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Bikaner is a city located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. It is the administrative
headquarters of the Bikaner district and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage,
architectural marvels, and wide range of savory snacks. Bikaner is renowned for its delectable
Rajasthani cuisine, which features a variety of rich and flavorful dishes. The cuisine is
influenced by the region's arid climate and the availability of ingredients.
Bikaner is famous for its spicy and crispy snack called Bhujia. Its made from gram flour (besan)
and spices, often mixed with other ingredients like peanuts or dried fruits. Dal baati churma is
one of the most iconic dishes in Rajasthan. Baati are round bread rolls made from wheat dough
and baked, then served with dal (lentil curry) and churma (sweet crumbled wheat).
Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala
Bhikaram Chandmal Bhujiawala is a well-known and reputable establishment in Bikaner,
Rajasthan, that specialises in producing and selling traditional Rajasthani snacks and sweets,
particularly the famous Bhujia. They started manufacturing Bhujia about 125 years ago as a
small-scale industry in the erstwhile state of Bikaner, the land of Rao Bikaji, in the heart of the 'Thar Desert’.
The group was founded by the late Tansukhdas Agarwal, who used to manufacture bari (a local
home-made dry vegetable) made with moth bean flour. Once, he fried these bari in a frying pan
and found them very tasty. He named this new product Bhujia, which means ‘fried product’,
thus inventing a new product that now has world fame.
Later, his son Bhikharam and grandson Chandamal joined his business. They improved the
quality of Bhujia. The father-son duo got patronage from the Maharaja of Bikaner and were also
awarded suitably. Bhujia gained popularity as it was included in the list of favourite snack foods
in the darbar of Bikaner.
Continuously innovating, Bhikharam and Chandmal introduced numerous varieties of namkeen.
With time, the local population favoured bhujia as their regular snack food, carrying it as a gift
to their relatives and friends in distant places. This brought popularity to Bikaneri bhujia and
namkeens in other states. The demand for Bikaneri bhujia increased manifolds.
Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner-334001
Opening hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
Cost for two: INR 200 for two
Must try: Krorepati bhujia, Bikaneri bhujia
Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop
Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop, an establishment with a rich history spanning decades, holds a
prominent position in Bikaner's confectionery places list. The shop is celebrated for its
delectable desserts, which are offered at reasonable prices. Despite attracting a constant
stream of customers, the shop maintains a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service.
Its reputation has even drawn the attention of numerous celebrities and media outlets over
time. Often, people gather there for breakfast on weekends with their aloo ki sabzi and puri. All
the food items are prepared fresh every morning. Along with their freshly prepared delicacies,
they also offer packaged food like bhujia, namkeens, biscuits, khakra, mixtures, etc. All of their
food items are made to perfection to give you the authentic Bikaneri taste.
Location: Station Road, Bikaner-334001
Opening Hours: 7 AM–11 PM
Cost: INR 200 for two
Must try: Jalebi, aloo sabzi, and puri
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Located in the magnificence of the state of Rajasthan, the Laxmi Niwas Palace is one of the
most gorgeous and splendid examples of architecture that has been honourably maintained in
its former glory. Built during the 1900s, the Laxmi Niwas Palace is still a monument of
impeccable artwork and architecture.
The palace is made from red sandstone material and has been decorated with the handiwork of
several artisans and masons who catered to the beautiful and artistic needs of the then
Maharaja Ganga Singh. Undoubtedly, the palace’s beauty is most talked about, and it has been
a popular tourist attraction in Bikaner till date.
There was a time when lunch was called a luncheon. You can look up at the Usta art on an old
Burmese teak-paneled roof. On the walls, a continuous frieze, in tempera, of scenes from
hunts Alongside a hand-painted panel of stone, the figures were as fresh as the day they were
laid on it.
Swarna Mahal serves up a dauntingly elaborate traditional Rajasthani thali and other regional
cuisine with élan. Lal maas, or mutton cooked in gulmohar flowers, is a huge draw. Their chef is
partial to Thai, Indian, and many continental staples. And if what you’re feeling is not on their
menu, have a chat with the chef. Your request will likely not be beyond his vast culinary
repertoire.
Location: Swarna Mahal, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner-334001
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–11:30 PM
Cost: INR 3000 for two
Must try: Lal maas
Gallops Restaurant and Coffee House
This is a modern-day multi-cuisine restaurant and coffee house situated in front of the
enormous Junagarh Fort. Indian, Rajasthani, Continental, and Chinese dishes are served in a
simple space with Junagarh Fort views.
Location: Opposite Junagarh Fort, Bikaner-334001
Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Cost: INR 1000 for two
Must try: Murgh tikka lababdar
Heeralal’s Restaurant
Heeralal’s Restaurant is situated opposite the railway station and was established in 2008. From
royal Rajasthani cuisine and Mediterranean-inspired dishes to the variety of culinary diversions
found at this multi-cuisine restaurant, it is truly astounding. Guests can savor the delights of
the various cuisines at our restaurant, which also takes pride in offering a dedicated menu
featuring authentic Rajasthani cuisine as well as western dishes.
Location: Heeralal Mall, opposite the railway station, Bikaner - 334001
Cost: INR 100–1000 for two
Opening Hours: 6 AM-11:30 PM
Must try: Rajasthani thali
