A road trip from Kota to Udaipur is more than just a journey—it’s a gastronomic adventure stretching through Rajasthan’s most culturally rich regions. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or solo, the 283–300 km drive via NH 27 delivers breathtaking landscapes, smooth highways, and most importantly—mouthwatering Rajasthani food. This guide covers the best roadside dhabas, local eateries, hidden gems, and must-try dishes along the route, so you don’t just reach your destination—you enjoy every bite along the way.
The Route Overview: What to Expect
The Kota to Udaipur highway is lined with quaint villages, local markets, lakeside views, and food stalls that represent authentic Rajasthani culture. The journey typically takes around 5–6 hours depending on stops, and the landscapes shift gradually from the Chambal belt to the lush Aravallis as you approach Udaipur.
The route goes through:
Kota
Rawatbhata / Mandana (optional detour)
Bhilwara
Chittorgarh
Mangalwad / Nathdwara
Udaipur
Every stretch has something uniquely delicious to offer—from rustic baati-churma and spicy laal maas to fresh kachoris and chai made on cow dung chulhas.
First Stop: Breakfast Around Kota – Start Like a Local
If you're starting early from Kota, don’t miss out on a hearty breakfast before hitting the highway.
Raju Namkeen / Shrinath Kachori (Kota City)
Must try: Pyaaz kachori, mirchi vada, samosa, jalebi
A classic breakfast stop beloved by locals and travelers alike. Begin your morning with hot snacks and a glass of cutting chai — a ritual in Rajasthan.
Many travelers prefer booking self-drive or hiring a private vehicle, and if you’re hiring a cab in kota, this is a perfect pit-stop before leaving the city since drivers often know the hidden gems on the route.
Highway Dhabas Between Kota & Bhilwara – Rustic & Traditional
Once you’re on NH27, numerous traditional dhabas appear every few kilometers. These dhabas offer authentic Rajasthani vegetarian meals with fresh rotis, lentils, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, and homemade pickles.
Recommended Stops:
Chittor Dhaba (Borkheda Road)
Known for: Tandoori rotis, dal fry, paneer sabzi
A clean, family-friendly place with generous servings and traditional flavors.
Hotel Highway King (near Mandana)
Known for: Thali meals, parathas, chaach
A popular chain dhaba with good hygiene, perfect if you prefer a restaurant-style meal.
What makes this part of the trip special is the simplicity of Rajasthani cooking—limited spices, smoky ghee, and flavors carried forward through generations.
Middle of the Journey: Bhilwara – A Foodie’s Delight
Bhilwara often goes unnoticed by tourists, but it’s a paradise for food lovers. If you're passing through around lunchtime, this is the best mid-way city for a proper meal or dessert.
Manuhar Dining Hall
Must try: Unlimited Rajasthani thali
Served with ghee and love, this thali includes dal baati churma, kadhi, kofta, rice, and sweets.
Jodhpur Sweets
Must try: Ghewar, mawa kachori, rabri
Their sweets are known across Rajasthan.
Some travelers also choose to break their journey here and spend a few hours exploring the town’s markets and cafes.
The Chittorgarh Stretch: Food With History
As you enter Chittorgarh district, history blends with the aroma of local food. Many eateries serve authentic Mewar-style cuisine—more robust, less sweet, and richer in ghee and spices.
Gangaur Restaurant (near Chittorgarh Fort)
Highlights: Rajasthani thali, kadhi, mirchi pakoda
If you're making a detour for the fort, this is an iconic stop.
At some point before or after Chittorgarh, you might notice taxis and private vehicles packed with travelers. Many rely on a Kota to Udaipur Taxi Service during this road trip and the option works great when you want a comfortable journey with flexible food stops along the way.
Roadside Snacks, Tea, and Local Flavors
Some of the best culinary moments on this road trip don’t happen at big restaurants—they happen at unnamed dhabas and chai stalls. Look out for:
Kulhad chai on wood or dung-fired stoves
Fresh makki roti and garlic chutney
Hot pakoras served with green chutney
Jaggery tea or masala chai
Smoked jaggery with ghee (seasonal)
A great tip is to stop at stalls where locals are eating: it’s the biggest sign of good food.
Nathdwara & Beyond – The Famous ‘Prasad’ and Pure Veg Cuisine
About an hour before Udaipur lies Nathdwara, home to the famous Shrinathji Temple and divine prasad offerings. If you love sweet food, this part of the route will feel heavenly.
Famous dishes to try:
Khichdi prasad
Safed mawa mithai
Thandai
Makhan mishri
Poha & Fafda
The streets around the temple are lined with small eateries that serve traditional Marwari meals. Even if you are not visiting for religious purposes, Nathdwara is worth a quick meal or snack break.
Final Stretch: It’s Time for Udaipur Cuisine
As you enter Udaipur, the landscape shifts to lakes, hills, and lush surroundings. Udaipur’s food scene is globally loved because of its fusion of royal Rajasthani food and cosmopolitan cafes.
Must-try in Udaipur:
Dal baati churma
Laal maas
Ker Sangri
Mewar-style thalis
Masala chai with lake views
Rabri & kulfi
Street-side cold coffee
Mirchi vada
Popular restaurants in Udaipur:
Natraj Dining Hall
Krishna Dal Baati
Traditional Khana
Jhumar Restaurant (Fateh Sagar)
Upre / Ambrai (for lakeside dinner)
Panna Vilas rooftop
Egg Curry Point (famous among night owls)
Suggested Itinerary for Food Lovers
Morning (start from Kota)
Kachori + tea
Stop for chai after 45–60 km
Lunch (Bhilwara or Chittorgarh)
Rajasthani thali or North Indian meal
Try local sweets
Evening (Nathdwara)
Tea, Poha, Fafda or prasad
Optional temple visit
Dinner (Udaipur)
Rooftop restaurant / authentic Marwari dinner
Tips for Food & Road Trip Safety
Avoid eating too heavy early in the journey
Drink bottled or filtered water
Choose busy dhabas over empty ones
Carry wet wipes and sanitizer
Keep snacks like chikki, peanuts & biscuits
Try local food but avoid risky raw salads
Don’t rely too much on Google ratings alone—ask locals too
Keep cash for villages and roadside food joints
Why This Journey Is a Foodie’s Dream
The Kota to Udaipur highway is more than a route—it’s a flavor trail. You’ll encounter:
Pure vegetarian Rajasthani feasts
Highway-style tandoori rotis
Traditional sweets
Temple prasad
Tea that tastes like home
People who feed like family
Every stop reveals Rajasthan’s warmth and culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Road trips are not just about reaching a destination—they are about what you experience and savor along the way. The Kota to Udaipur stretch offers a unique mix of rustic highway flavors, royal Rajasthani cuisine, and soulful temple food. Whether you’re driving your own car, renting a vehicle, or traveling with a hired taxi, the food stops along this route will become just as memorable as Udaipur itself.
So next time you plan the journey, go slow, stop often, eat like a local, and trust the road to guide you to Rajasthan’s hidden culinary treasures. Bon voyage—and bon appetit!
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