How long does it take to walk the street food route in Udaipur?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend eating. The distance is roughly 3 kilometers from Delhi Gate to Sukhadia Circle, passing through the historic Clock Tower area.

Is street food in Udaipur safe for tourists?

Generally, yes, if you stick to popular stalls with high turnover like those on this route. Always look for food that is fried or cooked fresh in front of you, and choose busy vendors where the ingredients are replenished frequently.

Can I do this Udaipur walking route in the morning?

Yes, the first half of the route (Jain Nashta and JMB) is best in the morning when breakfast items are fresh. However, Sukhadia Circle at the end is much more vibrant in the evening, so a late afternoon start offers the best of both worlds.

What are the must-try foods in Udaipur's Old City?

You must try the Poha with Sev, Pyaz Kachori, and Mirchi Bada. For sweets, look for Jalebis or the local 'Mewari Mixed Mithai' found in shops near the Clock Tower.

Is the Udaipur street food walk suitable for seniors?

The walk is flat but involves navigating busy streets with traffic and uneven surfaces in the Old City. Seniors may prefer to take an auto-rickshaw between the major stops like Ghantaghar and Sukhadia Circle to save energy.

Where does the street food walk start and end?

The route starts at Jain Nashta Centre near Delhi Gate and ends at the Sukhadia Circle fountain. This takes you from the historic trade gates into the modern leisure areas of the city.

Are there vegetarian options on this food walk?

Almost all traditional street food in Udaipur is 100% vegetarian. Rajasthan has a very strong vegetarian culture, so you will have no trouble finding a wide variety of meat-free snacks.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes,' is often celebrated for its shimmering waters and marble palaces, but to truly understand its heartbeat, you must follow the aroma of sizzling spices into its bustling markets. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the culinary heritage of the Mewar region, transitioning from the historic gates of the Old City to the lively evening hubs where locals gather. Unlike a structured guided tour Udaipur might offer in a group setting, this neighborhood stroll allows you to linger over a plate of spicy Poha or a sweet Jalebi at your own pace. Your journey begins near Delhi Gate, a primary entry point into the historic core, where the morning air is thick with the scent of frying snacks. As you weave through the narrow lanes of the bazaar, you will encounter legendary establishments that have served the same secret recipes for generations. From the iconic Jain Nashta Centre to the bustling Jodhpur Misthan Bhandar, each stop reveals a different layer of the city's palate. This walking tour Udaipur route captures the essence of daily life, where food is not just sustenance but a social ritual. Midway through the route, the majestic Ghantaghar (Clock Tower) serves as a landmark, anchoring the maze of shops selling everything from silver jewelry to vibrant textiles. The walk then shifts towards the more contemporary side of Udaipur’s food scene, concluding at the vibrant Sukhadia Circle. Here, under the glow of the monumental fountain, you can witness the city’s modern street food culture in full swing. This audio walk is designed for those who want to experience Udaipur like a local, discovering hidden stalls and historic eateries that define the city's gastronomic identity. Whether you are a solo traveler or exploring with friends, this self-guided adventure offers a delicious window into the soul of Rajasthan. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Sample the legendary Poha and Sev at Jain Nashta Centre

Taste authentic Rajasthani Mirchi Bada at the famous JMB

Admire the historic Ghantaghar (Clock Tower) in the heart of the bazaar

Enjoy freshly fried Kachoris at the local favorite Paliwal Restaurant

Experience the lively evening atmosphere and fountain at Sukhadia Circle

Wander through the vibrant markets of the Old City at your own pace

Tour Stops (6)

Jain Nashta Centre

Start your culinary journey at Jain Nashta Centre, a humble spot that is an absolute institution in Udaipur. For decades, locals have flocked here, particularly in the mornings, for their famous Poha—steamed flattened rice seasoned with turmeric, chilies, and a secret blend of spices, then topped with a generous handful of crunchy sev and pomegranate seeds. While the menu is simple, the flavors are complex and represent the quintessential Rajasthani breakfast. Because this is a popular local haunt, the availability of certain items can change quickly, so it is best to visit earlier in the day if you want the full selection. Take a moment to observe the efficiency of the vendors as they serve hundreds of hungry patrons from their small storefront.

ORIGINAL JMB JODHPUR MISTHAN BHANDAR

A short walk brings you to JMB, or Jodhpur Misthan Bhandar. While Udaipur has many sweet shops, JMB is legendary for its savory snacks, particularly the Mirchi Bada and Pyaz Kachori. The Mirchi Bada is a spicy green chili stuffed with a potato mash, coated in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden. The Pyaz Kachori, a flaky pastry filled with a spiced onion mixture, is a staple of the region. This shop is a great place to see the sheer variety of Rajasthani sweets, known as Mithai. Since street food offerings can vary by the hour, look for what is being pulled fresh from the large iron 'kadhai' (wok) outside the shop for the best experience.

Ghantaghar

As you continue into the heart of the Old City, you will reach Ghantaghar, Udaipur's historic Clock Tower. Built in the late 19th century, this landmark has stood as a silent witness to the city's transformation. The area surrounding the tower is the center of the traditional silver and jewelry market. While not a food stop itself, Ghantaghar provides the perfect atmospheric backdrop for your walk. The architecture reflects the colonial influence on Rajput design. The streets here are narrow and often crowded with cows, scooters, and shoppers, offering a sensory overload that is typical of historic Indian city centers. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate stonework of the tower before heading deeper into the bazaar.

Paliwal Restaurant

Paliwal Restaurant is a 'no-frills' local gem that specializes in the art of the Kachori. Unlike the larger JMB, Paliwal has a more neighborhood-canteen feel. Their Dal Kachori, served with a tangy tamarind chutney and a spicy green chutney, is often cited by locals as the best in the city. The snacks here are made in small batches, ensuring they are usually served piping hot. This is a great spot to pause and watch the city move past. Street food culture in Udaipur is highly social, and you’ll likely see groups of friends standing around small tables, debating the news of the day over a plate of samosas and a cup of chai.

Sai Sagar Coffee & More

Moving toward the more modern outskirts of the old center, Sai Sagar represents the changing tastes of Udaipur’s younger generation. While traditional snacks remain king, there is a growing love for 'Cold Coffee'—a thick, sweet, blended coffee drink often topped with chocolate syrup or ice cream. This spot is particularly popular with students and families. It marks a transition in your walk from the historic, spice-heavy stalls of the bazaar to a more contemporary, relaxed cafe culture. The menu here is extensive and often features fusion snacks, reflecting how global influences are being integrated into the local food scene. Note that cafe menus in this area can change frequently to keep up with local trends.

Sukhadia Circle

Your walk concludes at Sukhadia Circle, a large roundabout featuring a magnificent three-tiered fountain that is beautifully illuminated at night. This area transforms into a massive open-air food court in the evenings. You can find everything here from Pav Bhaji (spicy vegetable mash with buttered buns) to Chinese-Indian fusion and local desserts. It is a festive environment where families come to enjoy boat rides in the small pond surrounding the fountain. The sheer variety of stalls can be overwhelming, so take a full lap around the circle before deciding what to try. It is the perfect place to end your independent exploration, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Udaipur at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route for food lovers is one that covers the Old City bazaars near Ghantaghar and ends at Sukhadia Circle. This self-guided walk allows you to try local staples like Poha, Mirchi Bada, and Kachoris at legendary spots like Jain Nashta and JMB at your own pace.