The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2026 is a full immersion into the regal, chaotic, and vibrant soul of Rajasthan. As the festival returns to its home at Hotel Clarks Amer from 15 to 19 January, the city prepares to host thousands of bibliophiles, thinkers, and travellers. While the marquee tents will buzz with debates featuring the likes of Kiran Desai and Stephen Fry, the true texture of the festival is found in the intervals; those hours spent over steaming cups of masala chai or long, late dinners under the desert stars. Jaipur is a city that eats with its eyes first, and the culinary scene in 2026 reflects a fascinating transition. Traditional kitchens that have served the royal family for centuries now sit comfortably alongside sleek, minimalist cafes and farm-to-table concepts. This guide navigates the best of both worlds, ensuring your intellectual journey is matched by a sensory one.
The Morning Ritual: Fuel For Thought
Before the first sessions begin, Jaipur offers breakfast options that range from the deeply traditional to the chic and contemporary.
Rawat Mishtan Bhandar
No literary pilgrimage to Jaipur is complete without visiting Rawat. This institution is synonymous with the Pyaaz Kachori, a deep fried pastry filled with a spicy onion mixture. It is a robust start to a day of heavy thinking. Arrive early to witness the spectacle of thousands of kachoris being whisked away by locals and tourists alike.
Image credit: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar
Tapri Central
Overlooking Central Park, Tapri Central has become the unofficial clubhouse for the creative set. It offers a nostalgic take on Indian snacks served with a modern twist. Their masala chai is served in traditional glass cuttings, accompanied by Parle-G biscuits. The rooftop setting provides a serene vantage point to watch the city wake up before you head to the festival grounds.
Midday Escapes: Cafes For Writers And Readers
When the festival crowds become overwhelming, these artistic havens offer a quieter space to digest the morning lectures or scribble notes in a journal.
Anokhi Cafe
Located in C-Scheme, Anokhi Cafe is the gold standard for organic, farm-to-table dining in Jaipur. It is a favourite amongst international visitors for its clean flavours and calm atmosphere. The menu features seasonal salads, fresh juices, and perhaps the best carrot cake in the city. It is an ideal spot for a light lunch that wont leave you feeling sluggish for the afternoon panels.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Cafe Kassa
Situated within the Narain Niwas Palace grounds, Cafe Kassa is a minimalist dream. It blends heritage architecture with contemporary design, making it a magnet for artists and designers. The quiet courtyards and curated interiors provide an inspiring backdrop for conversation. Their artisanal coffees and sourdough toasts are highlights of a menu that prioritises quality over quantity.
Tibara Art Cafe
For those seeking a more bohemian vibe, Tibara Art Cafe at the Rajasthan International Centre is a must-visit. It functions as both a gallery and a kitchen, often hosting workshops and live painting sessions. The decor is a riot of colour and vintage murals, reflecting the eclectic spirit of the Literature Festival itself.
Image credit: Tibara Art Cafe
Local Delicacies: The Flavours Of Rajasthan
Beyond the cafe culture, the soul of Jaipur lies in its traditional kitchens. To truly understand the region, one must sample these iconic dishes.
Dal Baati Churma
The quintessential Rajasthani meal, this trio consists of lentils (dal), hard wheat rolls (baati), and a sweet crumbled wheat dessert (churma). The baatis are traditionally baked over charcoal and drenched in ghee. For an authentic experience, visit Santosh Bhojnalaya or Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) in the old city.
Image credit: Adobe Stock
Laal Maas
A dish for the adventurous palate, Laal Maas is a fiery mutton curry prepared with a specific variety of dried red chillies from Mathania. Originally a staple of the Rajput warriors, it is rich, smoky, and intensely spicy. Handi on MI Road is widely considered the best place to sample this royal delicacy.
Image credit: Adobe Stock
Ghevar
The Literature Festival takes place during the height of winter, which is also the prime season for Ghevar. This honeycomb-shaped dessert is made from flour, ghee, and milk, then soaked in sugar syrup. The Rabri Ghevar, topped with a thick layer of condensed milk and nuts, is a masterpiece of Rajasthani confectionery.
Image credit: Adobe Stock
Evening Elegance: Where The Literary Elite Gather
As the sun sets over the Aravalli Hills, the city transforms into a landscape of lit palaces and vibrant bars.
Bar Palladio
Perhaps the most photographed spot in Jaipur, Bar Palladio is located in the gardens of the Narain Niwas Palace. Designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans, the striking blue interiors and tented garden seating create a fantasy of Orientalist elegance. It is the place to see and be seen during the festival, serving classic Italian cocktails and light Mediterranean fare.
Image credit: Bar Palladio
1135 AD
For a dinner that feels like a scene from a historical novel, head to 1135 AD within the Amer Fort. Dining here is a regal affair, with silver service and rooms adorned with gold leaf. The restaurant serves forgotten recipes from the royal kitchens of Rajasthan. Eating on the ramparts as the fort glows under the night sky is an experience that lingers long after the festival ends.
Image credit: 1135 AD
Steam at Rambagh Palace
If you prefer something unique, Steam is a lounge bar housed in a restored Victorian steam engine and station. Set within the manicured lawns of the Rambagh Palace, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere for a nightcap. It is a popular spot for authors and publishers to unwind after a long day of signings and debates.
Image credit: Steam at Rambagh Palace
Street Food And Hidden Gems
The true spirit of Jaipur is often found in its narrow lanes and unassuming stalls.
• Lassiwala on MI Road: A Jaipur landmark since 1944. The lassi is served in earthen pots (kulhads), which add a distinct mineral note to the thick, creamy yoghurt.
• Masala Chowk: This open-air food court brings the best of Jaipur street food into one clean, organised space. From the spicy Mirchi Bada to the sweet Mawa Kachori, it is a one-stop shop for local flavours.
• The Writer Bar at Raffles: A newer addition to the city, this bar pays homage to the literary greats. Its quiet, leather-bound atmosphere is perfect for a serious discussion about the day sessions.
Image credit: Raffles
Practical Tips For The Lit Festival
The Jaipur Literature Festival attracts massive crowds, and the best dining spots book up weeks in advance. If you plan to visit Bar Palladio or 1135 AD, reservations are non-negotiable. For casual spots like Anokhi or Tapri, try to visit during off-peak hours, such as late morning or mid-afternoon, to avoid the rush. Jaipur in January is beautiful but can be surprisingly cold once the sun goes down. Most of the best restaurants and cafes offer outdoor seating to take advantage of the heritage settings, so ensure you have a pashmina or light jacket handy.