DECIPHERING FOOD in RAJASTHAN- MUST TRY RAJASTHANI FOOD-2016

DECIPHERING FOOD in RAJASTHAN

Often one wants to travel and try local foods and then when we open menus we cannot for the loss of understanding a dish. Here is a list of few Veg & Non veg Rajasthani specialty foods with details of what they contain. 

VEGETARIAN:

DAAL- BAATI- CHOORMA: This consist of 3 things and its a full blown meal.

DAAL:  is lentil/ pulses made in a typical rajasthani style, not very spicy.

BAATI: is a hard, unleavened round ball made of wheat flour and cooked in clay oven (tandoor). It’s a substitute for bread. Baati can either be plain or have various kinds of fillings, including onions, peas and potatoes. It’s dipped in ghee (clarified butter) to soften before eating. BAFLA is a kind of baati, which is softer, has a filling and instead of cooking in oven is fried in Clarified butter/ Ghee . BAFLA AND BAATI ARE ALWAYS EATEN WITH HOT DAL WITH PURE GHEE AND CHUTNEY.

CHOORMA: is a popular delicacy usually served with baatis and dal. Its a dessert. Choorma is coarsely ground wheat crushed and cooked with ghee and sugar. Traditionally it is made by grinding wheat flour baatis in a mixer and mixing it with ghee and jaggery, optionally mixed with dry fruits and flavours (mango/ Rose/ Pistachio etc). It can also be eaten alone but generally this a combination food and all 3 are served together.

DAAL BAATI CHOORMA

KAIR SAANGRI: Also known as ker saangri. Ker/ Kair looks sort of like a caper and Saangri is a kind of bean very typical of desert vegetation.  The Ker is a wild berry and Sangri is a type of narrow bean wildly grown in the desert regions. These are available dry and used as and when required. They are soaked and then cooked with various spices and is a sort of a pickle. Goes well as a side dish with Bajraa Roti.

KAIR SAANGRI/ KER SANGRI

KAIR SAANGRI/ KER SANGRI

 

KADHI PAKORI: A main dish made of buttermilk, gram flour and various spices. Kadhi pakori is a great vegetarian dish. Its light and healthy and a staple for people of Rajasthan. It goes well with steam rice/ Plain Rice.

KADHI PAKORI

GATTA MASALA/ GATTE: A traditional Rajasthani dish made of Besan/Gramflour cooked in tomato yogurt gravy. Basically a stiff dough of gram flour is made with spices and salt and then one makes a sausage/ kebab shape (gatta) out of this dough. Then the gramflour sausage/ kebab is boiled in water cut into small 2 inch pieces and is sometimes fried post boiling. And then a nice thick yogurt and spices based gravy is made and the gattas are simmered in the gravy. A classic Rajasthani dish. Its a main dish and goes well with Missi Roti/ Tandoori Roti

GATTA MASALA/ GATTE KI SUBZI/ GUTTA CURRY

GOVIND GATTE:  Similar to the Gatta Masala but a much rich version. Here the gatta (the gramflour dumplings) are stuffed with nuts and instead of boiling the dumplings are deep fried. Heavy food, spicy main dish and goes well with all kinds of Indian breads.

GOVIND GATTE/ SHAHI GATTE

PAPAD KI SUBZI: Very unique vegetarian dish that is available only in this region- The papad ki subzi is made from papad  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papadum ) or what some may call appadam or pappadam. Papad is a thin, crisp Indian preparation similar to a cracker. It is typically served as an accompaniment to a meal in India. The papad subzi has a mild gravy. It is a main dish and goes well with all kinds of Indian breads.

PAPAD KI SUBZI

MANGORI KI SUBZI:  Mangodi is a kind of dried condiment and a favorite of people of Rajasthan. These are prepared using either split Green Gram or split Black gram. These can either be made at home or can be bought from shops. Its basically Sun Dried Lentil Dumplings Curry. 

Rajasthan being an arid region was not suitable for growing vegetables. The people hence preserved the vegetables and lentils by dehydrating them. They used these then to prepare various dishes. The times have changed now and due to the advancement in transportation and many canals running through the desert most of the vegetables are available throughout the year. But the dried foods/ condiments still reamin a part of diet and are now mixed with some fresh vegetables and spices to prepare unique dishes. Mangodi is one such dish. 

A paste Moong Dal / Hesarubele / split Green Gram or Urad Dal / split Black Gram is made by adding water and different spices and then out of this thick paste small dumplings are created and sun dried for 2-3 days and are called mangodi. These when cooked with various spices and veggies is a mangodi subzi. Mangodi subzi is a main vegetarian dish and goes well with all kinds of Indian breads.

SUN DRYING THE MANGORI

AFTER DRYING FOR 2 DAYS-THIS IS HOW THE MANGODI LOOKS-THIS CAN BE STORED FOR MONTHS AND USED WHEN YOU WANT TO PREPARE THE DISH

MANGODI KI SUBZI

CHAKKI KI SUBZI: This is a unique dish, mainly prepared in Jodhpur area but a few restaurants across Rajasthan serves this dish. Its one of my favourite rajasthani dishes. It tastes like a mutton curry though its absolutely vegetarian made from wheat, maida and besan. It is made into pieces and cooked in gravies, as you would, vegetables. A must try!

CHAKKI KI SUBZI

LAHSUN KI CHUTNEY: Hot garlic paste, its a side dish generally served as a condiment. Like one eats jams with breads chutneys are eaten with Indian breads. The lahsun ki chutney is a simple yet delectable dry garlic chutney that is a "must" in every Rajasthani  meal. This is usually relished with bajra rotis and onions and is part a peasant's working lunch. Its very spicy so eaten in small quantities like pickles.

LAHSUN KI CHUTNEY

LAAPSI: This is a unique Rajasthani dessert made of broken wheat, ghee, jaggery, nuts, raisins and dried fruits. Mostly served in winter months and has a sweet porridge sort of look and feel.

LAAPSI

RAAB: This dish is loved by all during winters. There are 2/3 versions of Raab. Makki ki Raab is made from ingredients which could be easily found in this tough desert region. It can be called as ‘sour corn soup’. But unlike soups it is followed after the meals may it be dinner or lunch. It is hot, sour and tempting. It is prepared by mixing and blending boiled corn with sour butter milk (Chachh). Another form of Raab is Gur Raab, which is made up of Gur i.e. jaggery. It is sweet and this too is taken after meals as Gur is considered as a good incomplete. Raab is also made of baajra flour and buttermilk and this version is called Bajre ki Raab.

MAKKI KI RAAB

PYAAZ KI KACHORI:  This is sort of a crispy puff pastry (round shaped) stuffed with onion and potatoes. Its awesome, loaded with claories, vegetarian and is eaten as a snack or breakfast. These kachoris originated in Jodhpur but are today popular throughout Rajasthan. Very few households actually prepare these crisp, flaky deep fried kachoris stuffed with a lightly caramalised and exceptionally seasoned onion filling. Steaming hot pyaz ki kachoris or aloo pyaz ki kachoris are sold at most 'namkeen' shops in Rajasthan. Like all kachoris, they are eaten with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney. The best places to eat them in Jaipur are: Rawat, BMB, LMB, DMB.

PYAAZ KI KACHORI

MIRCHI VADA: Mirchi Vada, is a spicy Rajasthani snack made of chili (Mirchi) huge-thick ones stuffed with savoury potato filling, served hot with tomato sauce or occasionally with mint and tamarind chutney. A mirchi vada is a sort of a stuffed chilli cutlet. 

INITIALLY THE CHILLIES ARE STUFFED

MIRCHI VADA

MAWE KI KACHORI: This is a crispy flaky puff pastry stuffed with mawa (dry fruits) and dipped in sugar syrup. The best place to have one, while in jaipur is Rawat & BMB- Bombay Mishthan Bhandar. This is a sweet dish generally consumed as a snack or dessert.

MAWA KACHORI

MIRCHI KE TIRPORI: Diced chillies in a tangy gravy. Again this is a side dish like the lehsun ki chutney.

MIRCHI KE TAPORE

NON VEGETARIAN:

LAAL MAAS: This is an awesome meat (goat) dish. It is a mutton curry made of succulent pieces of mutton, yogurt, hot spices such as red chillies, cumin, garam masala etc. This dish typically is very hot and rich in garlic, the gravy may be thick or liquid and is eaten with All kinds of Indian Breads. You can ask the wait staff or chef to go easy on the chillies if you don’t want the heat! But this is one the greatest dishes.

LAAL MAAS- SPICY FIREY MUTTON CURRY

LAAL MAAS

JUNGLE MAAS/ JUNGLEE MAAS: This is a fabulous mutton dish. Semi dry, not so spicy and goes wonderfully with all kinds of Indian breads. Try this at Haandi! Made of whole spices and ghee (clarified butter) with no water and cooked for hours- this is a gorgeous curry.

JUNGLEE MAAS

SAFAED MAAS: In this dish the meat is cooked in a curd and cashewnut gravy. This dish is usually served during the special occasions. This is a truly decadent version of a Korma, It has a delectable combination of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and coriander seeds. All these spices have their own distinct flavours, but come beautifully together. Unlike many Kormas it doesn't contain any coconut, instead the flavours are distinctly nutty, somewhat sweet and delicious. This is a main dish, its non spicy and goes well with all kinds of Indian Breads.

SAFAED MAAS

MOHAN MAAS: This is again a very distinct meat preparation, where the mutton is cooked with milk & mild spices. It’s  a thick gravy infused with delicate flavours of khus-khus (poppy seeds), khoya, lemon, cloves & cardamom. This is a main dish and goes well with all kinds of Indian breads.

MOHAN MAAS

MOHAN MAAS

KEEMA BATI: Non-Vegetarian version on Baati. Keema baati  is a hard, unleavened round ball made of wheat flour and cooked in clay oven (tandoor). It’s a substitute for bread and has a keema filling. Keema is a mince meat cooked with mild spices. Keema baati is served with a spicy gravy (Curry) and while in jaipur you can try this at SPICE COURT or HAANDI.

KEEMA BAATI IS USUALLY SERVED WITH LEHSUN KI CHUTNEY as shown in the small bowl & A SPICY GRAVY as shown in the bigger bowl

SOOLEY/ MAAS KA SOOLA: Soola is a barbequed meat. Soola can be made of mutton as well as chicken. The meat is marinated for hours and then barbequed in a tandoor. A soola has a sort of a smoky flavour and is a great entree/ starter. It goes well with hari chutney (Mint chutney).

MURG SOOLA (CHICKEN SOOLA) served with green chutney and salad

MUTTON SOOLA

MAAS KA SOOLA/ MUTTON SOOLA

DESSERTS:

DOODH FEENI: This is a sort of very thin slightly crunchy sweet noodle made of flour etc. Its garnished with dry fruits like almonds and pistachios and either eaten with a sugar syrup or is dipped in hot sweet milk.

GHEVAR:  It is a disc-shaped sweet made from Paneer (cottage cheese), oil, flour and sugar syrup. There are many varieties of Ghevar, such as plain, mawa and malai ghevar.

MISHRI MAWA: A very delicate sweet. Its a much softer version of milk cake/ kalakand. Made by cooking milk on a very flame for long hours with sugar, cardamom, nuts etc.

BESAN KI CHAKKI: It is basically a Chickpea Flour Fudge. Made by cooking gramflour on a very low flame for long hours alongwith khoya & cardamom powder and then further adding sugar. This is a much softer version of besan laddoo or maybe a cross between daal halwa and besan ladoo. A very different taste! Must try this at Kanji sweets jaipur. 

To know where to find great Rajasthani food read about the dancing scene in Jaipur on: http://visitingjaipur.com/eating-places-in-jaipur

WEDDING SHOPPING in JAIPUR

So your wedding is scheduled for November / December/ January and you want to buy the best for your Trousseau. Then You must be planning a shopping excursion to Jaipur and wondering when to go, what to buy and from where?

Sensibly just before Rakhi, sometime in August is a great time. All the stores have great SALE on at that point of time and you can get KILLER DEALS!!

If August is not Possible and you still have about a year to your Wedding then February to March is also a great time and there are plenty of SALE.

LEHENGA: For picking your wedding Lehenga- first stop should be SARAOGI MANSION. Here you can look at Nikhar Fashions, Pratapsons, Utsav, Parineeta, Roopmilan. From here you can go to RANA's at Ganpati Plaza. Then check out ZARI & SATTVA at Narayan Singh Circle and VASANSI at Takht E Shahi Road.Now if you want something absolutely exclusive then there are many wonderful designers like Pallavi Jaipur, Nidhi Tholia, Monish Tharyamal and many many more...

SHERWANI: For picking a sherwani you can go to RAM NARAYAN SAFEWALE at walled city, RAJA SAHEB at Raja Park, Visit Munnu Khan the oldest masterji of sherwani in Jiapur for a custom made one. Or Manyavar at Crytal Plam Mall, Sardar Patel Marg 'C' Scheme. Well again there are some good designers that you may visit like Rohit Abhishek, Kirti Rathore, Himmat Singh to name a few.

CHOORA & BANGLES: Go to BAPU BAZAAR or one of the many bangle stores at the basement of SARAOGI MANSION and find yourself the most gorgeous choora.

FOOTWEAR: There is Metro in M.I. Road. Reliance Footprint at Sardar Patel Marg. Then there are  many many stores in the basement of SARAOGI MANSION where you get beautiful glitzy non branded bridal footwear. There is also LIFESTYLE at 22 Godam Circle and Central at PINK SQUARE MALL, Adarsh Nagar RAJA PARK.

TROUSSEAU PACKING: Trousseau packing for a wedding in the family can be a very tedious thing. All the gifts and giveaways aren’t any good till they are packaged well. So if you come trousseau shopping in jaipur or come for hosting a wedding in jaipur or are interested in hassle free and gorgeous trousseau packing there are 2 places that are great. There is Vandana Fancy & Craft Centre in BAPU BAZAAR and there is The Modern Paper House opp SARGA SOOLI in Old Jaipur.

SAFA: This should not cost you more than 200 to 500 INR and about 45 minutes of your time. Right in the heart of Old CITY- Just as you are at the end of JOHRI BAZAAR, look up on the roofs of both right and left and what you have there are assorted turbans in all hues and colors! Turbans known as safa in Rajasthan is a traditional headgear- still worn in the rural parts of the state and worn during weddings by grooms.Get a safa (turban/ Headgear) made for you. You can choose from the many fabrics that are available or take your own cloth.
 
EXCLUSIVE BANGLES: There is no place like the MANIHARON KA RAASTA in the old city to go bangle shopping. There are over 50/60 stores stocking up very very exclusive bangles. Try the ones made of LAAC.

WEDDING CARDS: The most sought after is JOHRI BAZAAR. I also like DHARTI DHAN near shaheed circle, just after you turn towards Narayan Singh Circle look on the side where there are loads of diagnostic centers and you will find dharti dhan. They specialize in Handmade paper.

JEWELLERY: There are no dearth of showrooms to go to. There is Birdhichand, Motisons, Tatiwala, Gem Palace, Amrapali to name a few.

For more about shopping in Jaipur, read: http://visitingjaipur.com/shopping-places-jaipur

SANGANER DAY TRIP- A GREAT EXPERIENCE

SANGANER, lies 16 Kms south of the Jaipur on National Highway No. 12, Kota - Jaipur Road. It is a centre of hand block-printed textiles and handmade paper. One enters Sanganer through the ruins of two massive Tripolias (Triple Gateways).

Hand Dyed Bedsheets being dried before printing

Preparing Fabrics for block Printing

Preparing Fabrics for block Printing

Preparing Fabrics for block Printing

The town is an important centre for handicraft industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from numerous units of block and screen printers. Sanganer prints are one of its kind. Traditional small floral prints form the specialty of Sanganer block printers and these patterns in bright colors are always printed on white backgrounds.

Intricate designs of flowers and animals are used to make the blocks

Wooden Blocks that are used for Hand Block Printing

Traditional small floral prints form the specialty of Sanganer block printing

Finished Bed sheets drying

 

Its fun to explore the Kagazi Mohalla of Sanganer, which is prominent for expert artisans. These artisans are known as 'Kagazis' and one can watch the artisans make lovely patterns on fabrics with block-prints.

Artisan making a Bed-sheet using blocks & vegetable dyes

Semi Finished Block Printed Bed Sheet

The Blocks & a Semi Finished Bed sheet

Sanganer also boasts ruined palaces and Jain Temples, which are hand carved. Shri Digambar Jain Temple of Sanganer attracts the visitors for its fine carvings. This temple is often compared to the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu. The temple constructed in old architectural style, comprises beautiful 'shikhars' (Spires). The inner chamber has a stone shrine with three pinnacles, which shelters the idol of Parshwanath with seven serpent hoods. The Sanganer Fort (in ruins) too forms part of tourist attraction and if you have extra time in hand then can see.

All in all, touring the Sanganer can be a great experience and let you see craftsmanship of Rajasthan closely. If you have 3 days in Jaipur then this is a must do.

Hand Screen Printing

Hand Screen Printing

WHEN & WHY TO VISIT JAIPUR

This is a question travellers from all over the world, often ask or mail me about. The problem is, there’s no straight answer to that. It’s all a matter of preference & opportunity. Some people love the winters, some like it hot and dry. Many prefer the mild conditions of spring and autumn.

This is how weather works in Jaipur and you can pick the season that suits you the most.

JAIPUR SEASONS/ WEATHER

Dec-Jan-Feb: This is when we have Winters and the temperature varies between 2 Degrees Celsius to 25 Degrees.

Mar-Apr-May-June: That’s our Summers and it can get cruel. The temperature varies from 27 Degrees to 47 Degrees.

July-Aug-Sept: Summers & little bit of Rain. Since Rajasthan is the desert state & Jaipur the capital, we don’t get that much of rain. Medium rainfall is observed in this period. Temperatures varies from 27 Degrees to 38 Degrees.

Oct-Nov: This is actually my favourite time of the year. Its neither that hot nor that cold. Temperatures vary from 20 Degrees to 30 Degrees.

Besides the weather, there are of course also other variables to consider. Like the top tourist season – which you of course some people want to avoid if possible. The peak time to visit is October to Mid April.

Or are there exceptional years that will attract an extra amount of tourists? Maybe you would like to be around when a certain exhibition or festival takes place?

OFFICIAL, NATIONAL & RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS in JAIPUR:

• JAN: 26 Jan- Republic Day

•  Feb/Mar: Holi (The Festival of colours) The date varies every year as per the Hindu Calendar  

•  Apr: 5 Apr- Mahaveer Jayanti. 14 Apr- Ambedkar Jayanti

• Aug:15 Aug-Independence day, Janamashtami- The birthday of Lord Krishna (Date varies every Year as per Hindu Calander), Rakshabandhan/ Rakhi- A festival of Siblings, Every sister ties a Rakhi to the brother (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan), Ramjan Id (Id-Ul-Fitar)- date varies every year (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan)

• Sept: Ganesh Chaturthi

• Oct: Oct 2- Gandhi Jayanti, Dushera – Date varies every year as per the Hindu Calendar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami), Idul Zuha (Bakrid), Diwali- The festival of lights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali)

• Nov: Guru Nanak Jayanti

• Dec: Christmas

IMPORTANT HINDI PHRASES

ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS

I'm lost:   HUM KHO GAYE HAIN

Can I help you?:      KYA MAI AAPKI MADAD KAR SAKTA/ SAKTI (FEMALE) HOON?

Can you help me?:    KYA AAP MERI MADAD KAR SAKTEY HAIN?

Where is the (bathroom)?:    TOILET OR BATHROOM KAHAAN HAI?   

Where is the pharmacy?:   DAWAAI KI DUKAAN KAHAAN HAI?

Go straight! then turn left/ right!:  SEEDHEY JAAEY! PHIR BĀNYAE/ DĀNYAE MUDIYE

I'm looking for john:     MEIN JOHN KO DHOONDH RAHAA/ RAHI (FEMALE) HOON

One moment please! :   EK MINAT…   

Hold on please! (phone):    EK MINAT…   

How much is this?:     YEH KAISEY DIYAA?   OR YEH KITNE KA HAI?

Excuse me ...! (to ask for something):    SUNIYE…   

Excuse me! ( to pass by):     SIDE DIJIYE / ZARA HATIYE   

Come with me!:        MERE SAATH AAEEYÉ!   

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF  

Do you speak (English/ Hindi)? Kyaa aap (angrézee/hindi) mein baat kar saktey hain?

Just a little. Bus thodaasaa.   

What's your name? Aapka naam kyaa hai?   

My name is ... Meraa naam …hai.   

Mr.../ Mrs.…/ Miss… Shree../Shreematee…/Kumaari…/Kumar (Master)

Nice to meet you! Aapsey milkar khushi huee

You're very kind! Aap bahut dayaloo hain!   

Where are you from? Aap kahaan sey hain?   

I'm from (the U.S/ India) Mein (amerika/ bhārata) se hoon

I'm (American) Mein amrikan hoon.   

Where do you live? Aap kahaan rehtey hain?   

I live in (the U.S/ India) Mein (US/ bhārata) mein rehtaa/ rehtee (female) hoon.

Did you like it here? Kyaa aap ko yahaan accha lagtaa hai?

India is a wonderful country Bharat ek adbhut desh hai   

What do you do for a living? Aap kyaa kaam kartey hain?   

I work as a (translator/ businessman) Mera apnaa vyaapaar hai (I have my own business)

I like Hindi Mujhey Hindi bhaashaa acchee lagtee hai.

I've been learning Hindi for 1 month Main ek maheeney sey Hindi seekh raha/ rahee (female) hoon.

Oh! That's good! Yeh accha hai!   

How old are you? Aapkee umar kyaa hai?   

I'm (twenty, thirty...) years old. Mein (bees, tees…) saal ka hoon/ ki hoon (female)

I have to go Mujhey jaana

I will be right back! Mein turant laut key aaoongaa/ aaoongi (female)

BASIC HINDI WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS EVERY TOURIST HEADING TO JAIPUR SHOULD KNOW

NUMBERS IN HINDI

0- ZERO-  SHOONYA (PEOPLE ALSO UNDERSTAND, ZERO AT MOST PLACES)

1-ONE-   EK

2-TWO-   DOH

3 – THREE-  TEEN

4-FOUR-  CHAAR

5-FIVE-  PAANCH

6-SIX-  CHHE

7-SEVEN- SAATH

8-EIGHT- AATH

9-NINE- NAU

10-TEN- DUS

11-ELEVEN- GYAARAAH

12- TWELVE- BAARAAH

13 –THIRTEEN- TERAH

14-FOURTEEN- CHAUDAH

15-FIFTEEN- PANDRAAH

16 –SIXTEEN- SOLAH

17- SEVENTEEN- SATRAH

18-EIGHTEEN- ATHRAH

19- NINETEEN- UNNEES

20-TWENTY- BEES

30 –Thirty- TEES

40 –Forty- CHAALEES

50 –Fifty- PACHAAS

60-sixty- SAAT

70 –Seventy- SATTAR

80 –Eighty- ASSI

90-Ninety-  NABBEY

100-Hundred- SAU

200 –Two Hundred- DOH SAU

300-Three Hundred- TEEN SAU

1.000-One Thousand- EK HAZAAR

2.000-Two Thousand- DOH HAZAAR

3.000 –Three Thousand-  TEEN HAZAAR

1, 00,000-One Hundred Thousand- EK LAAKH

2,00,000  - three Hundred Thousand- DOH LAAKH

3,00,000- Three Hundred Thousand- TEEN LAAKH

DAYS & MONTHS IN HINDI:

DAYS:

Monday: Somwaar

Tuesday: Mangalwaar

Wednesday: Wudwaar

Thursday: Guruwaar

Friday: Shukrawaar

Saturday: Shaniwaar

Sunday: Raviwaar/ Itwaar

MONTHS:

January : junwary

February : ferwary

March : march

April : uprail

May : mai

June: june

July : july

August : a-gust

September - situmber

October - aktober

November – na-voumber

December: desumber

TIME IN HINDI:

one minute: Ek Minute

 one hour: Ek Ghunta

 half an hour: Aadha Ghunta

 week:  Hafta

months: Maheene

morning:  Subah

afternoon: dopahar

evening: Shaam

night : Raat

this morning: Aaj subah

this evening: aaj Shaam

today : aaj

yesterday : Kal (Beeta hua kal)

 tomorrow: Kal(aane wala kal)

last week : pichla hafta

next week : agla hafta

now : Abhi

at the moment:Abhi

soon: Jaldi

later: Baad may

early : Jaldi

late: Late/ Der

TROUSSEAU PACKING

Trousseau packing for a wedding in the family can be a very tedious thing. All the gifts and giveaways aren’t any good till they are packaged well.

So if you come trousseau shopping in jaipur or come for hosting a wedding in jaipur or are interested in hassle free and gorgeous trousseau packing there are 2 places that are great. There is Vandana Fancy & Craft Centre in Bapu Bazaar and there is The Modern Paper House opp Sarga Sooli in Old Jaipur.

Modern Paper House is a bit on the expensive side but has a variety of stuff from baskets to different fabrics to readymade bags and pouches that you can use for packing. They also keep a variety of gorgeous handmade envelopes, gift paper bags and a host of other craft items that you can purchase and do the packing on your own (In case you do not want to get it done). To reach Modern Paper House, go to Johri Bazaar and go straight till you reach the round about. From the Round about take left towards sarga sooli and keep looking towards your side of the road- The Modern Paper House is shop no. 500 something- its fairly famous so you can ask anyone on that lane and get guided.

The Vandana Fancy Store

Bapu Bazaar

Variety of baskets for packing

variety of laces and ribbons

The Finished Tray

Vandana fancy Store is for those who do not want to go into the hustle bustle of Old Jaipur. At Vandana you have a host of options again. They have a huge variety of laces, gota, borders, trays of various sizes and shapes, beads, packing fabrics, ornate envelopes, gift boxes etc etc. To Reach Vandana Fancy Store, get off at bapu bazaar entrance and walk straight in and you will reach a sort of square, keep going straight and you will see Vandana store on your left. On an average completely finished trays of 1.5 feet by 1 feet can be available for 160 INR with complete packing.

New fun place to eat in town: CHATOKRI

I had gone to Pink Square Mall a couple of days back. On the top floor is the Inox cinema, after a movie we were hungry and wanted a quick bite. So we went to Chatokiri- The Food Court on the top level at Pink Square Mall.

This is a nice place to eat. Well its a food court so you have a lot of choice. There are multiple options: 

• Brown Sugar (cafe, pastries, and quick bites), 
• Dominos for pizzaz etc,
• Mitra- Punjabi Dhaba
• Chaat ke Chatore- Chaat etc
• Northern Tadka: Typical north Indian food
• Tamboora: Chinese
• Rajasthani: Rajasthani Food
• Marhaba: Non-Veg (The only place in jaipur serving Shawarma)
• Dakshin: South Indian Food
• Only paranthaas for a variety of parathaas
• And a couple of other counters serving juices, ice-cream etc.

Most of the food is tasty and priced for all pockets. A meal for 2 with soft drinks will not cost more than 350 indian Rupees.

So next time you wanna catch a movie, shop a bit and eat out, go to pink sqaure and give it a shot.

Pink Square Mall

Govind Marg, Saket, 

Adarsh Nagar. Near Pagal Khana

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Fun Thing to do

So, you have done the sightseeing and had the food... Done people watching as well as your quota for shopping is done for the trip... Still it wont hurt if you got to do something unique and fun? Right?

Here is a fun activity that should not cost you more than 200 to 500 INR and about 45 minutes of your time. Right in the heart of Old jaipur- Just as you are at the end of Johri Bazaar, look up on the roofs of both right and left and what you have there are assorted turbans in all hues and colors! Turbans known as safa in Rajasthan is a traditional headgear- still worn in the rural parts of the state and worn during weddings by grooms. 

Get a safa (turban/ Headgear) made for you. You can choose from the many fabrics that are available or take your own cloth.

I went here 2 weeks back with my "to-be-brother-in-law". The wedding is down the corner and he wanted to get an exclusive safa done, something that matches his sherwani. 

So we went to Banaraswala at Saraogi Mansion (Bapu Bazaar, M.I. Rd). Chose the fabrics and since we wanted 2 colors we bought 2.5 meters of each fabric. You can also buy 2 stoles or dupattas of your choice for a safa.

This is the fabric that is the inner lining of the safa- provided by the safa guy himself

So He measures the head and creates the inner lining first

The safas available, starting 200 INR

a lot of variety to choose from

My Bro-In-Law looks up a safa

He adds a lot of paper and the fabric is wrapped around meticulously

The turban/ safa base is ready as per my bro-in-law's head size

the fabrics getting wrapped

you can view hawa mahal and a lot more while the safa is getting made

The safa being tried

Yes, its fits well!!

Well, that was fun wasnt it! Special Thanks to Sunny Dua (My Model & Bro-in-Law) for letting me click these!! We paid 550 INR coz the groom's safa tying charges are high but normally one can get one tied for 250 INR.

WEDDING SHOPPING IN JAIPUR in 2016

JAIPUR - One of my favorite cities in India. Favorite, not because I live here or because it is famed to be the land of forts and Palaces, the land of riches, color and unparalleled heritage. Favorite because, this city offers so much that money can and cannot buy! Favorite because of the hospitality and the kind of treatment you will receive from the people during your shopping excursions and otherwise. Favorite because this is the city where you can find India at its colourful best!

Let’s start with what all you need to shop for an Indian Wedding & all that you can find in JAIPUR? Considering that, we get married once and want the best for ourselves, our life and the people in it. There is a lot to shop and find in Jaipur. Some of them are:
o Invitation cards
o Bags
o Home furnishing
o Home décor stuff
o Silverware
o Trousseau packing
o Gifts
o Authentic arts
o Handicrafts
o Exquisite gems
o Jewellery (Silver/ Gold/ Color stones)
o Designer marble products
o Traditional print, block Print garments and textiles
o Blue pottery
o Rajais (blankets/ quilts)
o Trinkets
o Lak ki chudi (ethnic bangles)
o Mojdis (special Rajashtani footware)
o Bandhani work (Traditional Rajasthani Tie & Dye)
o Miniature paintings
o Kundan jewellery
o Marble figures
o Gold filigree and inlay work...

Phew, the list seemed endless

The Jaipur bazaars are a treat for those who love to explore and discover. They are located in and around the famous Hawa Mahal, which is part of the walled city (The OLD JAIPUR City). Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Chaura Rasta, (also called the Sawai Man Singh Highway), Tripolia Bazaar and the Mirza Ismail Road (Popularly known as M.I. ROAD) are some of the main shopping areas. Johari Bazaar is the one stop for jewellery and tie dye sarees, fabrics, suits, lehengas and textiles. Gopalji ka Rasta, and Haldiyon ka Rasta houses numerous establishments selling jewellery, gems, sweets, silverware etc. The Old city markets remain closed on Sunday. For handicrafts like puppets, bandahwars, wall hangings, white metal artifacts go to linking road next to saraogi mansion- Bapu Bazar. For wonderful trousseau packing visit Ratan textile and a few tiny shops next to Ratan. When in bapu Bazar do not miss the golgappas and kulfi faluda.



Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar, are also a must visit place for textiles, local perfumes, shoes made of camel skin (jutties/ mojaries), Rajasthani trinkets and bandhani work. Bapu Bazaar also Houses the famous SARAOGI MANSION Market- that has many famous stores, known for Indian bridal trousseau.

If at Saraogi Mansion, you must see the collection at Parineeta, Nikhaar fashions, Utsav Sarees, Pratapsons and for great banarasi handloom fabrics visit Banaraswala. These markets are completely closed on Sundays.



Tripolia Bazaar and Chaura Rasta too have textile outlets in addition to shops selling utensils, ironware and trinkets. It is also closed on Sunday.


If you are interested in carvings in marble and sandstone then head for Khazanawale Raasta. Close to this is the popular M.I. Road which houses a large number of emporia with a variety of goods ranging from jewellery, brass work, textiles, antiques, handicrafts, print fabric, vegetable dye fabric, block printing fabric, famouse lassiwala (Awesome must try drink), Suryamahal veg restaurant, Natraj, Handi & Copper chimney to grab a bite post your shopping sessions etc. The MI Road shops stock a large variety of articles to satisfy the tourists’ need like souvenirs, curios, gifts, handicrafts etc.


For block printed specialities, Kilol, Soma Shop, cottons, chhipa, Cotton curio, Gulabchand, Suruchi and Anokhi are great places to visit. Rajasthali, the official store of Rajasthan tourism, is a must try to find a galore of products under one roof. But if you are flying out, then the Sanganer village area, which is close to the airport, is worth going to for blue pottery and other specialities.


For wonderful and cheap home furnishings do take out some time and visit Seekar House. Bedspreads, bedsheets, Table mats, Table runners, Tablecloth, curtains, Quilts, name it and you got it all squeezed in the small seeker house market. You must bargain a lot to strike a great deal.

For more details on what all you can buy from Jaipur read another article on another BLOG: http://theroyalshaadi.blogspot.com/2008/08/mementoes-for-wedding-guests.html