As someone who was born and brought up in Jaipur, the eateries and food shops of the Pink City were an inseparable part of my childhood. After having moved cities, if there’s one thing that I ardently miss about my city (among a host of others) is the lip-smacking street food and the warmth with which they were served.
If you are visiting Jaipur and believe that laal maas, dal baati churma, and ker sangri are all that it has to offer, you’re missing out on a lot. From golden and crispy pyaaz ki kachori to pani puri that will force you to keep going even after you’re full, there’s so much more to discover—especially if you love chaat. Follow this trail to find the best street food in Jaipur.
Where To Eat In Jaipur
Chai At Sahu Ki Chai
If you want to start your morning the Jaipur way, head for a piping hot cup of tea at Sahu in Chaura Rasta. While there is a tough contest between Gulab Ji and Sahu, I would still recommend the former.
On a typical morning, a beeline of patrons will be outside the tiny shop, gulping down one cup after another. Their iconic masala chai paired with a buttery and pillowy maska bun makes for a perfect start to the food-flooded day in Jaipur and is a must if you are looking for the best street food in Jaipur.
Address: Shop No, 365, Chaura Rasta Road, Jaipur
Kachori At Samrat Ki Kachori
After enjoying a hearty cup of tea, head out for a short walk to Samrat. Snake your way through the crowd that collects early in the morning for kachoris and samosas. You will find all kinds of people here—from chatty group of friends to morning walkers.
My staple order from Samrat is their pyaaz ki kachori, which is paired with imli ki chutney and coriander chutney. Their poha, served with namkeen and onions, has become a household favourite, as have their samosa and daal ki kachori.
If you wish to experience Jaipur’s flavours more closely, try their bedmi poori and aloo ki sabzi. After a meal at Samrat, rest assured that you will remain full for quite some time—perfect for a few hours of exploring the city’s historical structures.
Address: Shop No. 273 Chaura Rasta Road, Jaipur
Paani Puri At Nand Chaat Bhandaar
Until I turned 15, visiting Nand Chaat Bhandaar, or “Nandvala” (as the locals call it) was a Sunday afternoon ritual that my family and I would trade for absolutely nothing. Tucked away in one of the many lanes of Raja Park in Jaipur, it has acquired a cult following over the years. It’s almost like a Mecca for pani puri lovers in Jaipur, flocked by people at any time of the day through the week.
As you wade through the labyrinth of lanes and conquer the Raja Park traffic, you will arrive at Nandvala where you can join others who await their chance to grab a dauna (paper bowl).
What stands out in their paani puri is the tang of the water and the crispiness of the puris. They also have a separate meetha paani that was my favourite while I lived in the city. My mother also swears by their dahi papdi, and I second her! She introduced us to the magic of Nandwala ki paani puri, which has now gone on to become my favourite haunt in the search for the best street food in Jaipur. The extra water that they serve after you finish a round of six paani puris is the most awaited part of the experience.
Address: Fashion Street, Raja Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004
Pav Bhaji At Pandit Pav Bhaji
I have to admit that I have never been a pav bhaji fan, but if there is one place I am willing to let go of that opinion, it is Pandit Pav Bhaji at JLN Marg in Jaipur. A bonus is the spectacular view of Birla Mandir and Moti Doongri Fort, especially as the street comes alive in the evening.
However, finding this spot is not that easy. Once you arrive at the street, you will find more than 50 vendors selling their pav bhaji under the same banner. Some of them go a mile extra and get banners saying “Orignal Pandit” or “No. 1 Pandit” put on their carts.
While this may leave you utterly confused, it will be fascinating to know that every family in Jaipur will have a different view on their favourite vendor. You will have to play a lucky draw to cherry-pick whoever looks the most promising to you!
As someone who loses track of which vendor I eat from, I play the lucky draw each time—and I return content and happy with my meal each time! Be rest assured that none of them will disappoint you. As you begin salivating with the smell of the bhaaji, don’t forget to ask for an extra dollop of butter on it.
Address: Multiple stalls opposite Birla Mandir, JLN Marg, Jaipur
Kulfi At Pandit Kulfi Bhandaar
Apart from paani puri at Nand Chaat Bhandar, if I had to pick another eatery that defines my childhood, it has to be Pandit Kulfi Bhandaar. Nestled in the heart of the walled city just a stone’s throw away from the Hawa Mahal, kulfi at Pandit is undoubtedly the best in the Jaipur market.
I have to mention that Ramchandra Kulfi Wala in Tripolia Bazar gives Pandit a close competition, but the former makes it to the top with a close win. Their kesar kulfi and rabri kulfi will make for a perfect close to the day. If you wish to experiment, go for their chocolate kulfi, which I am told is great, too.
Address: 110, Hawa Mahal Rd, Chandi Ki Taksal, J.D.A. Market, Sirahdeori Bazar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
