🍲 At Jodhpur’s Ajit Bhawan, Lost Royal Recipes Are Being Revived Through Traditional Underground Cooking

In the historic city of Jodhpur, a unique culinary revival is taking place at Ajit Bhawan—widely known as India’s first heritage hotel. Chefs at the iconic property are bringing back centuries-old royal recipes by using traditional cooking methods, including slow cooking food underground in mud pits, a technique once used in royal kitchens of Rajasthan.

Ajit Bhawan was originally built as a residence for the royal family of Jodhpur and later converted into a heritage hotel. Today, it is gaining attention for its efforts to rediscover and recreate forgotten dishes from the royal archives.

Reviving Forgotten Royal Cuisine

The culinary team at Ajit Bhawan has been studying old palace recipes and working with local communities to bring back authentic flavours. Instead of modern cooking equipment, chefs are using traditional techniques that were once common in Rajasthani royal kitchens.

One of the most fascinating methods being used is underground slow cooking, where meat is marinated with local spices, wrapped carefully, and then buried in hot mud or sand. The dish is left to cook slowly for several hours, allowing the meat to absorb earthy flavours and become extremely tender.

According to the chefs, this method was historically used during royal hunting expeditions, when cooks prepared meals outdoors using minimal utensils.

Ingredients from Rajasthan’s Villages

To maintain authenticity, the hotel sources ingredients directly from rural areas across Rajasthan. Local farmers and village suppliers provide indigenous spices, traditional grains, and organic produce, which play a key role in recreating the original taste of royal dishes.

The focus is on simple flavours and traditional cooking styles, rather than heavy modern fusion techniques. Chefs say the goal is to let the ingredients speak for themselves.

A Culinary Heritage Experience

Guests at Ajit Bhawan are not just served food—they are introduced to a cultural and historical dining experience. Many dishes are presented along with stories about their origins in the royal courts of Jodhpur.

The initiative is also helping preserve Rajasthan’s culinary heritage by documenting recipes that might otherwise have been lost over time.

Preserving the Legacy

Hotel officials say the project is part of a larger effort to celebrate the region’s traditions and ensure that royal culinary knowledge is passed on to future generations.

By combining heritage hospitality with authentic cooking techniques, Ajit Bhawan is turning forgotten royal recipes into a living culinary tradition once again.

✨ The revival of these ancient cooking practices is attracting food enthusiasts and travellers eager to taste a slice of Rajasthan’s royal history served straight from the earth.