The warm aroma of spices, ghee, and traditional Rajasthani cuisine greets you as soon as you enter Jaisalmer, the "Golden City" of Rajasthan, in addition to the golden sands and imposing forts. With its delicious blend of traditional dishes, real street food, and royal thalis, Jaisalmer is a foodie's paradise. Without sampling some of the city's well-known cuisine, a visit here would not be complete. If you want to experience the royal taste of Jaisalmer, book your Jaisalmer tour packages through the website of Time Traveller India
This is a list of the well-known dishes to sample while on a Jaisalmer tour.
The essence of Rajasthani cuisine, Dal Baati Churma, must be enjoyed during any trip to Jaisalmer. Sweet churma (crushed baati combined with ghee and jaggery) and spicy dal (lentil curry) are served alongside baati, a hard round bread baked in a clay oven. It's a must-try dish because of the harmony of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This platter, which is frequently served on silver thalis that make you feel like a king or queen, is available at many Jaisalmer restaurants.
Ker Sangri, a traditional dish from the arid Thar desert, is made with dried beans (sangri) and wild berries (ker), cooked with a lot of oil and tangy spices. Because these ingredients withstand the most extreme conditions, the locals refer to it as the desert's gift. When you pair it with bajra roti, you'll experience Rajasthan's authentic rustic flavor.
Gatte ki Sabzi is a revelation for curry enthusiasts. Dumplings made with gram flour (besan) are cooked in a hot yogurt gravy after being boiled and sliced. Rich, tangy, and spicy, the dish goes well with steamed rice or rotis. It is served in practically every Jaisalmer home and restaurant, and it is frequently included in wedding feasts.
Bajra, or pearl millet, is a staple grain in Jaisalmer because of its desert climate. A smear of ghee and a fiery lehsun (garlic) chutney accompany the hot bajra roti. Your taste buds will tingle from the punch of the chutney, which is made with garlic and red chilies. Both locals and tourists love this straightforward yet striking combination.
Mutton Saag, a royal treat prepared by slow-cooking tender mutton pieces in spinach and spices, is available to non-vegetarians at Jaisalmer. The end product is a hearty, earthy, and rich curry that tastes great with rice or bajra roti. This dish is served with a royal flair in many heritage havelis and restaurants.
Makhania Lassi is the best way to beat the heat of the desert. This yogurt-based beverage is thick, creamy, and flavored with cardamom, rose, or saffron. Dry fruits are frequently added on top. This filling and refreshing beverage, which is served in earthen cups called kulhads, is ideal for a midday refreshment while touring the city.
Jaisalmer's sweet treats are equally well-known. Ghotua Ladoo: a ladoo made with gram flour and ghee that is thought to be more than a century old. Mawa Kachori: a dessert variation of kachori filled with dry fruits and mawa (khoya), then dipped in sugar syrup. Churma Ladoo: rich, crumbly ladoos that are typically eaten after meals. These candies are great mementos to take home.
Get a traditional Rajasthani thali if you want to sample all of Jaisalmer's cuisine at once. Dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, bajra roti, rice, papad, pickles, sweets, and buttermilk are typically included on the platter. The majority of heritage hotels serve it royally, complete with live folk music and dance, and it's a healthy, cultural experience.
Delicious street food vendors can be found when strolling through the tiny streets close to Sadar Bazaar and Jaisalmer Fort. Among the must-try snacks are:
These small bites not only fit into any budget, but they also perfectly capture the lively essence of Jaisalmer.
Camel-based cuisine, which has its roots in desert life, is another option for daring foodies in Jaisalmer. Although camel milk is frequently used in tea, lassi, and desserts, camel meat curries are uncommon and typically found in traditional homes. It has a distinct flavor and is regarded as nourishing.