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The first thing that strikes you in Barsana during Holi is not just the colours, but the energy. Narrow lanes get tinted in pink and yellow with drums echoing through the air, and every corner is filled with smells of ghee, spices, and a variety of sweets that are freshly prepared. You walk a little, get drenched with splashes of colour, and amid all this, your stomach begins to signal you for hunger. And when in Barsana, with every few steps, you will find shops serving something delicious and mouth-watering.
Lathmar Holi is one of the most unique Holi celebrations of India, where women playfully hit men with sticks or lathis, as part of an age-old tradition associated with Radha and Krishna. It is celebrated just a few days before the main Holi festival. Thousands come from all over to witness this fun, vibrant ritual, and the street food, without a question, becomes just as special as the celebration itself. If you're visiting for the festival, here are some local Holi specialities in Barsana you need to try.
Kachori With Aloo Sabzi
Near the Shri Radha Rani Temple, several small stalls begin to fry kachoris early in the morning. The outer crust is crisp and lightly flaky, but the real magic lies within- a spicy urad dal filling having the fragrance of a generous amount of hing and black pepper. It’s served with thin, spicy aloo sabzi that tastes beautifully with the kachori. After hours of walking uphill towards the temple, a bite into this feels like instant comfort. Eat it sizzling hot, straight out of the kadhais by standing alongside the road, just like locals do.
Location: Several shops near Shri Radha Rani Temple
Cost For Two: Rs 80 to Rs 120
(Image credit: Freepik)
Bedai And Jalebi, Main Market Area
In the buzzing main market of Barsana, bedai (a thicker and spiced version of regular puri) is paired with fiery potato curry. The curry has a sharp tang that it gets from red chilli and fennel, which warms you up on the mornings. Paired next to it are hot jalebis that are fried in desi ghee, coiled, and dipped in sugar syrup. Have a bite of this, and you will know why this sweet and tangy combination is so addictive. Tear a piece of bedai, scoop it in curry, then have a bite of jalebi to perfectly contrast it. You’ll feel fully fuelled for the next few hours after having this meal.
Location: Main Market Area
Cost For Two: Rs 150 to Rs 200
Thandai, Local Sweet Shops Near Temple Road
Celebrating Holi in Braj without thandai is incomplete. Many sweet shops near Temple Road serve chilled glasses of thandai filled with almonds, fennel, pepper, and saffron. It is creamy but, surprisingly, not too heavy, having a mild spice that remains with you even after you finish the whole glass. After being drenched in colour splashes, one glass of thandai feels refreshing and also gives a festive vibe at the same time. Some shops even offer special festive varieties during Holi. A glass of thandai gives you energy for the next round of city hopping.
Location: Local Sweet Shops Near Temple Road
Cost For Two: Rs 60 to Rs 100
(Image credit: Freepik)
Rabri
Have you ever looked at large iron kadhais that simmer milk for hours- that’s where the best rabri comes from. Slowly thickened and layered with malai, this version of rabri is creamy, a bit grainy, and extremely sweet but without being overwhelming. Served chilled in small kulhads, it is perfect to have after spicy snacks. The slow cooking provides a caramel-like charm to it that you won’t find elsewhere.
Location: Several sweet shops near Radha Rani Temple
Cost For Two: Rs 120 To Rs 180
Peda, Local Sweet Shops Across Barsana
The peda at Barsana is soft, a little crumbly, and aromatic with cardamom. Prepared from thickened milk or khoya, it is shaped by hand and often offered as prasad to the temples. The flavour feels milky and rich, but not too sugary, which makes it easy to have more than one. Sweet shops across the town sell the fresh batches of peda throughout the day; it is affordable and can also be taken back home easily.
Location: Local Sweet Shops Across Barsana
Cost For Two: Around Rs 200 to Rs 300 for 250 grams
(Image credit: Freepik)
