Rajasthan, the land of vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage, is not only famous for its majestic palaces and desert landscapes but also for its delectable desserts. The royal state offers a treasure trove of sweet delights that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From creamy delights to tangy treats, Rajasthan’s desserts are a culinary delight that shouldn’t be missed. In this article, we will explore five irresistible desserts from Rajasthan that will leave you craving for more.
- Malai Roti, Jodhpur
Malai Roti is an accidental invention that took place around 50 years ago in Jodhpur. This unique dessert is the brainchild of Jeevan Ram Bhati, a vegetable vendor. Malai Roti, which translates to “creamy flatbread,” is unlike any other sweet you’ve tasted before. It is made entirely out of milk, with thick creamy layers laid in a puddle of sugar syrup and topped with a garnish of dry fruits.
The texture of Malai Roti is neither chewy nor does it melt in the mouth. It falls somewhere in between, offering a smooth and juicy sensation. This delightful treat can only be found at Vijay Restaurant, a renowned establishment that has been serving Malai Roti for over three decades. The exact ingredients and process of making this sweet are a closely guarded secret known only to the owner, Vijay Bhati.
- Address: Vijay Restaurant, 1st Floor, Katla Bazar, Main Chowk, Old City, Jodhpur.
- Diljani, Udaipur
Diljani is a famous dessert in Udaipur and is considered a tangier version of boondi. A spoonful of Diljani, which translates to “sweetheart,” is the perfect way to end a meal during winters in Udaipur. Jagdish Misthan Bhandar is the go-to place to indulge in this seasonal delight.
Diljani is made using tiny droplets of gram flour batter, similar to boondi, but with a slight difference. The boondi grains of Diljani are much smaller in size. The fried balls of gram flour batter are immersed in sugar syrup and then in a mixture of orange juice and almonds, giving it a unique tangy flavor. It is recommended to consume Diljani fresh, as the orange juice, if kept longer and unrefrigerated, can turn bitter.
- Address: Jagdish Misthan Bhandar, 16 Sarang Marg Surajpole, Jawahar Nagar, Brahmpuri, Udaipur.
- Ghotua, Jaisalmer
Ghotua is a traditional sweet originating from Jaisalmer and is an evolved form of boondi. To prepare Ghotua, boondi is crushed with a pestle, and the resulting paste is seasoned with cardamom powder and saffron, then shaped into balls. Unlike Diljani, which has a short shelf life of a few hours, Ghotua can stay fresh for up to a month.
The best place to savor Ghotua in Jaisalmer is at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia, a renowned house of traditional sweets located near Jaisalmer Fort. The flavors of Ghotua will transport you back in time and provide a glimpse into the culinary heritage of Rajasthan.
- Address: Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer.
- Mawa Kachori, Jodhpur
Mawa Kachori is a sweet rendition of the famous street food, kachori. This mouthwatering dessert is stuffed with a fragrant mixture of mawa (evaporated milk solids) and dry fruits. Mawa Kachori was invented by the late Rawatmal Ji Deora of Rawat Mishthan Bhandar in Jodhpur, and its fame has reached such heights that even former Indian Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, paid a visit to taste this delicacy.
The large brown dumplings of Mawa Kachori can be broken and dipped into sugar syrup before taking a bite, releasing a burst of flavors. Janta Sweet Home in Jodhpur is the go-to place for this delightful dessert, which has been serving Mawa Kachori since 1980.
- Address: 3, Nai Sarak, opposite Priya Hotel, Chauraha, Jodhpur.
- Paneer Ghewar, Jaipur
Ghewar, known for its unique shape and texture, is a popular dessert all over Rajasthan. During the festival of Teej, married daughters are often gifted Ghewar as a symbol of love and blessings. Paneer Ghewar, a modified version of Ghewar, was created after numerous experiments with milk and refined flour in 1961.
Paneer Ghewar incorporates thick curdled milk or chhena along with chickpea flour. It is served with hot rabri (sweetened condensed milk) or dipped in sugar syrup, adding an extra dimension to the already delightful dessert. For the best Paneer Ghewar experience, head to Laxmi Misthan Bhandar in Jaipur, where you can also try their Mawa Ghewar and Malai Ghewar.
- Address: No. 98, 99, Johari Bazar Rd, Bapu Bazar, Biseswarji, Jaipur.
Rajasthan’s desserts are a testament to the state’s rich culinary heritage and offer a unique blend of flavors and textures. From the creamy layers of Malai Roti in Jodhpur to the tangy delight of Diljani in Udaipur, each dessert has its own story and distinctive taste. Ghotua from Jaisalmer, Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, and Paneer Ghewar from Jaipur further enrich the culinary landscape of Rajasthan.
When you visit Rajasthan, make sure to indulge your sweet tooth and explore these royal flavors that will leave an everlasting impression. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply someone with a penchant for desserts, these five delectable treats are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and create a memorable culinary experience in the royal land of Rajasthan.
