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

Makhaniya LassiMade 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

Mawa ni KachoriA 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

Mirchi BadaHot 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

Bikaneri BhujiyaExtremely 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

An Indian expat in the Netherlands, Arwa Lokhandwala is a freelance writer, writing on travel, culture and expat related issues. A voracious reader, a curious traveler, and an amateur photographer, she has featured in a number of online publications including the Lonely Planet. She loves people, colors, festivals, and cultures. Read about her expat tales and travel adventures on her blog - Orangesplaash.