Since I'm vacationing in Udaipur, it is only fair that I bring to notice some of the delightful eat outs in this marvelous city. Firstly if you had the common misconception that the whole of Rajasthan was an arid desert, then you my friend are WRONG. Udaipur is a beautiful city also known as the City of Lakes, the weather is much cooler as compared to the rest of the state, the food is INSANE and the people are so hospitable that I left like the Prince of Mewar these past few weeks. Coming from a hectic noisy city like Bombay, Udaipur was a huge shock, the streets are empty by 9.30 pm, the sun sets only at 7.30 in the evening, making those office days so much longer. The first thing the locals recommended us was the traditional "Rajasthani Thali" and so just had to try it!
A proper meal at Natraj takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on how fast you eat. Don't get me wrong, it’s not like the food is so bad that people leave early, it’s because of the whirlwind service at Natraj. You are welcomed to this ginormous empty plate with 7 cups inside and before you even update your FB status, the plates are full. The waiters tend to each table with inch perfect timing and the order of the food items served is almost like clockwork. Natraj has probably served a million thalis and I don't think a single person would have left disappointed. Not only is the service super-fast, the food is piping hot - even on your second serving and did I mention you are allowed UNLIMITED refills. One can gorge themselves to the proper Thali experience at Natraj with 3 Subji's - Paneer, Aloo and another vegetable which is basically the Rajasthani specialty. My personal favorite was the Besan ke Ghatte, but to be fair - had they served Karela also, I would have licked my plate clean. That's how good the food tastes in Natraj. Very light, as everyone would like to refer it as "Ghar ka Khana". The Phulkas seem as though they are handcrafted by artisans, they've got the perfect amount of Ghee, perfect fluffiness, perfect size - Just PERFECT!
The Puri's are good too, as are the farsan items - Dhoklas, Kachoris and tiny little samosas and then you have the Dal Khichdi. When you first see the Khichdi, you would think it’s a semi solid prepartion specially made for a new born child who can't chew. No vegetables whatsoever, just a pale green colored slushhy thing. But my god we are proven wrong. I don't know how they do it, but the Khichdi is so easy to eat, it almost glides down your mouth. Topped up with ample Ghee and some Papads, this is one of the best things about this gigantic Thali. Every plate comes with its glass of Chaas and Namkeen Kadi which leaves you so full that you can barely muster the energy to take another bite. But it’s not over yet, as always I have saved the best for the end.
AMRAS. I was lucky enough to visit Udaipur during the end of the Mango season; hence every thali has a cup of Amras. I don't need to tell you how good the Amras is, but the only thing is that here you can have say 5-10 cups of Amras and the waiters will still serve you with the same smile on your face. Total value for money, yes all of this is just 100 rupees. That's right people, 100 rupees for all this food and hospitality. The Rajasthani Thali is a special special treat to your tummy and be sure to have it if you do visit Udaipur. Very importantly stay as far away as possible from the Gujarathi Thali - its identical, only every item is sweeter. Natraj is hands down the best food joint in the whole of Udaipur, strategically placed bang opposite the railway station, and at 100 rupees per head - it monopolizes the entire Thali industry in Rajasthan. For those who don't like the frantic pace of the Thali, you can go up to the second floor and experience a quieter, more fine dining experience with their extravagant a la carte menu. Though I'd strongly recommend the Thali - I've had it 4 times in 2 weeks and I still want more.
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