4 days ago
Are you travelling to Jaipur? 5 must-try dishes locals can't stop talking about
You never forget the food you grew up with—the scent of ghee lingering on your fingers after breaking open a baati or the delightful burn of that first spoonful of Laal Maans. Jaipur has a magical effect; it envelops you in deep, fiery, and comforting flavors, always tasting like a memory you didn't know you are five dishes that we believe truly capture what Jaipur craves: flavors that shaped the city and continue to resonate with its residents. Some are iconic, while others are reimagined, but all carry a piece of the city's culinary you've lived here forever or are just passing through, these are the flavors locals keep returning to. India Today recently spoke with local Chef Ayush Khandelwal, co-founder of Paro, to uncover these beloved dishes.1. JUNGLEE MAANS KHARI BITESShredded Junglee Maans Khari Biscuit Pickled Onion
All the fire of the original Junglee Maans—once cooked with just red chillies and meat in royal hunting camps—now with a modern, city-style twist. The meat is shredded and slow-cooked until melt-in-the-mouth, served atop flaky khari biscuits. A sharp pickled onion cuts through the richness, giving you a bite that's pure Jaipur.2. BAJRA KHAKRA CHIPSCharred Tomato Espuma Mathania Ghee Mint-Coriander DustIf Jaipur had a signature snack, this would be it—the perfect partner for gossip sessions in Raja Park or evening rooftop drinks. Crisp bajra khakra chips meet smoky tomato espuma, drizzled with warm Mathania ghee and finished with a mint-coriander dust. Rustic, yet dressed up—just like the city itself.3. LAAL MAANSCurd Mutton Mathania Chilli Whole SpicesEvery Jaipurite has a Laal Maans story—a winter dinner, a wedding feast, or that legendary restaurant order no one could finish alone. This version stays true to its roots: fiery Mathania chillies, creamy curd, and whole spices that build layer upon layer of flavour. Bold, proud, and unforgettable.4. DAL BAATI BITESLentil Pt Garlic Chutney Chilli Gel Churma HoneycombDal Baati, but reimagined. All the classic components—dal, baati, lehsun chutney— are compressed into one flavour-packed mouthful. Creamy lentil pt meets the heat of garlic chutney, balanced by a sweet churma honeycomb. Its nostalgia is served with elegance.5. JODHPURI NAANZAFresh Mozzarella Spicy Mutton House Special SaucePart naan, part pizza, and all drama. The Jodhpuri Naanza combines spicy mutton, gooey mozzarella, and a secret sauce with a cult following. Perfect for terrace parties, cricket nights, or when you're simply craving something loud and unapologetically Jaipur, food is a memory, and these five dishes are the kind you'll keep coming back to. Built on everyday favourites with a twist that keeps you hooked, they capture the city's true taste. If you've ever leaned over a street cart for that perfect bite or wandered Bapu Bazaar with snack cravings, you'll know exactly what we mean. And if you haven't—consider this your invitation.- Ends
