Food has its own unique way of sneaking into any itinerary before you even plan the destination. A similar situation surfaced during my Udaipur trip. While we started planning to cover lake view cafes, we were strictly advised not to leave Udaipur without trying the local street food. Guess what? I don’t regret a bit of that advice and would definitely recommend the same as well. So here’s a mixed bag of cafes and street food spots that we explored during our trip and you should bookmark this as your food guide for Udaipur.
Street Food Crawl Across Udaipur
1. Paliwal Kachori
The moment we reached near Jagdish Temple, almost everyone pointed us in one direction: Paliwal Kachori. And honestly, it lived up to the hype. The kachoris here cost just ₹20 each, but don’t let the price fool you. They arrive hot, crisp and packed with flavour. The outer layer shatters with every bite, while the filling delivers just the right amount of spice.
We also couldn’t resist the gulab jamuns priced at just ₹10 apiece. Soft, syrupy and dangerously easy to finish in one bite. It wasn’t surprising to learn that the place has been featured in magazines and visited by celebrities over the years.
2. Rajubhai Rabriwale
A few steps later came one of the biggest surprises of the trip.
Rabri can sometimes feel overwhelmingly sweet, especially after a heavy meal. But Rajubhai Rabriwale’s version was completely different. Thick and creamy, yes, but balanced. The sweetness didn’t overpower everything else, which meant you could actually enjoy the richness without feeling like you’d eaten a bowl of sugar.
We initially planned to share a portion. That plan didn’t last very long.
3. Shiv Shakti Chaat Centre
Baapu Bazaar was already buzzing when we reached Shiv Shakti Chaat Centre. We ordered the papdi chaat and samosas, and both disappeared from our hands much faster than expected.
The papdi chaat hit that perfect sweet-spicy-tangy balance that good chaat should have. Crunchy papdis, chilled yoghurt and chutneys working together in every bite. The samosas were equally satisfying. Crisp on the outside, generously filled inside and exactly the kind of snack that makes you immediately reach for another.
Beyond The Street Food
As much as we enjoyed chasing local flavours through crowded streets, we also wanted to spend some time at a few cafés that people kept recommending. That’s how Nyoto and Poppy by Royal Repast made it onto our list. Add to that the food we kept ordering at Zostel between sightseeing breaks, and suddenly our Udaipur itinerary became as much about eating as exploring.
5. Zostel Cafe
The funny thing about staying at Zostel was that we kept planning meals elsewhere and somehow ended up eating here repeatedly.
The Nutella pancakes were fluffy and comforting, especially with morning coffee. The eggs, whether scrambled or fried, did their job perfectly before long sightseeing days. But it was the paneer paratha that became a favourite. Warm, filling and exactly what you want before spending hours outdoors.
The Bombay sandwich and paneer tikka sandwich were equally satisfying for quick bites. Add endless glasses of chaas, plates of pakodas and fries shared across the table, and the café slowly became our default hangout spot.
6. Nyoto
Nyoto was probably the most playful meal of the trip. Every dish arrived looking slightly different from what we expected. The Khees Cornetto immediately caught our attention, while the Ezme Khichiya delivered plenty of crunch and flavour. The Kebab Bao brought together familiar Indian flavours with a softer, lighter format.
The Rosette Chaat and Thai Ros Omelette kept the surprises coming. But the dish we collectively kept talking about was the Nyoto Butter Chicken. Rich, creamy and paired with an incredibly flaky parotta that practically melted apart layer by layer. We wrapped things up with the Malpua Suzette, which felt like the perfect sweet ending and a must-order dessert whenever you visit. The view of Udai Kothi’s interior from Nyoto will keep you engaged, especially during the evening when the lights are blinking, making everything mesmerising.
Where: Udai Kothi HMMJ+24R, Chand Pole Road, Hanuman Ghat Marg, opp. Chand Pole, Chand Pole, Pichola, Udaipur
When: 2 pm – 11 pm
Cost: 1,000 for two
7. Poppy by Royal Palace
If there was one meal where we genuinely slowed down and savoured every course, it was this one. The Smoked Mushroom Galouti was packed with flavour despite being incredibly soft. The Mutton Ke Makhmali Kebab lived up to its name and practically melted away after the first bite. Then came the Almond Florentine Pie Pizza, which sparked plenty of discussion at the table because none of us had eaten anything quite like it before. The Gobhi Lal Shorva was comforting, but the real star for me was the Keema Baati. Rich, hearty and deeply satisfying, it felt like the kind of dish that tells a story about the region through food alone. And because there is always room for dessert, we ended the meal with Shrikhand and Tiramisu. By that point, any remaining self-control had completely disappeared.
Where: Bedla House, Chetak Marg, Opposite SBBJ Bank, City Centre, Udaipur
When: 12 noon – 4 pm, 7 pm – 12 midnight
Cost: ₹2,000 for two
Also Read: I Spent 48 Hours In Udaipur, My Itinerary Had A Lakeside Zostel Stay, Bagore Ki Haveli & More!
8. Natraj
We concluded our trip with the most-awaited meal of the trip. My trip started with asking everyone where I could get unlimited dal batti in Udaipur, and it ended at Natraj. Honestly, it was even better than I thought it would. For a mere ₹350, we got a plate of one ghee-soaked bati and a bowl full of spicy lentils. It was paired with Kair Sangri, a popular Rajasthani dish that tasted like an assorted pickle, and gatte ki sabji, which is another popular dish and a must-have. Then came the churma and papad and, of course, a glass of buttermilk to wash everything down. The best bit? Everything was unlimited. The restaurant settled in the duplex building also serves unlimited Rajasthani Thali on their 1st floor, and we have saved it for our next trip to Udaipur.
Where:· 22-24, City Station Road, Railway Station Rd, Shivaji Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
When: 10:30 am to 10:45 pm
Cost: ₹200-₹400 per person
So if you are short on time, make sure to visit these spots whenever you are in Udaipur. If you have any more local street spot recommendations, please drop in the comments section for us to explore next time.
Cover Image Courtesy: Bhavesh Hagwane, Deeplata Garde
FAQs
What's the best street food spot you shouldn't miss when in Udaipur?
The locals suggest visiting Paliwal kachori and Rajubhai Rabdi wala for best street food experience in Udaipur.
Where to dine for special occasions in Udaipur?
Nyoto in Udai Kothi and Poppy by Royal Repast are perfect to celebrate birthdays or romantic dates.