Vrindavan is a small special city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. With a population of less than 1 lakh people, it holds great meaning for many across India and beyond. The story behind this holy city is that it is said to be where Lord Krishna grew up. The city has a lot of temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, making it an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. People across India, visit this city to experience the spiritual atmosphere. Though just a simple town, its history and religious significance make Vrindavan an iconic destination.
The diverse food of Vrindavan is mostly vegetarian, as most of the people follow Vaishnavism. The locals follow the Satvik diet (completely vegetarian food, without onions or garlic). The reason why the food is prepared this way is because of the reason that the food which is prepared is a significant offering to the deities. Most of the dishes are prepared with milk, yoghurt, and ghee. Dairy products are important because they are offered to Lord Krishna, as it is well known, he was so fond of butter.
Can’t think of the best place to eat in Vrindavan? Read on for your guide to have the famous food in Vrindavan.
Kachori with Subji
This tasty, spicy, and flavourful kachori, filled with urad dal and spices is the most consumed dish in Vrindavan. Another name for this deep-fried pastry is Bedai and it is served on the streets with a variety of chutneys, but more popularly, it is served with aloo subji. Curd is also served on the side often, making this a must-have breakfast dish while in Vrindavan.
Restaurant Recommendations: Agarwal Mithai Walaa, HMHR+QG7, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50–150 approx.
Image credit: Freepik
Lassi
Th city of makhan-chor loves Lassi. The lanes of Vrindavan come alive each morning, with food vendors hawking "Lassi, lassi!”. Served in Kullhad (earthen pots/glasses), with a thick layer of cream and dry fruits, chilled lassi is the perfect start to a new day in this holy city. During summers, varieties of lassi, like those flavoured with mangoes, are also served.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Lassi Wala, Banke Bihari Colony, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50–150 approx.
Rabri
The attractive aroma of warm rabri floats through the air in the busy streets of Vrindavan. Rabri represents the culture of this holy city. The sweet, saffron-flavoured milk pudding is given to customers in tiny earthen bowls called kulhars, to enjoy. Some vendors like to sprinkle crunchy nuts on top for added texture.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Brijwasi, Bankebihari Colony, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–150 approx.
Aloo Tikki
As soon as you step into the busy streets of Vrindavan, you will find that one snack that rises above all - the humble yet mighty aloo tikki. The best aloo tikkis are made fresh daily, by street vendors who have perfected the art over decades. It is usually served with green mint chutney, and tarmind chutney, along with chole. This vegetarian street food sums up the magic of Vrindavan.
Restaurant Recommendations: Amma's Rasoi, Ram Nagar, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–250 approx.
Peda
The sacred city of Vrindavan shines with devotion. People await the delicious peda sweets at the temples. The pedas here are made with pure homemade cow's milk ghee. The ghee comes from their own cow shelter. Mathura peda, Doodh peda, Vrindavan peda are the varieties of peda that are available in shops which are offered in the temples for prasad.
Restaurant Recommendations: ISKCON Prasad (Peda), Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–250 approx
Samosa
One of the dishes that cannot be missed while visiting Vrindavan is Samosa. The golden-brown snack, filled with potato, and served with tarmind chutney is a feast for the taste buds. Following the Satvik rule of no onion or garlic, the street vendors prepare samosa in a way that one cannot resist while passing by a shop selling these snacks.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Bhart Foods Harinikunj Chauraha, Road, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹150–300 approx.