Pushkar is not just a spiritual and cultural hub — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The town’s eateries, rooftop cafés, and local stalls serve up a range of authentic Rajasthani dishes that will leave you craving more. From rich curries to sweet delights, here’s a guide to 9 must-try dishes in Pushkar that truly capture the essence of Rajasthan.
1️⃣ Dal Baati Churma
This iconic Rajasthani dish is a hearty combination of baked wheat flour dumplings (baati), lentil curry (dal), and sweet, crumbled wheat (churma). Served with lashings of ghee, it’s a satisfying meal that reflects Rajasthan’s royal culinary heritage. Enjoy it at traditional dhabas or even as part of a thali at the best luxury resorts in Pushkar for a more refined experience.
2️⃣ Gatte Ki Sabzi
Gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt gravy, gatte ki sabzi is a staple of Rajasthani home kitchens. In Pushkar, it’s often served with hot roti or rice, and its tangy-spicy flavors are unforgettable. Don’t miss this dish at a local café after a morning of exploring temples or the vibrant market.
3️⃣ Malpua
No visit to Pushkar is complete without sampling its famous malpua — a sweet pancake deep-fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup. This treat is especially popular during festivals but is available year-round at street stalls near Pushkar Lake. Pair it with rabri (thickened sweet milk) for a decadent dessert.
4️⃣ Ker Sangri
A unique desert vegetable dish made from dried ker berries and sangri beans, cooked with spices and oil. Its tangy, earthy flavor is unlike anything you’ve tried before. Many Pushkar tent resorts serve ker sangri as part of their authentic Rajasthani dinner menus, giving you a chance to savor local flavors in a stunning setting.
5️⃣ Pyaaz Kachori
A flaky, deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy onion mixture, pyaaz kachori is a beloved snack across Rajasthan. In Pushkar, you’ll find some of the crispiest and most flavorful versions, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up during your shopping spree at Pushkar Bazaar.
6️⃣ Bajra Roti with Lehsun Chutney
Bajra (pearl millet) roti is a traditional bread of Rajasthan, known for its rustic taste and health benefits. It’s often enjoyed with fiery lehsun (garlic) chutney, adding a bold kick. Try it at a roadside eatery or request it at your desert camp during a desert safari in Pushkar — the smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the desert atmosphere.
7️⃣ Rajasthani Thali
When you can’t decide what to order, opt for a Rajasthani thali — a platter that brings together multiple dishes such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, bajra roti, and more. Many of the best luxury desert camps in Pushkar offer beautifully curated thalis for dinner under the stars, turning your meal into an experience to remember.
8️⃣ Mirchi Vada
If you like your food spicy, don’t miss mirchi vada — large green chilies stuffed with potato masala, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until crispy. Served with tangy chutneys, this snack packs both heat and flavor, and is a popular street food in Pushkar.
9️⃣ Mawa Kachori
A sweet twist on the classic kachori, mawa kachori is filled with rich milk solids and dry fruits, then fried and dipped in sugar syrup. It’s a festive favorite, but you can find it at local sweet shops year-round. It’s the perfect souvenir to take back or enjoy with a cup of chai as you watch the sun set over the ghats.
How to Make Your Food Journey Even More Special
???? Pair meals with local experiences: Enjoy traditional meals during a desert safari in Pushkar, or book a private dinner at a Pushkar tent resort for a romantic desert dining experience.
???? Choose accommodations that celebrate food: The best luxury resorts in Pushkar and best luxury desert camps in Pushkar often include authentic Rajasthani cuisine as part of their packages — from royal thalis to live cooking demos.
???? Shop for ingredients: Visit Pushkar Bazaar to buy local spices, papads, and pickles that let you take a piece of Rajasthani flavor home.
Final Thoughts
Pushkar’s cuisine is as colorful and soulful as the town itself. From the richness of dal baati churma to the sweetness of malpua, every dish tells a story of Rajasthan’s traditions and tastes. Whether you’re dining at the best luxury resorts in Pushkar, enjoying a meal after a desert safari in Pushkar, relaxing at a Pushkar tent resort, or savoring dinner at the best luxury desert camp in Pushkar, your taste buds are in for a treat.
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