Sure, the Golden City exudes warmth from welcoming locals and the inviting yellow sandstone architecture, but the simple yet delicious food in Jaisalmer does it too, just as effectively! When you’re in this city, apart from the famous Rajasthani Laal Maas and dal bati churma, give these foods in Jaisalmer a try as well.
Makhaniya Lassi
A twist on the classic lassi, the Makhaniya has a flavor of rose and saffron and is served loaded with dry fruits and heavy cream. You can either enjoy it by itself or as a perfect end to a sumptuous meal.
If you feel adventurous, then try the Makhaniya Lassi at the government-licensed bhang shop near the entrance of Jaisalmer Fort. They have a version with bhang (a form of cannabis), and although you may not notice a difference in taste but the after-effects of a Bhang Makhaniya will certainly take you over the moon!
Dal Pakoda
Pakodas or pakoras are a dish we’re all familiar with. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try the best street food in Jaisalmer. There’s no specific spot from where you have to buy this golden fried goodness; they can be bought from practically any tapri (street stall) in Jaisalmer! Eat a plate of these chana dal pakoras combined with chutneys and a cup of chai on a cold winter evening as the sun sets over the Fort. This is one of the simple but underrated pleasures of Jaisalmer.
Chaat
If you’re from Mumbai like me and craving chaat already on your first day in Jaisalmer, try the papdi chaat, another street food speciality. I found one while walking around the Jaisalmer Fort, and it was thronged by locals, and temptation kicked in. These are hot aloo pattice mashed in a bowl mixed with sweet and spicy chutneys, you can also add curd and then topped with sev. Yum!
Mutton Saag
Another famous Rajasthani dish, mutton saag, is meat cooked in pureed spinach with Rajasthani spices. The preparation goes well with tandoori roti or naan. We may all have tried palak paneer at some point, but spinach with meat does make this dish interesting to dig into.
Wood-Fired Pizza
Pizza is not something you would relate to when thinking of food in Jaisalmer. But if you’re a pizza lover, then this is a must-try when in Jaisalmer. Head to the rooftop restaurant at the 1st Gate hotel to enjoy an amazing dinner of wood-fired pizzas with a view of the Fort and the cold breeze of the desert town. You can choose a glass of wine or beer to go with your pizza. The atmosphere of the place is peaceful as well as romantic. You guessed it! A perfect spot for a family meal or a date.
Banana Nutella Pancakes
Another unusual recommendation for food in Jaisalmer, but pancakes are something you’ll certainly notice in a lot of menus, owing to the foreign tourists Jaisalmer gets. Although not a regular breakfast item for Indians, you should get your hands and mouth dirty with a Banana Nutella Pancake. It’s heavenly and you’ll surely want to try it at home!
Ghotua Laddoo
The Ghotua Laddoo is a traditional Jaisalmer sweet treat and something to take back home. It’s a mix of besan (gram flour), sugar, condensed milk, and a generous helping of desi ghee, which makes it last almost a month without refrigeration. Head to Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia, one of the oldest sweet shops in Jaisalmer and well known for their Ghotua Laddoos, which are prepared with a guarded recipe that has been passed down through generations. They also offer a wheat-based version of this delicacy called the Panchdhari Laddoo.
You may think that’s it when it comes to food in Jaisalmer. But this desert city has a lot more food to offer. But keep in mind that the traditional foods tend to be on the spicier side, but are worth trying!
FAQs
What Is The Speciality Of Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is best known for its desert landscape. When it comes to souvenirs, there’s no lack of beautiful things to buy as well. The silver jewelry, mirror work embroidered clothes, and artefacts made out of fossil stones are things you should be bringing home.
What Is The Famous Food Of Jaisalmer?
- Laal Maas – This dish is made with mutton, yoghurt and garlic. Beware of the spice, though!
- Dal Bati Churma – This dish is famous throughout Rajasthan. Consisting of a lentil soup and balls made out of wheat or jowar, it’s practically impossible to miss.
- Gatte Ki Sabzi – Another traditional Rajasthani dish, it consists of chickpea dumplings served in yoghurt.
What Is The Traditional Food Of Rajasthan?
Rajasthani cuisine is mostly vegetarian, with its staple ingredients being jowar, bajri, wheat, rice, ragi, lentils, and pulses. Some of the traditional foods of Rajasthan are:
- Dal Bati Churma
- Bajra Roti
- Gatte Ki Sabzi
- Kadhi
- Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi
- Ghevar
Is Rajasthani Food Spicy?
Yes, Rajasthani food is generally on the spicier side. Since Rajasthan is a desert state, there’s a lack of vegetation. So spices were traditionally used to make the foods last longer. Also, having spicy food has been proven to help beat the heat (sounds ironic, we know!)
Is Bhang Legal In India?
Yes, bhang is legal in India, but can only be sold by government-licensed dealers. If you’re looking for bhang in Jaisalmer, there’s one shop near the Fort that sells it.
How Many Days Are Sufficient For Jaisalmer?
3 days should be enough for you to spend in Jaisalmer.
- Day 1 – Explore Jaisalmer Fort and the city, including visiting the Gadisar Lake and the Bada Bagh.
- Day 2 – You can visit the border town of Longewala, the Indo-Pakistan border and return to camp at Khuri/Sam Sand Dunes. Here you can vibe to Rajasthani folk music and dance.
- Day 3 – Set out on a jeep safari near the dunes. Also, visit the abandoned village of Kuldhara, which has gained a reputation of being haunted! You can read all about it here!
Where Should I Stay In Jaisalmer?
Being a tourist spot, Jaisalmer has no lack of hotels and resorts. Check out unstumbled’s curated list of hotels in Jaisalmer to choose what best suits your tastes and budget!
Which Is Better, Jodhpur Or Jaisalmer?
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer both have their charm. While Jodhpur beautifully offsets the landscape with its blue buildings, Jaisalmer radiates the majesty of the desert with its yellow sandstone structures. Jodhpur has many palaces and forts, while Jaisalmer has one, in which people still live and make a living out of, which makes for an interesting sight.
Who Lives In Jaisalmer Fort?
Over 5,000 people! Yes. Jaisalmer Fort is the only one in India where people still live. The narrow streets are lined with shops and stalls, and make for a unique experience.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer?
The winter months of November to March are the best time to visit Jaisalmer. The temperatures are quite mild during the day, but nights can get cold. Visiting in summer is not recommended because, being in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer can get blazing hot.
