People frequently think of the renowned Bikaneri Bhujia when they hear the name Bikaner. However, this energetic Rajasthani city is much more than just its crunchy snack. Food is an important part of the culture of Bikaner, a city with bustling bazaars, majestic forts, and royal havelis. Bikaner's cuisine has something to offer every traveler, from rich curries and mouthwatering sweets to spicy street snacks. You can book your Bikaner tour packages via the website of Time Traveller India to enjoy these mouthwatering snacks
Here is a list of the well-known dishes to sample during a Bikaner tour if you're organizing a trip.
Without mentioning Bikaneri Bhujia first, it would be impossible to discuss Bikaner. This crunchy snack, which is made from gram flour, moth beans, and a mixture of spices, has made Bikaner a household name. Bikaneri Bhujia is a must-have whether you eat it as a teatime snack, sprinkle it over poha, or bring it back as a memento. To taste it fresh and genuine, stop by the neighborhood stores on Station Road or close to Junagarh Fort.
For those who enjoy kachori, Bikaner is a paradise. There are several versions available here:
These two snacks are a must-have for any food tour because they can be found in practically every Bikaner street-side stall and confectionery.
The Khasta, a crispy, layered pastry typically filled with lentils and spices, is one of Bikaner's lesser-known treats. It pairs well with masala chai and has a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. Every confectionery in Bikaner sells khastas, which are so popular that they frequently sell out by the evening.
Bikaner is well-known for its papads, which the locals even make into curries. Papad ki Sabzi is made by cooking roasted or fried papad in a spicy yogurt gravy. The dish is bursting with flavors despite its simple ingredients, demonstrating how Rajasthani cooking can transform even the most basic pantry items into magical dishes.
As rich as its royal past, Bikaner is known for its sweet treats. Among the must-try ones are:
-Rasgulla, which is soaked in light syrup and is smaller and softer than the Bengali version.
- Ghevar: a honeycomb-like dessert that frequently has dry fruits and malai on top.
- Mohanthal: a rich fudge made with gram flour, cardamom, and ghee.
- Rasgulla ki Sabzi, a peculiar regional creation in which rasgullas are added to a hot curry!
Remember to pack boxes of Bikaneri candies for your relatives and friends back home.
Mangodi ki Sabzi, which is made from sun-dried moong dal dumplings cooked in curry, is another traditional favorite. It is straightforward, filling, and a wonderful example of the inventiveness and thrift of desert cooking. It is a common dish in Bikaner homes, served with roti.
The streets of Bikaner are crowded with food vendors selling the following:
-Gol Gappe (Pani Puri), which is made with potatoes, tangy chutney, and spicy water.
-Chaat: a combination of sev, potatoes, chutneys, and curd.
-Samosas: crispy and packed full of peas and potatoes.
Eating street food in Bikaner's Station Road or Bada Bazaar is an experience in and of itself because of the vibrant atmosphere.
Drink Thandai, a chilled milk beverage flavored with almonds, saffron, rose petals, cardamom, and fennel seeds, to combat the heat of the desert. During festivals like Holi, thandai, which is rich and refreshing, is occasionally infused with bhang. Traditional thandai is served in kulhads, or earthen cups, which enhance its flavor, at a number of neighborhood eateries near Kote Gate.
Gatte ki Sabzi is a mainstay here as well, just like in Jaisalmer, but Bikaner gives it a unique twist with a richer and slightly spicier gravy. Soaking in the yogurt-based curry, the gram flour dumplings produce a tangy yet filling dish that goes well with bajra rotis or steamed rice.
Bikaner has a proud tradition of serving Lal Maas, a spicy mutton curry made with red chilies and spices, despite Rajasthan's predominately vegetarian population. Spice lovers adore this dish, but it's not for the weak of heart. For a daring, memorable dinner, serve it with rice or bajra roti.
A trip to Bikaner wouldn't be complete without sampling a traditional Rajasthani thali. The platter typically consists of bajra roti, pickles, papad, buttermilk, ker sangri, papad ki sabzi, gatte ki sabzi, dal baati churma, and sweets. This meal is a culinary and cultural experience, served in brass plates or silver thalis, and is frequently accompanied by folk music in heritage hotels.
