Jaipur is a travellers’ magnet for those looking to experience the old world charm. Add to that delicious, local food and you have a winner on your hand! We at ThingsToDoInIndia bring you the top food joints to visit in Jaipur to relive the the time gone by and of course, treat yourself to a sumptuous meal!
Indian Coffee House – What started as a rebellion to the Britishers’ discriminatory rule of not allowing natives in the various cafes during their colonial rule, is today a chain of nearly 400 outlets across the country. Indian Coffee House opened its first cafe in 1936 in Bombay (now Mumbai) and has never looked back. The outlet in Jaipur was opened to public in 1962 and immediately became the pride of the pink city – attracting equally the intellectuals looking for a place to sit with like minds to discuss art and politics and the world over a steaming cup of coffee; and the hoi polloi looking for a place for dining out with the family. Jaipur has two branches of Indian Coffee House – one inside a multi-arts centre with a bit more modern interiors and the oldest one on the busiest thoroughfare of the city. This one retains its old walls and seats, taking you back in time the moment you cross the narrow alleyway and a open atrium of an old building complex. Even the waiters are still dressed in the now-no-longer-seen uniform of white coats, pants and a Nehru cap!
#DidYouKnow the place still has separate seating option available for ladies and families, should they choose to do so!
Once you find your way to a cosy spot after weaving your way through old timers discussing bygone eras over cream-coffee, families feasting over keema-dosa and a generous sprinkling of tourists from all over the world, feast on delicious food and authentic Indian coffee. Thank us later!
Niros – As you walk down the chaotic Mirza Ismail Road, you’ll find tucked between all the jewellery and big brand showrooms, a quaint little restaurant that has stood the test of time and competition from new age cafes with aplomb for almost 70 years! Founded in 1949, Niros was one of the first multi cuisine restaurants in the city and quickly became a household name, especially for its non vegetarian food. Listed as one of the top 75 Restaurants in India, the restaurant has found mention in other publications like Lonely Planet Guidebook, Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides, Voyage Magazine, etc. The interiors are cosy and walls boasts of murals depicting Rajasthani culture by renowned Indian artists. The menu is filled with hearty vegetarian and non vegetarian food – Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani being the crowd favourites.
Gulab ji’s Tea – Chaiwallas or tea vendors are an integral part of the experience of Pink City. The city wakes up to the aroma hot, brewing, milky tea – full of herbs and spices. And Gulab ji has been catering to this need for the jaipur people for 70 years now. Gulab Singh Dheerawat started his chai journey from a small vending cart, selling one type of tea – India has a lot of varieties – and with increasing popularity quickly moved onto a small stall. The only thing unchanged in the one of type of masala chai! But the options for munchies are many – from the iconic Bun Maska (sweet buns with butter) to the omnipresent Samosa! People gather around the stall in the narrow lane behind the chaotic main road for their cuppa from early morning and the small stools kept for customers get occupied pretty quickly. The damage to the pocket isn’t much and the experience, priceless!
#DidYouKnow Gulab ji has been serving tea to the poor for free since its inception – a tradition still followed after 70 years!
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar – When you have been making all the traditional Rajasthani sweets for almost 3 centuries, you are definitely doing something right! Laxmi Misthan Bhandar or. LMB as it’s more popularly known, claims to have been established in 1727! Situated in the heart of the old city, this shop is, today, run by the 9th generation of the family, and has evolved into a restaurant and hotel with passing time. Although famous for its quintessential Jaipur dessert called Ghewar – a disc shaped dessert soaked with sweet syrup, the shop also serves more than 200 types of sweets and savoury delicacies. Good luck deciding what to buy for back home!
#DidYouKnow one of these Ghewars also found its way to President Clinton during his India visit!
Lassiwala – Lassi, a cool, sweet, curd based beverage, has brought respite to many a sun-scorched traveller throughout the north of the country. But Jaipur has its own iconic Lassiwala – a lassi vendor, that attracts every tourist that visits the city! Established in 1944 by Kishanlala Agarwal, this tiny shop on Mirza Ismail road has been selling these lassis for the last 74 years. A lot of imitators have sprung up around the area to cash in on Lassiwala’s success but have failed to provide the same sweet authentic taste (By the way the original one is the one that says ‘Shop 312 – Since 1944’).
#DidYouKnow ‘Kulhad’ – earthen glasses the drink is sold in – keeps the beverage cool and are also biodegradable!
The lassi is sold only for half a day everyday as the owners believe the curd quality deteriorates as the day progresses, so get here early to avoid disappointment!
