Fiona Caulfield, author of the Love India travel guides, explains:

“Outsiders are quick to complain that Jaipur is a culinary desert and lacks sufficient dining options. This, of course, is simply untrue. As one explores the capital city of the state of Rajasthan, you can’t help but become enthralled with a truly distinct food culture.

Some of the best food in Jaipur can be found in small street side cafes and dhabas. Travelers may be nervous to eat outside their hotel, however for the true taste of Rajasthan one needs to be a little more adventurous.”

Fiona’s Top Picks:

– The best parathas (flaky flat bread) at Jagdamba Paratha

– The calm energy and seasonal food at Anokhi Café

– The leafy garden area and fusion cuisine at Flow

– The vegetarian restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel – a true insider’s tip

– The best aloo tikki (fried potato patty) in India from Mr Lal’s cart, Nanda Lal Aloo Tikki Cart

– The most famous lassiwala in the city, Lassiwala MI Rd

– The best-kept foodie secret in the city, Saba Haveli

Glossary:

Paan- A favorite digestive in India and some believe it to be an aphrodisiac. Paan lovers will have a long standing relationship with their Paan wallah who expertly mixes their preferred blend of chopped areca nuts and spices, such as cloves, cardamom, anise, mint and perhaps tobacco. This mixture is placed on a silky betel leaf coated with lime paste and red betel syrup and then rolled up to eat.

Ladoos – Distinctive round sweets

Aloo tikki – Fried potato patties

Parathas – A flaky flatbread that is served with a curry sauce. Often stuffed with vegetables or paneer (cheese made from milk curd).

Puri – A disc of dough that puffs up when deep fried.Eat warm with veg or non-veg stews.

Kachori – A substantial snack made from a round flattened ball of fine flour often stuffed with dal (lentils), or other spicy mixtures, then fried. Often served with curd/yoghurt and chutney.

Idli – A steamed rice dumpling, low calorie, nutritious and easy to digest. Served with a coconut chutney, sambar and ‘gunpowder’ (a spicy ground powder).

Dosa – A crispy rice flour crepe served with sambar (zesty vegetable gravy), and coconut chutney. The most popular variety is a masala dosa, stuffed with spicy mashed potato