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Like the other cities of Rajasthan, Kota is blessed with a plethora of cultural landmarks, including palaces, forts, and museums, making it a tourist hotspot. Kota also has a rich and diverse food scene, which draws many foodies to the city. Many of these foods have been influenced by the city’s royal history. For instance, the erstwhile royals of Kota were big on hunting; therefore, the cuisine of Kota is abundant in meat-based gravies, including laal maas and mohan maas, both of which are hearty meat-based gravies.
Drop by the local establishment The Khurana’s Kitchen to indulge in the luscious laal maas dish. Despite having several non-vegetarian specialties, a large portion of the population of Kota as well as Rajasthan is vegetarian. Therefore, the cuisine also abounds in vegetarian delicacies, including the fingerlicking dal bati churma and the crunchy Kota kachoris. Visit Ratan Sev Bhandar to relish piping hot Kota kachoris. Generally, ingredients, such as pulses, gram flour and yoghurt are widely used in the cuisine of Kota.
Check out the top 7 local specialties of Kota.
Kota Kachori
Image Credits: By PJ.wikilovesfood - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Kota kachoris are delightful deep-fried snacks that have been stuffed with a spicy urad dal filling. Deep-fried in pure ghee, these kachoris are known for their splendid and appetising aroma; their filling is made from a special masala comprising urad dal and spices, including red chilli powder, black pepper powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. These kachoris also boast an extremely crumbly crust, setting them apart from other kachoris. Available in snacks stores across Kota, these kachoris are usually served with a flavourful chutney.
Recommendations: Ratan Sev Bhandar, Suwalal Kachori Samosa Store
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200–₹250, approx.
Mirchi Vada
Image Credits: By SS Khurana - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Like the Kota kachori, mirchi vada is another street food specialty of Rajasthan that is treasured throughout the state. Although this fried treat is believed to have originated in Jodhpur, it’s quite popular in Kota as well. The lip-smacking dish is prepared by combining green chilli peppers with a spiced boiled potato mixture; this mixture is stuffed into a chickpea flour batter and deep-fried till golden and crispy. The snack is usually served with a garnish of green chillies and a couple of tangy chutneys.
Recommendations: Jodhpur Namkeen, Porwal Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100, approx.
Dal Bati Churma
A crown jewel of Rajasthani cuisine, dal bati churma is a complete meal. This dish has three main elements: dal, typically made from tuvar dal, chana dal, and moong dal, baked wheat doughs known as battis, and the semi-sweet churma, which is prepared from wheat flour, sugar, and dried fruits. These elements combine to form a complex dish that’s bursting with flavours, including sweet, spicy, and tangy. Ghee is a vital component of this dish, as is garlic chutney, which lends it a smoky taste.
Recommendations: Hanuman Dal Baati Bhojnalya,Thalibazaar
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
Gatte Ki Sabzi
Image Credits: By Kanikatwl - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular dishes of Rajasthan, gatte ki sabzi is a staple in households across the state and its various cities, including Kota. Essentially, the dish comprises two key components; gatte, which are cooked gram flour dumplings and a pungent spiced curd gravy. The dumplings are soaked in the gravy to form the aromatic and inviting gatte ki sabzi. Although this specialty tastes lovely by itself, it is usually relished with a flatbread to make for a nourishing and a filling meal.
Recommendations: Pathak Restaurant, Thalibazaar
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200–₹300, approx.
Laal Maas
Image Credits: Freepik
A culinary gem of Rajasthan, laal maas is a robust meat-based dish. This cherished specialty is basically a spiced mutton or lamb curry; the curry or gravy is typically made from yoghurt, garlic, and red chillies. Ghee is also used liberally in the preparation of this dish, infusing it with an enriching quality. Owing to the hot and heavy nature of its ingredients, this dish isn’t consumed very often, and is usually reserved for special occasions. It is best enjoyed with a helping of rice or chapattis.
Recommendations: Tott Kota, The Khurana’s Kitchen
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200–₹400, approx.
Moong Dal Halwa
Image Credits: By Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons
Moong dal halwa is an authentic Rajasthani sweet dish that is crafted from split green gram lentils, also known as yellow moong dal. Other ingredients used to make this delectable delicacy include ghee and sugar; the dish is typically garnished with nuts to give it some crunch. The softness of the halwa combined the crunch of the nuts make for a texturally rich and sophisticated dish. Despite being from Rajasthan, this dish is savoured throughout the country. It is an especially big hit during festivals, including Holi and Diwali.
Recommendations: Shri Shri Mithas, Shri Ram Namkeen & Sweets
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100–₹200, approx.
Mawa Kachori
Kachori is so deeply entrenched in the food culture of Rajasthan that in addition to being a savoury snack, it also doubles as a dessert item. Mawa kachoris are decadent deep-fried treats that have been loaded with mawa or khoya and mixed nuts, including almonds and pistachios. The crunch of the nuts coupled with the fluffiness of the mawa and the crispiness of the kachori base helps create a highly indulgent dish that gets better with each bite. This dish is usually served during special occasions and festivals.
Recommendations: Jodhpur Sweets, Ratan Sev Bhandar
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100–₹300, approx.
