vendors in Udaipur and Jaipur
• Ingredients: Corn, milk, ghee, green chilies, and mustard seeds
• Why you’ll love it: The mild sweetness of the corn paired with the heat of the spices creates a delicious combination

6. Mawa Kachori: A Sweet Twist on a Savory Classic

Mawa Kachori is a sweet version of the traditional kachori, filled with mawa (sweetened condensed milk) and dried fruits, then fried and soaked in sugar syrup. This sweet treat is unique to Rajasthan and often enjoyed during festivals.

• Best places to try: Jodhpur Sweets in Jodhpur, Kanji Sweets in Bikaner
• Ingredients: Mawa, sugar, flour, and dried fruits
• Why you’ll love it: Its rich, decadent filling combined with the crispy exterior makes it a must-try dessert

7. Bajre Ki Roti with Lahsun Chutney: A Rural Delight

Bajre Ki Roti (millet bread) paired with Lahsun (garlic) Chutney is a staple in rural Rajasthan. This simple yet delicious combination is a reflection of Rajasthan’s agrarian roots. Bajre Ki Roti is made from millet flour and is typically served with spicy garlic chutney, ghee, or yogurt.

• Best places to try: Street vendors in rural areas of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer
• Ingredients: Millet flour, garlic, red chilies, and ghee
• Why you’ll love it: The earthy flavor of millet bread and the intense garlic chutney create a robust flavor profile

8. Kachori: The Savory Snack That Rules Rajasthan

Kachori, a deep-fried pastry filled with lentils or spiced potatoes, is an essential part of Rajasthani street food culture. Whether it’s Pyaaz Kachori, Mawa Kachori, or Dal Kachori, this snack can be found in every nook and cranny of Rajasthan.

• Best places to try: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar in Jaipur, Shahi Samosa in Jodhpur
• Ingredients: Flour, lentils, potatoes, and spices
• Why you’ll love it: Each variation offers something unique, from the savory spices to the sweet mawa filling

9. Jalebi: Crispy and Sweet Perfection

Jalebi, a popular dessert throughout India, holds a special place in Rajasthan’s street food scene. This spiral-shaped sweet is made from deep-fried batter, soaked in sugar syrup, and served hot. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering a perfect end to a savory meal.

• Best places to try: LMB in Jaipur, Gulaab Ji Chaiwala in Jaipur
• Ingredients: Flour, yogurt, sugar, and ghee
• Why you’ll love it: Its crispiness combined with the sweetness of sugar syrup is irresistible

10. Rabri: A Creamy Delight

Rabri, a rich, creamy dessert made from thickened milk, is a beloved treat in Rajasthan. Often garnished with nuts and saffron, Rabri is served cold and is a perfect way to cool off after indulging in Rajasthan’s spicy street food.

• Best places to try: Pushkar’s famous street stalls, Kesar Da Dhaba in Bikaner
• Ingredients: Milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom
• Why you’ll love it: The smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a delightful dessert