Known for its vibrant culture and majestic forts, the Indian state of Rajasthan also boasts of a rich culinary heritage. Despite having the highest percentage of vegetarians among Indian states, according to the 2016 Registrar General of India (RGI) survey, Rajasthan is famous for its diverse and appetising cuisine and one of its signature delicacies is a meat dish called laal maas. Literally translated to “red meat,” Laal Maas is celebrated for its striking crimson hue and fiery flavour, courtesy of the Mathania red chilies. For your gustatory pleasure, we present the best Jaipur laal maas spots in Rajasthan’s capital.
The origins of laal maas
The history of this mutton curry is as fascinating as the dish itself. It traces its origins to the royal kitchens of mediaeval Rajasthan, particularly in Udaipur and Jodhpur. It was originally prepared as a curry from wild game like boar or deer hunted by Rajput hunters. Mathania red chillies were used to mask the gamey smell of the meat and to preserve the delicacy in the arid climate of the region since electric refrigeration was yet to be invented. Despite being medium on the Scoville scale (which measures heat in chilli peppers), these chillies had enough heat to give the dish the pungency it is known for.
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Best places to savour laal maas in Jaipur: Where to indulge in the fiery delights
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Few places in Jaipur (or anywhere else, for that matter) come close to giving its clients an experience of dining like a royal in 1135 AD. Nestled within the Amer Fort, the restaurant is steeped in a regal ambience to the extent that one feels like a king or queen and gets transported to the Middle Ages. The food, including laal maas, is not surprisingly outstanding but is only a small part of the 1135 AD experience.
Known for its warm hospitality and appetising aromas that waft out of its kitchens, Muhammadi Palace is perhaps the best eatery in the city for Mughlai food. The place also serves a fine laal maas. One thing to keep in mind is that Muhammadi is nearly always crowded. Even late at night, you might not get a spot. But the food is definitely worth the wait.
Named after the cooking clay pots or handis (which, I am certain, infuse food with a rich earthy flavour), the laal maas here is one of the best in the city. It is also served with bajra roti. Do not miss the succulent kebabs, biryanis, butter chicken and delicious desserts on their menu. Handi doesn’t disappoint when it comes to taste; every single dish is a delectable delight.
Niros is one of those places that every Jaipurite is familiar with. It’s just iconic. Its walls are adorned with pictures of famous personalities that have dined here and murals by Padma Vibhushan awardee artist Satish Gujral. It has been serving delectable food since 1949. Besides laal maas and other authentic Rajasthani specialities like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi, the place also caters to fans of Mughlai, continental cuisines.
An all-around excellent family restaurant, Spice Court also offers a lip-smacking laal maas. Other cuisines, including Indian, continental and Indo-Chinese, are also available. What’s more? Guests can enjoy puppet shows and live traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances here.
Pretty unassuming at first glance, Magic Mile will surprise you with its flavourful rendition of laal maas. It also offers other meat and chicken delicacies, like keema kaleji and mutton korma. The flatbreads are made in traditional tandoor ovens. Anyone remotely familiar with Indian cuisine knows there is absolutely nothing quite like the smoky, even a little charred, perfection of tandoor-cooked bread.
Grand Uniara is one of the many hotels in Jaipur that used to be palaces earlier. The architecture and interiors certainly evoke a sense of grandeur (as the name promises), but the food is pretty awesome as well. Grand Uniara is one of the finest places to have laal maas. It is served at their Arogo restaurant.
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Laal maas vs rogan josh
Many people confuse laal maas with rogan josh as they are both spicy, have a similar red hue and use mutton (the latter might also have goat or lamb meat) as their primary ingredient. That’s where, however, the similarities end. While laal maas is from Rajasthan, rogan josh originates from Kashmir. Laal maas captivates the senses with its bold and robust flavours, rogan josh is more subtle. While it still packs a punch, rogan josh is distinguished by its milder heat and delicate flavours and does not overpower the palate. Kashmiri chillies are used to add heat. Although not too intense, they have a distinctive vibrant red colour.
(Hero and Featured image: Courtesy of handijaipur/ Instagram)
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Which animal is laal maas made from in Jaipur?
When the dish originated, laal maas was made of primarily game meat like deer and boar. Now, mutton or meat from a mature sheep is used.
-What is the price of laal maas in Jaipur?
It differs from place to place. While it can set you back by at least INR 200, in more expensive establishments, it can be over INR 1,000.
-Why is laal maas famous in Rajasthan?
Laal maas is famous not just in Rajasthan but across the country and beyond its borders. The reason is that it has a rich culinary history and heritage. It is a royal delicacy in the true sense of the word.
-What is the difference between laal maas and rogan josh?
Laal maas and rogan josh are quite similar but also quite different. Both have a striking red colour. Laal maas is Rajasthani, while rogan josh is Kashmiri. Rogan josh is also not an assault on one’s senses that laal maas, powered by Mathania red chillies, can be.
