As much as Rajasthan is famous for its beautiful palaces, majestic forts and colorful folk dances, the state is also a food lover’s paradise. As I write this post, my heart is longing for all the Rajasthani sweets I have grown up eating!
Rajasthani cuisine has a variety of delicious and lip smacking sweets and snacks. So, if you have a sweet tooth, try out “Makhaniya Lassi” or “Mawa ni Kachori“; if you are a brave heart and cannot resist spices, then go for either “Bikaneri Bhujiya” or “Mirchi Bada”.
If you are not aware of any of these, don’t worry. Just read on :-
Makhaniya Lassi
Made up of sweetened yogurt, with a dollop of cream, this is my personal favorite. A pinch of saffron here and butter there – the drink is ready.
Makhaniya Lassi is a cool drink to beat the extreme summer temperatures. For added flavor, a host of dried fruits are sprinkled on the top.
The Lassi is easy to prepare at home – takes a few minutes and is generally had after the meal. Photo credit
Mawa ni Kachori
A delectable sweet dish, where in “khoya” (similar to Cottage cheese) along with cardamom and dry fruits is stuffed into flour balls. These balls are fried and then dipped in sugar syrup. Served either hot or cold.
The best way to get hold of this delicacy is to visit the nearby sweet shop in town. It’s great to have the kachori after the meal- it makes for a lovely sweet dish. Photo credit
Mirchi Bada
Hot and spicy Rajasthani snack made up of potato fillings and whole chillies. These are prepared according to various levels of spiciness depending on the taste and varying from medium to hot to extremely hot. Served with tomato sauce or tamarind chutney.
They can be made at home but in case you wish to avoid the hassle, a trip to any “Mishthaan Bhandaar” (a sweetmeat center) will do. Photo credit
Bikaneri Bhujiya
Extremely popular and the pride of Bikaner, this savory dish is made up of gram flour, spices and condiments. Bikaneri Bhujiya has played an important role in putting the city of Bikaner on the world map.
The Bhujiya is sold in sealed packages and you can easily find it at any of the departmental stores.
Mirchi Bada along with the Bhujiya make a great tea time snack. Photo credit
What are your favorite dishes from your home state or country? Do their authentic tastes still exist or have those cuisines changed with the times?
Read more:
Rajasthan – a locals view
Meet a cross-cultural family in India
How to get invited for dinner in an Indian home
About the author
Arwa
These look delicious! The Mirchi Bada would be my favourite. Hope I will get to try it one day!
Lassi comes in a salty version too, right? Is that from a different region? And is it still drunk after the meal?
@ Liz: Surely, this is another reason for you to plan a trip to Rajasthan soon!
The salted lassi is like a skimmed version of buttermilk and can also be had during the meals. This is more popular in Gujarat (another state in India)
Oh how I would LOVE to try any of these dishes! I think my favourite would have to be Mawa ni Kachori!
There are many favourite dishes I have from back home in Argentina – but normally, I’d be able to find them only there, unfortunately!
I love mango lassi!
@ Aledys Ver: yes, unfortunately thats true. Some traditional and authentic dishes from the home country aren’t available anywhere else – thats precisely the reason why food is right there after family, on my list when visiting India 🙂
@ana : I find it rather strange that Mango Lassi is more popular outside India – In London, you get it in almost all Indian restaurants. And ofcourse, I love it too!
It’s true, I’ve never heard of Makhaniya Lassi, but I’ve seen Mango Lassi on the menu many times in Indian restaurants in the UK.
Really? that’s funny! Actually, I order it every time we go to an Indian restaurant in Dallas 🙂
Okay, I am going to have the Mirchi Bada, the Bhujiya and the lassi at the local Bikanerwala. Goes well with the rain…great post, Arwa.
@ Liz: Now you know 🙂 Thats because Mango Lassi is a punjabi edition
@ Ana : yeah, so its the same in the US too then..My personal advise, try the Makhaniya version once ana and let me know what you think about it!
@ Sanjay : Thanks Sanjay! You have the advantage of being in India 🙂 Eat well!
Mango is ubiquitous at Indian restaurants in Chicago. Yum!
@ Sean : Glad that you like it!
Wow, this made me want to return to India and Rajastan ASAP! Great blog!
@Vibeke: thanks! I am glad the article made you remember Rajasthan. We have loads to share on that note:)
Well Rajasthan snacks and sweets are really different!!!!
The bhujia is very much nice,The Bikaner is famous for that!!!!
Well….what to say everything here is excellent!!!!!
@kanyakumari Glad to hear that you like Rajasthani food. let us know what else you would love to read here.
The pictures are so enticing! The lassi looks really good!
@ Indian Bazaars : Thanks! I am a fan of lassi myself.
These look yummy, I tried Mawa ni Kachori once, it tastes marvelous.
hi,
I love mango lassi!!!!!