Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is no stranger to witnessing thousands of devotees every year. From epic Ramayana to watching history being remade with the consecration of Ram Mandir, the city has stood the test of time. While it’s vital for you to be acquainted with the rich history of Ayodhya, there’s one more piece of information you should know. After all, when you’re touring the city and the hunger strikes, knowing all the best dishes will come handy. So, we’ve made a list of the best dishes you have to try in Ayodhya.
11 Best Dishes To Try In Ayodhya
1. Chaat
Whenever the vacation exhaustion gets to you and you begin to hear the faint growling coming from the stomach, search your surroundings for chaat! Ayodhya is known for its piquant chaat that’ll satiate all hunger and make you soul content. From the all time favorite pani puri to a savory bowl of bhel, you’ll get a variety of chaat calling out your name. Are all the choices confusing you? We recommend you to try the Ayodhya Special Chaat.
Filled with thick ragda and crispy papdis, one bowl of the special chaat and you’ll experience a melange of flavors. Top that off with pomegranates, boiled potatoes, mint chutney, sweet chutney, and sev – a proper flavor fiesta. Forget a bowl, you’re going to need a tub full of this chaat.
Where To Have Chaat In Ayodhya: Ram Nagri, Ayodhya
2. Baati Chokha
You’re probably more familiar with the name Litti Chokha, a famous dish of the North. Baati Chokha is prepared similarly and has been a part of Ayodhya’s culture for many years. This traditional dish is prepared using gram flour with lentils and spices. Once the dough is ready, they’re made into small balls and cooked on coal, to give it a smokey texture and flavor.
The Chokha, on the other hand, is nothing but mashed potatoes made extra flavorful using several Indian spices. Have these two together and let all the spices mesh together for a delicious aftertaste. You can easily get Baati Chokha in many local eateries or even street vendors that have pushcarts.
3. Kachori
You might grow tired of the daily routine and get desensitized to it. But, that does not apply to seeing kachori in Ayodhya. Every time you get a glimpse of it, your mouth will end up watering. Whether you go specially to eat it or make a quick snack-stop in the journey, you have to try this famous dish!
Served in a paper bowl, the vendor will smash your kachori and pour some chana dal and chutneys on top of it for some extra yum factor. It’s crunchy, it’s tangy, and it’s everything savory.
Where To Have Kachori In Ayodhya: Maurya Mishthan Bhandar
4. Tehri
Indulge in an aromatic dish that’ll make your lunch extra filling and satiating. Tehri is popularly referred to as vegetarian biryani and is quite dear to the locals in Ayodhya. The basmati rice is first cooked in turmeric, cumin, and garam masala till the color slowly turns to yellow. Once that’s done, boiled veggies like peas, cauliflowers, potatoes, and carrots are added to the mix. It makes for a great meal when you’re not in the mood for anything heavy. One spoonful and this yellow rice dish will win your heart.
5. Dahi Vada
Being in demand with the locals and the tourists, dahi vada is a snack you’ll easily find available in any nook of Ayodhya. The urad dal vadas are dunked in yogurt and decorated with Indian chutneys, pomegranate, and chaat masala. It’s a flavor explosion of creaminess and tanginess balanced to perfection. You’ll find the stalls always crowded with a handful of people, waiting to get their hands on these legends. On a hot day, the cool dahi vada tastes extra heavenly!
Where To Have Dahi Vada In Ayodhya: Ram Nagri, Ayodhya
6. Lassi
Walking all day and visiting several different places at once can be very exhausting after a while. To avoid that, ask any local and stop by for a rejuvenating glass of lassi. This creamy and frothy drink of sweetened curd will cool down your system and prepare you for the remaining day. Some of the shops garnish the lassi with malai and rose petals, making the drink even more refreshing. So, take a mouthful and conquer your Ayodhya itinerary with a newly found strength.
7. Kheer
You’ll find that kheer is prepared in Ayodhya for many auspicious occasions. Some locals like their kheer to be classic, a simple mixture of sweetened milk and rice. Some like to add hints of spices and take the dessert to another level. They like to add nuts and dried fruits like almond, pistachios, and nutmeg to their bowl. Often it’s even garnished with saffron and nutmeg for a touch of warmth and more scrumptiousness.
Where To Have Kheer In Ayodhya: Ram Nagri, Ayodhya
8. Bedai Poori
You learn a lot about culture from the cuisine of the destination. So, go ahead for a delicious learning lesson and try out the traditional Bedai Poori. Frequently eaten with aloo sabzi and a side of raita, this hearty dish becomes extra special in Ayodhya during breakfasts. Start your day with a lentil combination of urad and moong dal marinated in red chili powder, cumin, and fennel. The batter is then served hot and fresh on your plate. It makes for the perfect Sunday brunch that gets you feeling so full that a nap seems enticing.
9. Malpua
Another famous dessert of Ayodhya, Malpua is served during festivals like Holi. But, you can indulge in it year round. Be sure to not count your calories and look at it as you simply giving into the cravings of your sweet tooth. This deep fried batter, laden with sugar syrup will do an amazing job at making those daydreams about devouring something decadent disappear. You’ll find malpua sitting patiently behind the counter at the majority of the sweet shops in Ayodhya.
Where To Have Malpua In Ayodhya: Maurya Sweets and Cafe
10. Rabri
There’s one more delightful treat for all the sweet tooths visiting Ayodhya. You might not even have to wander on the streets in search of this dessert as it’s often served as prasad at temples. We’re talking about rabri, a dish curated by slowly thickening milk and letting it reduce. It has a creamy texture and is sprinkled with a handful of cardamoms and some saffron. You’ll find many locals pairing rabri with jalebi and yes! The syrupy and thick fusion of the two is worth trying.
Where To Have Rabri In Ayodhya: Maurya Mishthan Bhandar
11. Samosa
Everyone is familiar with these crispy triangles with a spicy pea and potato filling. It just so happens that even the people of Ayodhya are a big fan of these samosas and it’s a popular snack you can munch on. In fact, the vendors here go an extra mile and pour some piping chana dal with some mint chutney and sweet chutney to add extra yumminess to it.
Where To Have Samosa In Ayodhya: Raghunath Samosa Bhandar
Summing Up
If you’re planning to stay long enough in Ayodhya, you can try all of these best dishes and have your own culinary journey. Ask any local and they’ll be more than happy to guide you to the best spot selling whatever dish you’re looking for. Bon appetit!
FAQs
What Sweet Is Famous In Ayodhya?
Malpua is the famous sweet of Ayodhya that’s made of milk and flour and then soaked in sugar syrup.
Which Is The Famous Food Of Ayodhya?
Some of the famous food of Ayodhya are:
- Bedai Poori
- Baati Chokha
- Tehri
What Is Famous In Ayodhya To Buy?
If you’re looking to do some shopping, here are a few things you can buy from Ayodhya:
- Sandalwood
- Marble Idols
- Sarees
- Rudraksha Beads
What Is Lord Rama’s Favorite Food?
Lord Rama loved kheer. That’s also why kheer is a popular dish in Ayodhya you must try.
