Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
1. Mathura Chaat
A popular street food made with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, spicy chutneys, and sev (fried gramflour vermicelli). Try it at 'Bhai Pratap Chaat Bhandar'.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced potatoes and chickpeas
- Iconic Eatery: 'Bhai Pratap Chaat Bhandar' is a Mathura landmark known for its chaat
- Spicy Delight: Offers a burst of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds
2. Kachoris at Narayani Sweets
Crispy, deep-fried dough filled with spiced lentils served with tamarind chutney. A must-try!
- Traditional Recipe: Narayani Sweets has been serving authentic Mathura kachoris since 1942
- Perfect Combo: Pairing the kachori with tangy tamarind chutney is a Mathura specialty
- Popular Snack: Kachoris are loved by locals and tourists alike
3. Thandai at Widhan Singh Ki Chaat Gali
Cold milk-based drink flavored with rose petals, almonds, and spices. Refreshing during hot summer days.
- Traditional Beverage: Thandai is a Holi tradition in Mathura
- Aromatic Delight: The fragrant blend of rose petals and spices creates an unforgettable taste
- Cool Down: Offers relief from the summer heat, making it a popular choice during that season
4. Dahi Bhalle at Swami Samarth
Fried lentil balls soaked in sweet yogurt and garnished with spices. A tasty twist on the traditional North Indian dish.
- Unique Presentation: The presentation of dahi bhalle makes it visually appealing
- Creamy Texture: The smooth yogurt complements the crispy lentil balls perfectly
- Local Favorite: A well-loved dish in Mathura and a great way to experience local cuisine
5. Peda at Mishrilal Peda Bhandar
Traditional Indian sweet made from milk and sugar. Try the original pedas at Mathura's famous Mishrilal.
- Authentic Recipe: Mishrilal Peda Bhandar has been using the same recipe for over a century
- Delicate Texture: The soft and melt-in-the-mouth texture of Mishrilal's pedas is unparalleled
- Iconic Shop: Mishrilal Peda Bhandar is a Mathura landmark and popular tourist destination
6. Malaiyo at Raja Ki Mandi
A sweet dish made from cow's milk and saffron. Enjoy this local delicacy in the heart of Mathura.
- Traditional Dessert: Malaiyo is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Mathura for centuries
- Saffron Infused: The saffron infusion gives the dessert a rich and aromatic flavor
- Peaceful Environment: Raja Ki Mandi is a serene location with a calming atmosphere perfect for trying local dishes
7. Kesar Peda at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Golden-yellow pedas flavored with saffron and pistachios, offered as prasad (offering) at the Krishna birthplace.
- Religious Significance: Kesar Peda is considered a divine offering at the holy site
- Exquisite Taste: The rich and delicious taste of saffron-infused kesar pedas makes them a favorite among visitors
- Spiritual Experience: Enjoying the kesar peda at the birthplace of Lord Krishna adds a spiritual element to your trip
8. Chhena Masala Dosa at Mathura Cafe
A South Indian dish made with pancake-like crepe filled with spiced cottage cheese. Try it with coconut chutney.
- Fusion of Cultures: The blend of North Indian chhena (cottage cheese) and South Indian dosa creates a unique dish
- Spicy Delight: The spiced cottage cheese filling offers a burst of flavors
- Versatile Eatery: Mathura Cafe offers a variety of dishes, making it a great choice for food lovers
9. Poha Jalebi at Hotel Gopal
Flattened rice dish served with sev (fried gramflour vermicelli) and a sweet jalebi. A satisfying breakfast option in Mathura.
- Traditional Breakfast: Poha Jalebi is a popular breakfast dish in Mathura
- Sweet and Savory Combo: The sweet jalebi balances the savory flavor of poha perfectly
- Economical Choice: Hotel Gopal offers affordable and filling meals, making it a great option for budget travelers
10. Parathas at Sitaram Bharatanath
Flaky flatbreads served with spiced vegetable curries. A hearty and delicious meal in Mathura.
- Traditional Meal: Parathas are a staple dish in North Indian cuisine
- Vegetarian Delight: Offers a variety of vegetable curries to complement the parathas
- Hospitality: Sitaram Bharatanath is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere
11. Lassi at Laxmi Narayan Dairy Farm
Traditional yogurt-based drink available in sweet and salty varieties. Perfect refreshment during a hot day.
- Fresh Ingredients: Lassis at Laxmi Narayan Dairy Farm are made with fresh, locally-sourced yogurt
- Tasty and Refreshing: The sweet lassi is a delightful treat, while the salty lassi offers a unique twist
- Educational Tour: Laxmi Narayan Dairy Farm also offers tours to learn about the dairy industry in Mathura
12. Kulfi at Lakshmi Kutir
Traditional Indian ice cream made from milk and flavored with fruits or nuts. Try the mango kulfi for a taste of India.
- Authentic Recipe: Lakshmi Kutir uses a traditional recipe to create their delicious kulfis
- Refreshing Treat: Kulfi is a great way to cool down during hot summer days in Mathura
- Iconic Shop: Lakshmi Kutir is a well-known shop in Mathura, famous for its kulfis
13. Gajar Ka Halwa at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
A traditional dessert made from carrots, milk, and sugar, served as prasad (offering) at the Krishna birthplace.
- Religious Significance: Gajar Ka Halwa is considered a divine offering at the holy site
- Warm and Sweet: The sweet and comforting flavor of gajar ka halwa makes it a favorite among visitors
- Spiritual Experience: Enjoying the gajar ka halwa at the birthplace of Lord Krishna adds a spiritual element to your trip
14. Kesar Phirni at Rasoik
Sweet dish made from rice flour and milk flavored with saffron. A popular dessert in Mathura.
- Traditional Dessert: Kesar Phirni is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Mathura for centuries
- Exquisite Taste: The rich and aromatic taste of saffron-infused kesar phirni makes it a favorite among visitors
- Elegant Dining: Rasoik offers a fine dining experience, making it a great choice for special occasions or romantic dinners
15. Mathura Ka Pulao at Govind's Cafe
A vegetarian pilaf made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and spices. A filling meal in Mathura.
- Traditional Meal: Pulao is a staple dish in North Indian cuisine
- Vegetarian Delight: Offers a variety of vegetables to complement the flavorful rice
- Elegant Atmosphere: Govind's Cafe offers an elegant dining experience with a peaceful atmosphere perfect for enjoying local cuisine