There is an unmistakable charm, a romance, in the air around Udaipur’s most iconic lake – Pichola. Almost all the roads of the city lead here and the city’s luxury hotels around the lake are a favorite destination for tourists visiting the city. Udaipur is one of my favorite cities in India and every time I go on a boat ride around Lake Pichola, that love deepens a little bit, especially towards sunset where the Aravallis add to the perfect backdrop. The Palace Hotel in Udaipur is one of the most luxurious hotels in Rajasthan. Here is the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, which has a grand banquet hall and sweeping views of the lake. And then there is the Taj Lake Palace, arguably one of the most romantic hotels in India, located in the heart of Lake Pichola. Built in the 1740s, it was the erstwhile summer palace of the Udaipur Royals. You need a strong reason to get out of this stunning castle. Local food in Udaipur was the perfect excuse I needed to break out of my weekend luxuries, board a boat and explore the local cuisine of Udaipur. I didn’t let the high temperature and humidity of Udaipur’s monsoon season dampen my food trail:
Here are 8 popular local eateries that you must visit in Udaipur:
1. Hot Kachori at Paliwal Restaurant
It was the conversation around the kachoris at the Lake Palace that took me to the Paliwal restaurant. I have always favored the Kachoris of Jodhpur but the local hotel staff swear by this establishment. I tested that local bias and I had to agree. I traded an extensive breakfast buffet at the hotel for these sizzling hot kachoris and was pleasantly surprised. Paliwal comes alive in the morning with a line of locals and tourists who line up not only for their kachoris but also for their sinful jalebis.
Where: Jagdish Mandir Road, Old City.
Paliwal Kachori, Udaipur
2. The Perfect ‘Union’ at JMB Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth like me, Udaipur has a lot to offer. There are many sweet shops that prefer Ghevar and then there are shops like Arora Mitthan Bhandar which serve a scrumptious version of Moong Dal Halwa. But if you have time for just one sweet stop, I would suggest JMB (Jagdish Sweets Bhandar) Sweets. For most locals it is home to ‘Sangam Barfi’, a delicious three-layered dessert crowned with a layer of pistachios. I challenge you to stick with one. The other bestseller here is ‘Diljani’, which is an orange flavored sweet boondi.
Where: Surajpol
3. Falooda in Shaktinagar
The local people know him by the name of Blue ‘Telawala’. He is also known as Karamchandji Faloude Wala. You are unlikely to find a more satisfying dessert anywhere in Udaipur. However you have to be prepared to stand on the street and eat food straight out of a push cart. Many stalls are popular in this area. Another popular falooda adda is Sindhi Falooda Joint in Ashok Nagar which serves a scrumptious Kesar Pista Falooda.
Where: Near Fusion Store in Shaktinagar
4. Lassi Stuffed in Shastri Sweets
There are lassi and there are ‘stuffed’ lassi. The lassi meal in Shastri Mithai definitely belongs to the latter category. rich and layered; This lassi is the perfect antidote to all those spicy kachoris and chaats that you want to try. Another popular ‘fire extinguisher’ is Rabri at Vasudev Doodh Bandar on Bada Bazar Road.
Where: Shastri Circle
Lassi, Shastri Sweets, Udaipur
5. Samosas for Breakfast at Chundawat Restaurant
Ask for the best samosas in Udaipur and you are likely to be pointed towards Chundawat. Known for their samosas, which are usually finished by noon, Chundawat’s unique spice blend sets their samosas apart.
Where: Thokar Chauraha
6. Full hog in Chappan bogie
If you want to try Udaipur’s popular dal baati with churma, Chappan Bhog in Fatehpura is a great option. You have to go there empty stomach and leave your calorie counter at home (or at your hotel) and enjoy dal baati thali.
Where: Big Bazaar Road, Fatehpura
Chappan Bhog, Udaipur
7. Cafe Dining With Lake View
The menu at Zhel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery may be similar to the countless cafes you’ve visited – frapps, sandwiches and comforting pizzas. These thoughts set it apart. This is one of the many cafes located on the banks of Lake Pichola (the lake is near Gangaur Ghat) with spectacular views.
Where: Gangaur Ghat Marg
8. Tea with a Twist in Panditji’s Lemon Tea
It’s not just his fresh lemon tea, most visitors enjoy Panditji’s appearances as he single-handedly churns out one cup of lemon tea after another. Though this is not your regular lemon tea and he will keep you guessing about his secret twist which adds an interesting twist to his lemon tea.
Where: New Fatepura