Jaipur, the pink city of India is not only a visual delight with its royal forts and colourful markets. It is also a gastronome’s delight, particularly for the Rajasthani thali which is a platter that is a feast to the eyes as well as the tongue. This elaborate vegetarian platter is a symphony of flavours, textures and aromas that will transport you to the heart of Rajasthan. But with so many restaurants offering thalis, where does one start the scrumptious journey? Worry not, fellow foodies! This blog is your map to the 5 best vegetarian Thai restaurants in Jaipur that will have you licking your plate clean (and possibly drooling in your sleep!).
1Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani is a Rajasthani village that comes to life once you enter its gates. Lodges made of mud, folk dances, and an electrifying environment provided the backdrop for an authentic dining experience. Their vegetarian thali is one of the specialities, which is a collection of local dishes. Imagine soft rotis, hot curries cooked with spices, and delicious dals, which are lentil preparations, cooked to the right tenderness. The must-try dish is the soft and tender dal baati served with lentils and spicy baatis which are baked. Accompany this with a glass of buttermilk (chhaas) and this completes the delicious food trail.
2Laxmi Misthan Bhandar
LMB is a well-known shop that has been operating in the centre of Jaipur’s Bapu Bazaar. This is a pure vegetarian restaurant that has been around for generations and their Rajasthani thali is a must-have. Expect to be served puris, which are round, flat and crisp, fried dough balls that are to be eaten with the curries which come in a variety of tastes and consistencies. Starting from the kofta curries which are vegetable dumplings in gravy to chutneys, which are condiments, the food is simply delicious. End your meal with the ghewar, a traditional dish of clarified butter and flour that Jodhpur is famous for and you will be licking your plate clean.
3Spice Court
Feeling the need to add a little class to your Rajasthani thali? Civil Lines is your answer if you are looking for Spice Court. This restaurant is modern but does not lose its genuine and traditional feel. Their vegetarian thali is mouth-watering and is served in a colorful platter with bowls placed neatly on it. Every morsel is a discovery – from tender dals that practically dissolve in your mouth to fresh vegetables that are perfectly sautéed to succulent curries that leave your taste buds dancing. Their speciality is a paneer dish (cottage cheese) which is prepared with a special seasoning that will make you go for more.
4Govindam Retreat
The Rajasthani thali at Govindam Retreat in Kanwar Nagar has a modern spin to it. Although they stick to vegetarian specialities, their thali has a regional touch to it, making it quite unique. Imagine fluffy phulkas (puffed flatbreads) served with curries that have a touch of Gujarati cuisine. Local seasonal vegetables are used and they are prepared with a combination of spices that will make you appreciate the meal. End your meal with their homemade shrikhand, a sweet yoghurt-based dish, which is a good blend of sweet and sour.
5Shri Thaal Village
To get the true taste of Rajasthani thali which is more like homemade food, Shri Thaal Village is the place to be. This restaurant is situated in the city centre and provides a comfortable and friendly environment. Their thali is a true representation of Rajasthani food – soft bhattis accompanied by a variety of curries that are characteristic of the area. Do not leave without ordering their ker sangri, a specialty of the region which is a dried berries and beans delicacy with a rather sour taste.
And that’s it – the list of the 5 best vegetarian thali restaurants in Jaipur that serve this traditional Rajasthani dish in their way. A Rajasthani thali is not just a meal, but a feast for the senses with its rich colours, varied textures and enticing smells. Therefore, follow things2do, invite your friends, choose the place for a wholesome lunch, and taste the best dishes in the heart of Rajasthan! Just a word to the wise, come with an appetite (and possibly elastic-waist pants – trust us on this one).