As soon as we hear about Jodhpur, the first thing that comes to our minds is an ancient city painted in blue with a massive fort overlooking it like a silent but watchful guardian. The air of royalty still envelopes the city like a spell cast in time. But don't let this aura influence your understanding of Jodhpur only as a royal remnant. Take a walk along the alleys of the city and a whole new world of culinary delights will welcome you in myriad flavours and aromas.
No discussion on Jodhpur food will be complete if laal maans does not get a front line mention. A mutton curry prepared in typical Rajasthani style, laal maans is synonymous to Jodhpur. A prized item in almost all the high-end restaurants of the city, laal maans is equally popular and easily available on the streets!
If you are a vegetarian, then don’t worry because this city has something for everyone. A plate of pyaaz ki kachori is a snack often enjoyed with a specially-made potato curry or mint chutney. The size of the kachori differs from stall to stall, but it is a good remedy for your hunger pangs.
Mirchi vada, another specialty, is not for the faint-hearted as it will test your ability to consume a full-grown green chilly. The chilly is marinated in gram flour, before it is deep- fried in oil. So, when it reaches your plate it looks like a normal pakora but only with a raging chilly inside! Dip it in either mint chutney or tamarind syrup and let the heat set fire to your senses. The famous local food joint—Janta Sweet Home at Nai Sarak—is the suggested place for a mirchi vada adventure.
After the mirchi vada, it's time for some sweetened bliss. The sweet route to it needs you asking for mawa kachori, dipping it in sugar syrup and letting your body have a sugar rush.
If you are in the market around the Clock Tower, I would suggest you to hunt for some makhaniya lassi. It's the famous creamy drink made with curd, cardamom and saffron, and is nothing less than a sinful indulgence for the sweet tooth.
