What Food To Try in Jaipur and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Jaipur for 2024.
National currency: Ngultrum, symbol — ₹ (international currency code INR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Jaipur cafes and restaurants
$3.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.47
$12.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $7.33
$3.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.44
What to Try in Jaipur
Must-try Dishes
Dal Baati Churma - A hearty dish featuring lentil curry, baked wheat rolls, and a sweet mix of crushed bread with ghee and jaggery. It’s a popular meal during winter, often enjoyed at family gatherings with warm, fresh ghee slathered on top.Pyaaz Kachori - Crispy stuffed pastry filled with spiced onions, deep-fried until golden. Locals savor this favorite snack in the late morning or as an evening treat, often paired with a tangy tamarind chutney.
Gatte ki Sabzi - Chickpea flour dumplings simmered in a spicy yogurt sauce, often served with rice or roti. A common choice during lunch, this dish embodies Rajasthani flavors and is a staple in many homes.
Laal Maas - Spicy red mutton curry made with fiery red chilies and a rich gravy, slow-cooked to perfection. Encountered frequently at family dinners or local celebrations, it’s best enjoyed with soft, flaky bread like bajra roti.
Paneer Tikka Masala - Tandoori Cheese Curry - Creamy tomato curry loaded with chunks of grilled paneer, fragrant spices, and buttery flavors. It's commonly savored during festive occasions and pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
Chandrakala - Stuffed Bread Speciality - A fried pastry filled with spiced mashed potatoes, often garnished with a sprinkle of chaat masala. Best enjoyed during the winter festival season, many miss its unique combination of crispy exterior and soft filling.
Jaisalmeri Khichdi - A seasonal lentil and rice dish enriched with ghee, topped with local spices, and often served with a side of pickles. This dish is especially popular during monsoon season when locals cozy up with comfort food.
Bhaji Pao - A spicy mixed vegetable mash served with buttery bread rolls, providing a perfect street food experience. Often found at late night stalls, it’s the perfect grab-and-go for night owls looking for a filling bite.
Desserts & Drinks
Masala Chai - मसाला चाय (spiced milk tea) - A fragrant blend of black tea brewed with milk, sugar, ginger, and a mix of spices. Typically enjoyed in the morning or during evening chai breaks, it's a staple at street stalls where friends gather to chat.Mango Lassi - आम लassi (yogurt mango drink) - A thick and creamy yogurt drink blended with ripe mangoes, sugar, and a hint of cardamom. Best savored on hot summer days, it's a popular refreshment during meals, and don’t be surprised to see it served alongside spicy curries to balance the heat!
Thandai - ठंडाई (spiced milk drink) - A chilled milk-based drink infused with almonds, saffron, cardamom, and rose water. Consumed during the Holi festival, it brings a festive flair, so locals often whip it up in large batches for celebratory gatherings, especially when the heat kicks in.
Gulab Jamun - गुलाब जामुन (syrupy milk balls) - Soft, round sweets made from milk solids and deep-fried then soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with rose water. Often served during weddings or special occasions, they are best enjoyed warm, giving that melt-in-your-mouth experience (but watch out for the syrup dripping everywhere!).
Falooda - फ़ालूड़ा (layered dessert with noodles) - A delightful cold dessert with layers of sweet basil seeds, vermicelli noodles, rose syrup, and topped with a scoop of ice cream. It’s most popular during the scorching summer months, bringing a refreshing twist to the typical dessert scene, and it's not uncommon to see locals slurping it down at roadside stalls in the evening.
By the way, diving into local drinks and desserts is a fun way to experience Jaipur's vibrant culture – just remember to pace yourself; you wouldn't want to find yourself too full to enjoy the sights!
Food and Groceries in Jaipur
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.51 |
| Bananas | $0.47 |
| Oranges | $0.9 |
| Potatoes | $0.34 |
| Apples | $1.47 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.34 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.94 |
| Imported Beer | $3.88 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.22 |
| Milk 1L | $0.65 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.47 |
| Cigarettes | $4.28 |
| Rice | $0.96 |
| Local Cheese | $5.55 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
A recent jaunt to the bustling local market during lunchtime revealed just how deeply ingrained the habit of eating out is in Jaipur culture. The lively stalls were packed, with vendors serving everything from freshly made samosas to spicy chaats, all attracting eager crowds. This daily scene showcases that many locals prefer quick meals on the go rather than cooking at home.
In Jaipur, meal times follow a pretty predictable rhythm: breakfast usually happens around 8 to 9 AM, lunch is served between 1 to 3 PM, and dinner typically starts around 8 PM. The markets see a massive influx during lunch hours, creating a vibrant, chaotic atmosphere. Prices for street food can range from ₹20 to ₹100, depending on what you’re craving. For instance, a crispy kachori with chutney could set you back about ₹30 in a popular market area, while a full thali in a mid-range restaurant might cost around ₹300.
One dining area that consistently draws the crowds is Chandpole Bazaar. It's not only a great place for a meal but also a fantastic spot for shopping. The charm of street food vendors and traditional restaurants in this zone creates a unique local dining experience. When dining at casual eateries, it’s important to remember that most expect cash payments, as card acceptance isn’t widespread. While many places do have digital payment options like UPI, cash tends to be the preferred method. Tipping is usually considered polite; rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% shows appreciation for good service.
A common local habit is sharing food—it's very typical to see groups ordering several dishes to try among themselves. However, a mistake many visitors make is assuming that all meals need to be eaten with utensils. In local culture, it's quite normal to eat with your hands, especially with bread like naan or roti.
For those looking to explore, I would suggest making reservations if you're planning to dine at a popular restaurant during peak hours (generally 8 PM onwards) to avoid long waits. As the night progresses, diners shift to more upscale experiences, which can be quite different from a swift street food meal.
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to note how younger locals are beginning to shift toward lighter meal options and wellness trends, indicating a gradual change in food preferences that reflects a growing global influence. So, whether you're indulging in a spicy plate of dal baati or savoring a refreshing lassi, Jaipur's culinary landscape remains as vibrant and evolving as ever.
In Jaipur, meal times follow a pretty predictable rhythm: breakfast usually happens around 8 to 9 AM, lunch is served between 1 to 3 PM, and dinner typically starts around 8 PM. The markets see a massive influx during lunch hours, creating a vibrant, chaotic atmosphere. Prices for street food can range from ₹20 to ₹100, depending on what you’re craving. For instance, a crispy kachori with chutney could set you back about ₹30 in a popular market area, while a full thali in a mid-range restaurant might cost around ₹300.
One dining area that consistently draws the crowds is Chandpole Bazaar. It's not only a great place for a meal but also a fantastic spot for shopping. The charm of street food vendors and traditional restaurants in this zone creates a unique local dining experience. When dining at casual eateries, it’s important to remember that most expect cash payments, as card acceptance isn’t widespread. While many places do have digital payment options like UPI, cash tends to be the preferred method. Tipping is usually considered polite; rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% shows appreciation for good service.
A common local habit is sharing food—it's very typical to see groups ordering several dishes to try among themselves. However, a mistake many visitors make is assuming that all meals need to be eaten with utensils. In local culture, it's quite normal to eat with your hands, especially with bread like naan or roti.
For those looking to explore, I would suggest making reservations if you're planning to dine at a popular restaurant during peak hours (generally 8 PM onwards) to avoid long waits. As the night progresses, diners shift to more upscale experiences, which can be quite different from a swift street food meal.
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to note how younger locals are beginning to shift toward lighter meal options and wellness trends, indicating a gradual change in food preferences that reflects a growing global influence. So, whether you're indulging in a spicy plate of dal baati or savoring a refreshing lassi, Jaipur's culinary landscape remains as vibrant and evolving as ever.