Mathura, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and a prominent pilgrimage destination for Hindus, has its own unique cuisine that is rich in flavors and reflects the local culinary traditions. Some of the famous food items of Mathura are:
Peda
Peda is a popular sweet dish that is synonymous with Mathura. It is a soft, sweet confectionery made from khoa (dried whole milk) and sugar, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and other aromatic spices. Peda is often offered as a prasad (sacred food) in the temples of Mathura and is also widely consumed as a festive treat.
Kachori
Kachori is a deep-fried, crispy pastry filled with spiced lentil or potato mixture. Mathura is famous for its spicy and flavorful kachoris, which are often served with tangy and spicy chutneys. Kachoris are a popular street food in Mathura and are enjoyed as a breakfast or evening snack.
Bedai with Aloo Sabzi
Bedai is a popular breakfast dish in Mathura, which is similar to poori, but made with wheat flour and stuffed with spiced lentil mixture. It is usually served with aloo sabzi, a spicy potato curry, and is enjoyed as a hearty and flavorful meal to start the day.
Chhappan Bhog
Chhappan Bhog is a traditional offering made to Lord Krishna in Mathura, and it consists of a platter with 56 different types of food items, including sweets, savories, and condiments. It is a lavish and elaborate spread that is offered during special occasions and festivals, and it is considered auspicious to partake in this grand feast.
Pedhe Wali Lassi
Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink in India, and Mathura is known for its unique variation called “Pedhe Wali Lassi.” It is a thick and creamy lassi made with yogurt, sugar, and chunks of peda, which gives it a rich and indulgent flavor. Pedhe Wali Lassi is a refreshing and satisfying beverage that is perfect for quenching your thirst during the hot summers in Mathura.
Rabri
Rabri is a traditional dessert made from condensed milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. Mathura is known for its creamy and delicious rabri, which is often served as a dessert or a sweet dish during festive occasions.
Khurchan
Khurchan is a popular sweet dish in Mathura, made from leftover milk solids that are scraped from the sides of a pan after making khoa (dried whole milk). It is then mixed with sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and flavored with cardamom and saffron to make a rich and decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
The culinary delights of Mathura are deeply rooted in its culture and traditions, and trying these local delicacies can be a delightful experience for food enthusiasts.