Jodhpur – A glistening sun city in the morning and a mesmerizing blue city as the dusk sets in. This is the second largest city of Rajasthan at the edge of the Thar Desert, 200 kms west to the capital city Jaipur. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the […]
Rajasthan
Roads revealing…Memories unfolding..!!
Much has been talked and written about the state in newspaper stories, tourist guides and those traveler shows of Discovery channel. My state brags of being quite a celeb hosting the stately wedding of Prince Charles, the shoot of Dark Knight, the nuclear test and several other News Headlines. A grand open air museum/ The Indian Ambassador for World of Tourism and some like metaphors and epithets have been proudly endorsed by this native land of mine. I am sure that every eager traveler/explorer shall second to this; bearing in mind the rich memoirs of history, chivalry, bravery, culture and a diverse landscape that one witnesses on the expedition of the state.
I might not be very good at penning those sophisticated lines. But yes, I promise you a new side of canvas. Let me take you to the journey in its most naïve and basic way, scribbling through the recap of almost two decades of my life.
This is a place that would make you fall in love with itself, where you would feel at peace with yourself, a place where you would want to grow old, where you would want your children to ingrain those values you wish. The reasons lie more in the strength, simplicity and hospitality in the state’s character and lesser in the aplomb of its culture or stature of its history. Having said about the hospitality, it comes alive in the most epitomized sense with that Matka Kulfi, that spicy pyaz ki Kachori, the warm welcome of “PADHARO MHARE DES”, traditional state food served on the BAJOT, the fragrance of rustic countryside. The list goes endless…!!
I assume, considering the rapid growth of food and travel industry; that we most of the times settle down on simple things like Brilliant food, Enchanting music and a Scenic Ambience. I know It isn’t all that simple as it sounds and so if you have it … it’s like Utopia, like you rolling back in your rocking chair saying to yourself- “That was a day”!! All this in a package is like a perfect day start or that beautiful evening on my wish list. I am yet to come across human specie that would not vouch for this.
Now I shall take a halt and stop sounding so abstract and take you to the “Place, Plate and Musical Palette” of the different cities of Rajasthan.
Happy Browsing!!
JAIPUR….THE CROWNING GLORY OF THE STATE
TABLU – HOTEL CLARKS AMER
Escape, Unwind, explore, romance …….and be charmed!!
The place has got an unbeatable charm of its own that is incomparable to any other restaurant in the city. This is a roof top restaurant at the CLARKS Amer Hotel that gives you a wonderful view of the Jawahar lal marg. This is the most unusual of its kind in Jaipur with silver blue lights over you, a captivating candle lit before you, those enchanting PINK FLOYD tracks on play , a scrumptious appetizer and an extensive drinks menu that you are fancying about. All being flawless about the place, a little discomfort is only the seating arrangement that one might find a little packed. But if it is the MOOD that counts for you, the lounge takes your SPIRITS HIGH both literally and figuratively. My personal favourite, an ought to visit place to CHILL and loosen with the breeze in a sexy Mediterranean set up. And yes, the Platters are the recommended ones.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Near Bajaj Nagar, Jaipur
Price for two: Rs. 1200 (without alcohol)
Cuisine: Café, bar, Fast food
Timings: 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
SUVARNA MAHAL
Treat yourself splendidly..!!
This is the Royal Rajasthan for you in it most refined, traditionally ethnic and an artistic fashion. The superb ambience, the Hospitality of the Hotel staff, the high quality authentic recipes from our excellently skilled chefs guarantees you a wonderful evening with your family and friends. It’s that perfect venue for a classy date on your courtship or a sophisticated pleasant evening with your Mom and Dad. The place is equally charming at the day time so one can always choose the place for a relaxing lunch. Needless to say, the legacy of the TAJ group adds a magical touch to the place. Its excellence in superlatives in terms of food, ambience, service, and atmosphere makes it the most popular restaurant among the locals as well as tourists.
Location: Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Cuisine: Indian, Italian, continental & Rajasthani
REPLAY
Eat, Drink, Play …Come alive at Replay..!!
The restaurant is one of those built in a persuasive style to flatter you with its pleasant outdoor seating on a rooftop in an ideal location in Jaipur. The décor is similar to an “Arabian Night Backdrop” bedecked by curtains around your cushion seats and an enthusiastic staff that attends you in the most personalized manner. The place also has an air conditioned indoor dining arrangement that lives up to your expectations and a discotheque for the dance lovers. The music is reasonably nice but the place is in vogue more for its ambience and superb cuisine and lesser for the music. The food here is a perfect bliss.
Location: SB-57, Ridhi Tower, Opp. SMS Stadium, Tonk Road, Jaipur, 302015
Price for two: Approx Rs. 1000/-
Cuisine: Italian, Continental, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, Indian.
Timings: 12:00 noon to 11 p.m.
TGB WORLD CUISINE
As the name goes, this place is a world of food on your plate. A perfect place to “REJUVENATE YOUR SOULS” in a land of cuisines that come from multitude of places around the globe. From starters to desserts, the menu boasts of a variety that is incomparable. But, this in no way compromises with the taste. The food is flawlessly delectable. The roof top dining in here acts as a feather to the cap. This is truly a place to enjoy each bit of time, feeling completely ELATED.
Location: 6th Floor, Crystal Court, Near Gaurav Towers, Malviya Nagar
Price for two: Approx Rs. 800/- (Without Alcohol); Lunch @ 299 + tax, Dinner @ 399
Cuisine: Mexican, Thai, Italian, Lebanese, Mongolian, Chinese, North Indian
Timings: 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM
BARBEQUE NATION
This is UTOPIA to all the Non-veg lovers without exception. The place is one of the kinds where you can sit back; and relax while grilling your half baked starters on the barbeque grills placed on each of the tables as per the taste that pleases you. Sitting down for a chit chat with your bunch of old friends or that long waited dinner with your family, the place strives to give you an overwhelmed feel infusing the modern sophisticated dining with authentic savory foods. Paneer Awadhi to the Grilled Fish in lemon butter sauce, from the Baby corn masala tuk tuk to Meat Balls in BBQ Sauce. An exhaustive variety of salads, soups and desserts.
Location: City Plex 1, Ashram Marg, Tonk Road, Jaipur
Price for two: Approx Rs. 1200/- (Without Alcohol)
Cuisine: North Indian
Timings: 12: noon to 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
FOUR SEASONS
This is the place where you can try eating anything and everything on the menu and you can be content that it would be exactly the way you wanted it. The restaurant in its humble setting is just an amazing value for money given its delicious multi cuisine flavours and quick responsive service. The place is a delight for its Indian Cuisine in the true essence – From Rajasthani Thali and Hariyali Koftas to Dosas and Sizzlers, I rate it all a five on five. Besides all other cookeries esp. the Chinese and Continental are commendable. The place is frequented by a lot of localities. One might just face a little discomfort in waiting a little as it crowded most part of the day. All in all, a lovely place to cherish your love for food.
Location: D-43 /A-2, Subhash Marg, Ashok Nagar, C-Scheme, Jaipur
Price for two: Approx Rs. 550/- (without alcohol)
Cuisine: Indian, Continental, Chinese, South Indian, Pizzas, Ice Cream, Multi-cuisine
Dining: Vegetarian
Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
DANA PANI:
Two attributes of the place – Pocket friendly & Excellent Food. I guess that suffices all what you looking for. The factors like ambience, seating and staff may range from average to mediocre but the amazing food quality supersedes them all. And so, the restaurant has always been among the top 10 trending restaurants of Jaipur as is palpable from the hustle bustle in this modest place. Therefore, the place is surely a perfect place for pepping up your eating moods on all days. Just a piece of advice – It’s a no for that very sophisticated dining. The Dos for the place include all Chicken Curries
Location:
- Upkar Shopping Center, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
- B-4, Shubhlaxmi Tower, Central Spin, Vidyadhar Nagar, Jaipur
- B-6, Tilak Market, Opposite LBS College, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 500/- (without alcohol)
Cuisine: Chinese, Fast food, North Indian, South Indian
Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m
Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar:
Loitering around in the old streets of the city, you find this place strategically located on the streets of Johari Bazaar where it attracts a great footfall since the entire market around is a shopping hub for all the tourists and locals in Jaipur. From Bandhej to leather Jutis and silver jewellery, there are many a things that you just can’t resist buying. The place, more often known as LMB with its ancestry that dates back to 1727 has built up an artistic veterans’ art in serving what you like. It has got that quick to be served outlet, a fine dining AC restaurant and also Hotel arrangement for stay, all in one place. Among the recommended eateries; you have the spicy aloo tikki and the Chatpata Chola Bhatura that is a must on your menu. Among those festive Mithai delights – Paneer Ghevar, Kesar Feeni, doodh laddo, panchmeva laddoo and Panjeeri are a heavenly delight. The friendly and welcoming staff proudly boasts of how purely and dedicatedly it is prepared. The place is a crowded one for most part of the day, so not to be chosen if you are looking for that quiet, peaceful dinner but the takeaways of Mithai/Namkeen or quick bite at the restaurant is definitely not to be missed.
INDIAN SPICE
The solace of a soothing air, the charm of a skillfully exquisite delicacy, the comfort of home – And this feel is nothing lesser than “Ecstatic”; definitely for a FOODIE like me. The icing on cake is the reasonably priced menu that allows you to pamper yourself in a generous manner. As for the ticks on menu,
Location: A-1, UDB Corporate Towers, JLN Marg, Near Fortis, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
Price for two: Approx Rs. 1000/-
Cuisine: North Indian
Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
FROM DHEEMI AANCH OF RAJASTHANI RASOI:
INDIQUE (PAAL HAVELI):
Embrace the grandeur of Marwar in a picturesque city view. Feel like a king with fine delicacies served for you .The Haveli was built by Thakur of Pal in 1847 and house has been inhabited by the noble family for more than 150 years. Preserving the heritage and Grandiose of Rajput gharana, the resort is built in a unique style where you can witness age old artifacts, paintings, wall hangings and other pieces of art peculiar to Rajput culture while you make your way through the havelli to the roof top restaurant & bar – INDIQUE where the blue city is nothing but adorable in its panoramic view. An idyllic place for a lovely evening with your loved one. The singles can go for food. It’s AMBROSIAL!!
Signature Dish: Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, tandoori chicken and Mushroom Curry
Location: Pal Haveli, Gulab Sagar, Jodhpur, India
Price for two: INR 1200-1400/- (Without alcohol)
Cuisine: Chinese, Indian, Continental, Fast food
Dining: Veg and Non-Veg
KALINGA:
An experience of a classy cuisine, A feel of warmth & chivalry in an ambience serene. Located at a few metres from the railway station, the restaurant being one of the oldies in the town knows the nuances of your taste. Equipped with an elegant dine &wine, It gives you that Heritage feel; everything from nuts to soup on the veg and non veg list is worth a try. For the Veggies, KALINGA DOSA has been the talk of town when it comes to Food. Try anyone of the Dosas – it’s a Bull’s-eye. For the latter, all Chicken preparations are thumbs’ up.
Signature Dish: Butter Chicken, Masala Dosa
Location: Near Railway Station, In front of Sahkar Bhawan, Jodhpur 342001
Price for two: INR 600-700/-
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
Dining: Veg and Non Veg
SHRI RAM EXCELLENCY:
Located at 3 kms from the airport and 2 kms from the railway station, the place is easily reachable. The restaurant by the name of “Recipe” displays delicacy with myriad different flavors, awakening your taste buds to gourmet cuisine presented with aromatic spices that is cooked with perfection. Among the starters, Dragon Potato is a pure “Hot & Chilli” dhamaka to energize your appetite. Paneer butter Masala, Malai Kofta and Chakki ki Sabzi are delectable curries to follow in the main course. The place also runs a Disc by the name of “Volcano”. All in all for a sit-down dinner celebration, this is the place to go without second thought. The buffet is specifically adorable. Prior bookings advised on weekends/festivals.
Signature Dish: Dragon Potato, Malaikofta, Chakki ki Sabji (Rajasthani Cuisine)
Location: 58, Residency Road, Opp Dr.S.N.Medical College, Jodhpur, 342003,
Price for two: INR 600-700/-
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
Dining: Vegetarian
NIRAALI DHAANI:
With the MATKIES and the DHOLAKS; the RATHS and JHAROKAS; the place is a village HAAT that mirrors the rajasthani folk culture in a brilliant way with its multi cuisine dining – PADHARO SA, its sophisticated bar – JO HUKUM , the puppet shows, the folk dance and camel ride. The major attraction is the specialty rajasthani restaurant – JIMAN where traditional rajasthani thali /food is served in brass plates on a wooden stand. Dal-baati-churma and Sogra roti with Kadhi along with butter-milk is the signature dish here that is “NOT TO BE MISSED” item on the menu. Enjoy Desi Khana in a Desi style sitting down on the floor with a REAL HOME feeling. The ethnic luxury resort at the outskirts of the city is an ideal destination for a peaceful relaxing weekend making you feel at home with its hospitality.
Signature Dish: Rajasthani Thali
Location: Siddhanath Circle near Chopasni Filter House, Chopasni Road, Jodhpur 342001
Price for two: Rajasthani Plate – INR 160-180/- ; In Restaurant Padharo Sa – INR 600-700/-
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
Dining: Vegetarian
MEHRANGARH TERRACE RESTAURANT:
With a beautifully lit city beneath you and the profound sky above you, surrounded by an enchanting folk music, served with traditional food that is amazingly aesthetic. And this is the Pride of city – THE MEHRANGARH FORT, a massive structure that has stood as the RAKSHAK of the RAJPUTANA of Marwar towering a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff is now a home to Goddess Chamunda, Rao Jodha’s palaces and one of the world’s finest museum. The place is open for a visit to the temple and other parts of fort till 5 in the evening. The tourists also have the option of an audio tour. After the sunset, the place is a beautiful setting for dinner. The Indian and Italian cuisines are the mastered ones. The place has been one of the favourite locations for bollywood. It recently featured in the Hollywood movie “DARK KNIGHT” too.
Signature Dish: Platters, Paneer Tikka and Thali
Location: Hotel Mehrangarh Fort, 114, Mehrangah Fort, Jodhpur. 342001
Price for two: INR 1000-1200/-
Cuisine: Indian, Italian and Thai
Dining: Veg. and Non Veg.
GYPSY:
This place personifies the SASTA, SUNDAR, TIKAAU option. Excellent food, Prompt service, decent ambience, easy to reach and totally inexpensive. It has got two outlets in the city- Gypsy restaurant and the Dining Hall and Gypsy Dhaba (New gypsy). Both the outlets are definitely a BIGG value for money. It has got all the options of that COMFORT FOOD for that intense untimely craving..!!
Gypsy Restaurant and dining hall – You have continental, Indian, Chinese, with light bites of Pani puri, Bhel Puri, Chaat and other snacks. All the north Indian dishes are unexceptionally delightful. Paneer Paranthas and Chole Kulcha are worth a try. Chole-bhature and Bombay vada are nothing but a tempting delight.The Dining Hall is a nice air conditioned restaurant that serves you one of the best Rajashtani Thaali with Dal Bhati Choorma.A must try for all people who are not from Rajasthan.
Location: 689, 9th ‘C’ Road, Sardarpura, Jodhpur, 342008
Price for two: INR 400 – 450/-
Cuisine: Multi – cuisine, Rajasthani Thali
Dining: Vegetarian
FUN & FOOD:
The place is a hands down favourite of the college crowd and teens, a refreshing outing after your exhaustive Chemistry Class. A brief brunch, a lavish lunch or a cheerful dinner with family, this place is bustling with people for its delicious menu items. Paneer tikka and Chole Bhature are the Indian favourites and do order for a Chinese Bhel if you are that carzy one for Chinese food. Paneer tandoori Pizza is the India-Italiano Awesomeness…!!Don’t you miss the EARTHQUAKE ice cream. Outstanding it is..!! Kind of place that would never be outdated; walk in anytime and eat anything.
Location: 11th B Rd, Sardarpura, Jodhpur – 342003
Price for two: INR 500 – 600/-
Cuisine: Muti-Cuisine
Dining: Veg and Non Veg
wraprajasthan 