Indian food is famous and recognisable around the world. Few other places on the planet offer such an impressive diversity of dishes and foodie experiences! But heading right out to the incredible desert of Rajasthan, the food in Jaisalmer is different and exciting all over again.
Here is our guide to the 10 Foods in Jaisalmer you cannot leave without trying.
Part 1: Cuisine and Food in Jaisalmer
You have to try the food in Jaisalmer to really experience the uniqueness of the region.
It is a creative type of Rajasthani cuisine.
In a land where water is historically scarce and fresh green vegetables were once a luxury, the local people developed a diet based on hardy grains, dried beans, native berries, and rich dairy.
The result is a cuisine that is bold and spicy – and certainly different.
Part 2: Must-Try Foods in Jaisalmer
Read on for what we recommend as the unique food in Jaisalmer you must try on your visit.
- Tip: Before you dive in, we recommend reading our guide on How To Avoid Delhi Belly In India to help you navigate the scene with confidence.
1. Laal Maas (Curry)
Laal Maas is a meaty and famously royal food in Jaisalmer and Rajasthan. It has always been a significant part of food culture and celebrations in north India.
We don’t eat a lot of meat when we’re travelling in India. But for the meat lovers, Laal Maas is the undisputed king of the table here.
The name Laal Maas roughly translates as ‘red meat’. It is famous for its fiery red colour. The heat comes from the Mathania chili, a specific variety of chili that is grown in Rajasthan.
However, despite its appearance, a well-made Laal Maas isn’t just “hot”—it is deeply smoky and rich in flavour, often prepared with garlic, yogurt, and ghee.
AKA: It is delicious!
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Trio Restaurant and the Heritage Mandir Palace. (Or if you are lucky enough to be invited to a wedding!).
2. Ghotua Ladoo (Jaisalmer’s Signature Sweet)
You cannot walk through the markets of Jaisalmer without being lured by the scent of Ghotua. This sweet is unique to the Golden City and has been made by local halwais (sweet makers) for generations.
Unlike the grainy laddoos you find elsewhere, Ghotua is incredibly smooth and slightly chewy. It is made from gram flour (besan), condensed milk, and a generous amount of ghee, flavoured with cardamom and saffron.
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Look for the oldest shops near the fort entrance. They are often topped with a silver leaf (vark) and are the perfect high-energy snack for a day of exploring.
- Tip: Ask specifically for Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets (in Bhatia Market). This historic shop has been crafting Rajasthani sweets for 12 generations!
3. Yellow Moong Dal (Curry)
The beautifully yellow Moong Dal is a comforting staple of Jaisalmeri cuisine. We ate this a lot in Jaisalmer and appreciated the simplicity.
In a region where the desert climate can be intense, this dal—made from split yellow mung beans—is a light curry dish.
Unlike the heavier, creamier lentils found in northern India, Jaisalmer’s version tends to be a thinner, more savoury preparation.
- Tip: This was one of the dishes I helped to make when we had lunch in a family home in Jaisalmer!
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Every guesthouse in Jaisalmer will serve this Dal. Or to arrange a lunch with Bhawani, Sawai, and their family in their home, you can contact Bhawani +91 94147 63000.
4. Dal Pakwan (Breakfast)
In Jaisalmer, breakfast starts with a crunch!
Dal Pakwan is a deep-fried and crisp un-puffed type of Puri (fried bread) flavoured with salt and pepper. It is usually served with Dal and a sweet and sour tamarind chutney or spicy green chili chutney.
Gavin especially was a big fan of Dal Pakwan. I would say, for the taste and the social aspect of breakfast starting this way!
- Tip: You’ll see locals gathered around large iron vats (kadhai) in the morning, waiting for the latest batch.
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Try the small Dal Pakwan cart at the entrance to the market on Geeta Ashram Road.
5. Dal Baati (Traditional Desert Bread)
Dal Baati is another quintessential Rajasthani delicacy and a staple of the desert. While the accompanying dal (lentil soup) is found throughout South Asia, the bread—known as Baati—is what makes this meal unique.
Unlike the famously flat breads of India, Baati are hard, round rolls traditionally baked over open charcoals. Because it can be cooked directly on embers without the need for a hot plate, Baati is a traditional food that originates from the rugged lifestyle of the desert.
I wouldn’t say it’s delicious. But it is a unique desert-food in Jaisalmer to try!
- How to Eat It: The texture is unlike anything else; these “rock-like” balls are surprisingly sturdy yet easy to tear apart. They are designed to be crumbled and dipped into the dal or a spicy curry.
- Find It In Jaisalmer: The most authentic way to experience Dal Baati is during an overnight camel safari, where it’s often cooked fresh over a desert campfire.
6. Churma: Traditional Food in Jaisalmer
Churma is an unusual and popular treat often served alongside Dal Baati to complete the famous trio: Dal Baati Churma.
It is made from coarsely ground wheat bread that is crushed and then cooked with generous amounts of ghee (clarified butter) and sugar.
The resulting texture is crumbly—almost like a sweetened cereal or breadcrumb. Though interestingly, it is often served at the start of the meal or as a sweet side to the savoury dal and baati.
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Dal Bati Churma is usually made on special occasions, festivals and weddings in Rajasthan.
7. Mutton Saag (Curry)
While Laal Maas gets all the glory, Mutton Saag is another delicious food in Jaisalmer and Rajasthan.
This dish features tender pieces of goat meat slow-cooked in a thick, spiced puree of spinach and local greens.
The bitterness of the greens perfectly balances the richness of the meat. It is a fantastic option if you want something hearty but slightly less fiery than the red chili-based curries.
- Find It In Jaisalmer: Wanderlust Guesthouse, Trio Restaurant and the Heritage Mandir Palace.
8. Gatte Ki Sabji (Curry)
I know I have already said it. But this is a(another) truly unique desert food in Jaisalmer!
Gatte ki Sabji is a savoury vegetarian curry made from besan (chickpea flour) dumplings. This dish is a staple of the desert region. It was born out of necessity in an environment where fresh vegetables can be scarce, particularly during long periods of drought.
The dumplings are crafted from a seasoned flour dough and simmered in a tangy, spicy yogurt-based gravy.
It is a must-try dish in Jaisalmer—not just for its unique flavour, but as a humbling reminder of the resourcefulness of the people living in India’s arid desert regions.
9. Rajasthani Kadhi (Snack Food)
Unlike the Punjabi version which features heavy fritters (pakoras), Rajasthani Kadhi is thinner, spicier, and punchier.
Made from a base of yogurt and besan, it is tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, and plenty of dried red chilies.
- Tip: It’s a wonderful ‘cleansing’ dish that is light on the stomach and usually eaten with plain steamed rice or bajra roti.
10. Ker Sangri (Curry): Food in Jaisalmer
One of the dishes that (again) uniquely defines the food in Jaisalmer, is Ker Sangri. This really is desert food in its most authentic form.
We had never heard of it before.
Ker is a tangy wild berry, and Sangri are long beans that grow on the Khejri tree, the lifeline of the Thar Desert.
These ingredients are dried and then rehydrated to be cooked with oil, yogurt, and a blend of spices including dried red chilies. It is earthy, sour, and spicy all at once.
It is a humble dish that was born out of necessity but has become a gourmet staple of Rajasthan.
- How to Eat It: Best enjoyed with a hot, thick Bajra Roti (pearl millet flatbread).
- Find It in Jaisalmer: We tried this at Wanderlust Guesthouse. Host Padam didn’t want us to leave without trying what is touted as the most famous of desert food in Jaisalmer!
11. Jalebi (Sweet): Food in Jaisalmer
This is a bonus, sweet food in Jaisalmer that I have to add. Because if you haven’t tried Jalebi yet in India – you need to!
Jalebi is a popular sweet snack all over South Asia. It is a crispy, pretzel-like and syrupy sweet that is recognisable by its bright orange or yellow colour.
The sweets are made by frying batter into crispy swirls, then will be dipped in a sugary syrup made with cardamom and saffron. A bit like a syrupy, spiral of sweet donut!
- Find It In Jaisalmer: You can’t miss Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets on the corner heading up from Gandhi Chowk towards the Fort.
Part 3: Where to Eat in Jaisalmer
Like any Indian city, Jaisalmer offers a limitless selection of street-side stalls and hidden chai shops. Plus here there are the scenic rooftop eateries with views of Jaisalmer Fort and the chance to try some of these desert specialities while out on a Camel Safari!
Here are some of our favourite Places To Eat in Jaisalmer.
- Tip: If it’s your first time in India, check out our guide on How to Avoid Delhi Belly to help you navigate the food scene with confidence.
Our Favourite Eateries in Jaisalmer
- Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets (Bhatia Market): This sweet shop has been making Rajasthani sweets for 12 generations! It is the absolute best place to try the city’s famous Ghotua and fresh, syrupy Jalebis.
- Wanderlust Guesthouse Café: This is the perfect, safe environment to dive into regional delicacies like Gatte ki Sabji (gram flour curry) or Ker Sangri (desert beans). They also serve great pasta and toasted sandwiches if you’re craving a taste of home.
- The Trio Restaurant (Gandhi Chowk): A popular, long-standing spot in the heart of town. Don’t miss the small museum at the entrance with a collection of historic chapati boxes!
- Natraj Restaurant (Gandhi Chowk): A reliable local favourite serving Indian and Continental dishes. The rooftop offers a fantastic vantage point looking over Salim Singh ki Haveli.
- Mandir Palace Restaurant: For a more regal atmosphere, you can dine within the palace grounds. The rooftop restaurant has a stunning lookout over the heritage estate.
- Kum Kum Sophty Corner: Tucked right under the fort walls, this tiny shop is a lifesaver when the desert heat peaks—grab an ice block for just 20 INR.
Best Spots for Chai & Cold Drinks in Jaisalmer
- Prabhu Tea Stall (Hanuman Chowk): An authentic, high-energy spot that is buzzing by sunrise. At only 10 INR a cup, this is arguably the best chai in all of India.
- Natti’s Chai Shop (Gandhi Chowk): Located at Natraj Restaurant, this is a must-visit for the personality alone. Natti is a local legend who keeps guests entertained with magic tricks and puzzles.
- Wanderlust Guesthouse Rooftop: While their food is great, their Banana Lassi is a highlight in our family!
- Bharat Juice Shop (Pansari Bazar): One of the oldest drink cafes in the city, situated between the Fort and Gadisar Lake.
- Bhang Lassi Shop (Gopa Chowk): An iconic stop for travellers located beneath the first Fort gate. It has been serving its famous lassis for decades—just be sure to approach with caution!
Enjoy the Food in Jaisalmer
The food in Jaisalmer is a reflection of the desert environment and of the friendly and vibrant people who live there. Every time we visit Jaisalmer we remember why it is our favourite destination in India!
Enjoy a Camel Safari, sleeping overnight in the desert, visiting the beautiful fort – and definitely try the food in Jaisalmer that makes it so unique. 🙂
Ready to start your desert adventure? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jaisalmer for more tips on where to stay and how to plan the perfect camel safari!
What’s your favourite Indian dish? Are you a Laal Maas or a Jalebi fan? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe travels, adventurers!
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning more about food in Jaisalmer!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
