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Laal Maas in Udaipur: Where to Try Mewar's Fiery Curry

The story of laal maas, Rajasthan's red mutton curry, how it's cooked with Mathania chillies, and where to eat it in Udaipur.

By the Shades of Udaipur team Published 2 min read
A cook standing over a pan of curry on the stove
A cook standing over a pan of curry on the stove. Photo by fuseviews on Unsplash
Quick answer

Laal maas is a fiery Rajasthani mutton curry coloured deep red by Mathania chillies, slow-cooked with yogurt, garlic and ghee. In Udaipur, try it at Ambrai on Hanuman Ghat, Ayana at the Udaipur Marriott, or a heritage hotel's Rajasthani dinner. Ask for 'medium' if you're not used to chilli.

Key facts

  • Laal maas means red meat
  • Traditionally made with mutton and Mathania chillies from near Jodhpur
  • Originally a royal hunting dish, made with game meat

Laal maas is Rajasthan’s most famous meat dish, and in Mewar it carries the story of royal hunts. The colour is the giveaway: deep, glossy red.

The story

Laal maas began as a hunters’ dish. Royal hunting parties cooked game, often wild boar or deer, with plenty of chilli and garlic to mask strong flavours and preserve the meat. When hunting ended, mutton took its place.

How it’s made

  • Mathania chillies, a variety from near Jodhpur, give the red colour and a deep, smoky heat.
  • Mutton is marinated in yogurt and spices.
  • It’s slow-cooked in ghee with garlic, whole spices and the chilli paste until the oil rises.
  • Some cooks finish it with dhungar: a piece of hot charcoal placed in a bowl inside the pot with ghee poured over it, then covered to smoke.

Where to eat it in Udaipur

  • Ambrai, on Hanuman Ghat, with the lit City Palace across the water. One of the most-ordered dishes there.
  • Ayana, the rooftop at the Udaipur Marriott, alongside haleem and kebabs.
  • Poppy by Royal Repast near Chetak Circle for Mewari meat dishes.
  • Heritage hotels often serve laal maas at their Rajasthani dinners.

How to order

  • Ask for it medium (“medium teekha”) if you’re new to it.
  • Eat with bajra roti or tandoori roti.
  • Have chaas (buttermilk) or a lassi to cool down.

Not a meat eater?

Try gatte ki sabzi or ker sangri instead. See the Udaipur food guide and rooftop restaurants.

A plate of Indian curry with rice
A plate of Indian curry with rice. Photo by Frederick Shaw on Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

Is laal maas very spicy?

It can be. Mathania chillies give colour and heat. Most restaurants will make it medium if you ask.

What is laal maas eaten with?

Bajra roti, tandoori roti or plain rice. Some people add a spoon of ghee on top.

What is the difference between laal maas and safed maas?

Laal maas is red and fiery with chillies; safed maas is a mild, white curry made with yogurt, cashews and cream.

Written by the Shades of Udaipur team, who have been sharing Udaipur's food, festivals and hidden corners since 2016. Prices and timings change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.

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