Udaipur is easy for vegetarians and Jain travellers. Most thali halls are pure veg, many restaurants mark Jain (no onion, garlic or root vegetable) dishes, and bhojanalayas near Jain temples and dharamshalas serve sattvik meals. Ask for 'Jain' or 'bina pyaaz lehsun' when ordering.
Key facts
- Much of traditional Mewari cooking is vegetarian
- Jain food avoids onion, garlic and root vegetables
- Ranakpur, near Udaipur, is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites
Udaipur sits in a region with a large Jain community and a strong vegetarian tradition. Eating pure veg here is easy.
What Jain food means
Jain cooking avoids onion, garlic and root vegetables (like potato, carrot and beetroot), and some families avoid eating after sunset. Many restaurants will cook a dish “Jain style” on request.
Where to eat
- Thali halls. Most, including Natraj Dining Hall near the station, are pure veg. Ask for a Jain thali. See Rajasthani thali.
- Bhojanalayas near Jain temples and dharamshalas serve fixed sattvik meals at set times.
- Millets of Mewar, Hanuman Ghat. Wholesome millet dishes with many vegan options.
- The Bake Affair, Panchwati. A fully vegetarian bakery.
- Sweet shops like JMB for mithai and namkeen.
Dishes that are usually Jain-friendly
- Gatte ki sabzi (check for onion).
- Ker sangri.
- Panchmel dal with baati and churma.
- Kadhi.
- Khakhra, dhokla and thepla at Gujarati-style eateries.
Phrases that help
- “Jain khana milega?” — Is Jain food available?
- “Bina pyaaz, lehsun” — Without onion and garlic.
- “Aloo nahi” — No potato.
Day trips
Ranakpur has a bhojanshala serving simple Jain meals to visitors. The temple is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India.
More in our Udaipur food guide and street food trail, which is almost entirely vegetarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to find Jain food in Udaipur?
Yes. Many restaurants offer Jain versions of dishes, and Jain bhojanalayas serve fixed sattvik meals.
How do I ask for Jain food?
Say 'Jain' or 'bina pyaaz, lehsun, aloo' (without onion, garlic, potato). Most staff understand immediately.
Are Udaipur's sweets vegetarian?
Almost all Indian sweets are vegetarian. Some contain silver leaf (varak); ask if you avoid it.
