Ah, Jaipur! The city is a pink paradise with forts, palaces and of course, food! And when it comes to Rajasthani fare, there’s one dish that rules our hearts: Dal Baati Churma. Picture this: soft and creamy lentil-based curries (dal), large wheat balls baked to perfection (baati) and sweet, crumbled flatbread mixed with ghee and jaggery (churma). Each piece is a delight to the senses and taste buds.
But with thousands of restaurants churning out this regional gem, where does the adventurous foodie start? Fear not, my friend! We have been on the lookout for the best Dal Bati restaurants in Jaipur and believe me, my palate is thrilled. Therefore, buckle up your belts and fasten your seat belts for a gastronomical ride!
1Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB): The GOAT in Jaipur
Let’s begin with the obvious one. LMB is as popular as Dal Bati in Jaipur and is almost inseparable from it. This restaurant has been in Bapu Bazaar for over 80 years and their secret recipe leaves everyone asking for more. The dal is a burst of spices, the baati is cooked to perfection, crispy outside and soft inside, and the churma is sweet and crunchy. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, and pro-tip: get there early because you may have to wait for your turn as the line can be quite long.
Price: A Dal Bati Thali should cost between ₹200-₹250 if you are ordering a full meal. Address: Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur
2Chokhi Dhani: Cultural Dinner for all the Senses
Chokhi Dhani is not a restaurant but a place where one can taste Rajasthani food and learn about Rajasthani culture. This is a large village-themed experience centre located near Jaipur and the architecture and setting immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of the Rajasthani culture. As you enjoy your Dal Bati which is served on brass plates, you can watch folk dances, mehendi art and puppetry shows. It is a great way to spend a day with the family or even for couples on a special date.
Price: The Dal Bati is included in their grand Thali which costs about ₹500 per head. Address: The village is approximately 11 km away from the city centre of Jaipur.
3Santosh Bhojnalaya: The Home-Style Haven
Feeling the need to have some home-cooked food? Go to Santosh Bhojnalaya restaurant in Murlipura. This restaurant is not very fancy, but the quality of the food is simply amazing. Their Dal Bati is made with fresh local produce and you can taste the love that goes into it. The dal is cooked to perfection and is creamy, the baati are soft and spongy and the churma has a load of jaggery.
Price: This is quite an affordable joint and a Dal Bati Thali can be enjoyed for under ₹300. Address: Sikar Rd, Anaj Mandi, Vishwakarma Industrial Area, Murlipura.
4Rawat Mishthan Bhandar: The Sweet & Savory Specialists
Rawat Mishthan Bhandar is another well-known sweet shop in Jaipur, which is also a very old establishment. But do not underestimate their Dal Bati! Their version is characterised by a slightly smoky taste, which gives the dish an extra dimension. Also, they serve their delicious ghevar, a local sweet which is quite soft and delicious and goes exceptionally well with the thali.
Price: A Dal Bati Thali here is quite affordable and ranges between ₹300-350. Address: Sindhi Camp, Jaipur
5Thali House: A Vegetarian Paradise
Thali House does complete justice to its name by providing a mind-boggling thali selection menu. Their Dal Bati Thali is quite a delight to the eyes and the palate. The dals are rich and the chutneys, papad and the accompaniments which are served along make the thali a truly complete experience. The churma is so well caramelised that one cannot stop asking for more. Also, their staff is friendly and the place is clean, which makes the dining experience quite pleasant.
Price: A meal here is probably the cheapest at ₹200-300. Address: Sindhi Camp, Jaipur
Bonus Tip: A Dal Bati meal is never complete without a glass of buttermilk (chhachh) to bring down the heat after the spicy food.
Well, there you have it, folks! Here are our top choices by Things2Do for the best pure-veg Dal Bati restaurants in Jaipur. Please bear in mind that this is just the beginning. Every restaurant has its own twist to this classic dish so do not be afraid to try out other restaurants in the city.