8 February 2025 · Jaisalmerholidays
Rajasthani food is built for the desert — long-lasting, spice-forward, made with ingredients that can survive without much water. In Jaisalmer that heritage is very much alive, and eating well here is easy whether you're at a heritage hotel, a rooftop in the old city or a bonfire in the dunes.
Dishes you shouldn't leave without trying
- Rajasthani thali — a full platter with several sabzis, dal, roti, rice, papad, pickle and a sweet. The best introduction to the cuisine.
- Dal baati churma — hard baked wheat balls (baati) soaked in ghee, served with dal and a sweetened crumble (churma). The state dish, and unmissable.
- Ker sangri — a dry curry made from wild desert berries (ker) and beans (sangri). Uniquely Rajasthani; you'll rarely see it elsewhere.
- Gatte ki sabzi — soft gram-flour dumplings in a yoghurt-based curry.
- Laal maas — a fiery red mutton curry made with local Mathania chillies (non-veg travellers, this one).
- Bajre ki roti with lehsun chutney — pearl-millet flatbread with a punchy garlic chutney.
- Ghewar and malpua — festive Rajasthani sweets you'll find in season.
Eating at a desert camp
Dinner at a desert camp is one of the most memorable meals you'll have in Jaisalmer. Everything is cooked fresh in the sand — bajra roti puffed on an open flame, a few sabzis, a slow-cooked dal, rice, salad, pickle and a sweet — usually served buffet-style around a bonfire while folk musicians play. Tell us in advance and we'll set up Jain, pure-veg or non-veg thalis.
Rooftop dining in the old city
Almost every heritage hotel in Jaisalmer has a rooftop restaurant with a view of the fort. Rajasthani thalis, tandoori dishes and continental staples are standard; go at sunset.
Practical tips
- Spice levels are adjustable at almost every restaurant — just ask.
- Vegetarian, Jain and non-veg options are widely available.
- Water: stick to bottled or filtered.