Mathura Food Tour
Famous Peda, creamy Rabri, thick Lassi, Kachori Sabzi, and sacred Temple Prasad. Taste Lord Krishna's holy city through the eyes of locals.
Mathura Food Tour — Sacred Flavours of Krishna's Birthplace
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a city where food and devotion are inseparable. The entire city is pure vegetarian — a living expression of the Braj region's deep connection to Krishna's pastoral heritage. The dairy traditions here are legendary, producing some of India's finest milk, curd, and ghee, which form the foundation of Mathura's distinctive sweet cuisine.
Our Mathura food tour by car takes you through the aromatic lanes of Holi Gate for Peda shopping at the century-old Brijwasi Mithai Wala, to Vishram Ghat for creamy Lassi and Rabri, through temple areas for sacred prasad, and across to Vrindavan for its own unique food specialties including ISKCON's famous sattvic cuisine. Your Triveni Cabs driver knows every sweet shop and temple food stop.
The best time for a Mathura food tour is during festivals — especially Holi (February-March) when the entire city erupts in colour and special festival sweets appear, and Janmashtami (August-September) when midnight celebrations bring unique food preparations. But Mathura's Peda, Rabri, and Lassi are extraordinary year-round, making any day perfect for a culinary pilgrimage.
Famous Foods of Mathura
Pure vegetarian holy city where dairy traditions and devotion create divine flavours
Mathura Peda
MUST TRYMathura's signature sweet and India's most famous Peda. Made from thickened milk (khoya), sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. Brijwasi Mithai Wala has been the gold standard for over 100 years. Buy to take home — it is the quintessential Mathura souvenir.
Rabri
MUST TRYThick, creamy reduced sweetened milk layered with malai (cream), flavoured with cardamom and saffron. Mathura's Rabri is richer and thicker than elsewhere because of the superior quality of local milk from Braj's dairy farms.
Lassi
MUST TRYThick, creamy Mathura Lassi served in clay kulhads — sweeter and richer than most cities. The dairy heritage of Braj (Krishna's land) means the milk and curd here are exceptionally fresh and flavourful. Shops near Vishram Ghat are the best.
Kachori Sabzi
MUST TRYCrispy deep-fried kachoris with spicy potato curry and tangy chutney — Mathura's beloved breakfast. Available at countless stalls near Holi Gate and Vishram Ghat. Simple, satisfying, and the perfect start to a temple visit day.
Temple Prasad
Blessed food offered at Krishna temples — typically consisting of Peda, Rabri, Poha (flattened rice), and seasonal fruits. The prasad at Krishna Janmabhoomi and Dwarkadhish Temple is especially revered. A spiritual food experience.
Aloo Puri
Deep-fried puris with spiced potato curry — a hearty Mathura breakfast option. Served with pickle and sometimes accompanied by Jalebi. Multiple morning stalls near the temples serve this filling, affordable meal.
Jalebi & Imarti
Hot, crispy Jalebi spirals and flower-shaped Imarti soaked in sugar syrup. Sweet shops across Mathura serve these, especially popular during festivals and early mornings. The Holi Gate area has some of the best Jalebi vendors.
Chaat & Golgappe
Mathura-style chaat is sweeter and milder than Delhi or Lucknow chaat, reflecting the gentle Braj culture. Dahi Bhalle, Papdi Chaat, and Golgappe from evening stalls near Vishram Ghat are popular with pilgrims and locals alike.
Street Food Tour Itinerary
Follow this route for the ultimate Mathura food crawl (our drivers know every stop)
Near Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Kachori Sabzi & Chai
Start with Mathura's classic breakfast outside the most sacred temple. Crispy kachoris with spicy potato curry and masala chai from traditional vendors who have served pilgrims for generations.
Brijwasi Mithai Wala, Holi Gate
Peda Tasting & Shopping
Visit Mathura's most famous sweet shop. Taste various Peda varieties — plain, kesar (saffron), dry fruit, and chocolate. Buy boxes to take home. This is a Mathura pilgrimage in itself.
Vishram Ghat
Lassi & Rabri
Walk along the sacred Vishram Ghat where Lord Krishna rested after defeating Kansa. Sip thick, creamy Lassi and Rabri from ghat-side vendors. The spiritual setting adds to the experience.
Dwarkadhish Temple Area
Temple Prasad & Sweets
Visit the magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple and receive prasad. Browse the surrounding sweet shops for Rabri, Peda, and seasonal specialties. The temple architecture is stunning.
Local Dhaba near Holi Gate
Aloo Puri & Thali Lunch
Hearty vegetarian lunch at a traditional dhaba. Aloo Puri or a full thali with dal, sabzi, roti, rice, and curd. Simple, home-style cooking that feeds the soul.
Vrindavan (15 km drive)
Vrindavan Lassi & ISKCON Prasad
Drive to Vrindavan for its famous thick Lassi and visit ISKCON temple for their legendary prasad — especially the Govinda's restaurant inside the temple complex.
Vishram Ghat Evening
Jalebi, Chaat & Evening Aarti
Return to Mathura for evening snacks — hot Jalebi, Dahi Bhalle, and Golgappe from ghat-side vendors. Then witness the beautiful Yamuna Aarti at Vishram Ghat.
Full food tour with sedan cab: ₹1,200 (local Mathura-Vrindavan) or ₹3,500 (from Delhi round trip)
Best Restaurants in Mathura
Brijwasi Mithai Wala
Holi Gate
Mathura's most legendary sweet shop — over 100 years old. The definitive Peda, plus Rabri, Jalebi, and all traditional sweets. The most trusted name in Braj.
Gopal Ji Sweets
Near Vishram Ghat
Another excellent sweet shop with outstanding Peda and Rabri. Popular with locals who consider it equal to Brijwasi. Less crowded, equally delicious.
Shankar Dhaba
Holi Gate Area
Popular local dhaba serving hearty vegetarian meals. Excellent Aloo Puri, thali, and seasonal sabzis. No-frills, authentic Braj cooking at affordable prices.
ISKCON Govinda's
Vrindavan
The famous ISKCON temple restaurant in Vrindavan. Pure sattvic (spiritual) food — no onion, no garlic. Excellent thali, Peda, and prasad. A unique dining experience.
Radha Sweets
Near Vishram Ghat
Well-known sweet shop with excellent Rabri, Lassi, and seasonal sweets. Their Kesar Peda is particularly popular. Close to the main ghat for a convenient food stop.
Best Restaurant
Near Bus Stand
Popular sit-down restaurant with AC seating. Good Rajasthani and North Indian thali, Chinese options. Convenient for travellers arriving by bus or car from Delhi.
Food Markets to Visit
Holi Gate Area
The main food hub of Mathura. Brijwasi Mithai Wala is here, along with multiple sweet shops, Kachori vendors, and breakfast stalls. The morning food scene is vibrant. This is also where Holi celebrations are most intense in March.
Peda shopping, Kachori, breakfast
Vishram Ghat Area
The sacred ghat where Lord Krishna rested. Lined with Lassi shops, Rabri vendors, sweet stalls, and evening chaat vendors. The spiritual atmosphere makes eating here a unique experience. Best in morning and evening.
Lassi, Rabri, evening chaat, spiritual dining
Chatta Bazaar
Traditional covered market with sweet shops, spice vendors, and temple offering shops. Less touristy, more local. Great for buying Peda and sweets at slightly lower prices than the main tourist areas.
Sweet shopping, spices, temple offerings
Vrindavan Market
The market streets of Vrindavan (15 km from Mathura) with Lassi shops, sweet vendors, and temple prasad stalls. ISKCON temple area has organized food options. Banke Bihari Temple market is bustling with food vendors.
Vrindavan Lassi, temple prasad, ISKCON food
Combine Food Tour with Temple Visits
Our recommended full-day recipe for the perfect Mathura-Vrindavan experience
Sedan cab for full day (Mathura + Vrindavan): ₹1,200 or from Delhi: ₹3,500 round trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Mathura famous for?
Mathura is famous for Peda (the city's signature sweet made from reduced milk and sugar), Rabri (thick sweetened milk cream), Lassi, Kachori Sabzi, Temple Prasad (blessed food at Krishna temples), Jalebi, and Aloo Puri. As Lord Krishna's birthplace, the entire city is pure vegetarian.
Where can I buy the best Peda in Mathura?
Brijwasi Mithai Wala near Holi Gate is the most famous and trusted Peda shop — operating for over 100 years. Other excellent options include Gopal Ji, Radha Sweets near Vishram Ghat, and Mathura Wala near the bus stand. Always buy from established shops with proper packaging.
Is all food in Mathura vegetarian?
Yes! Mathura is a pure vegetarian city due to its religious significance as Lord Krishna's birthplace. No non-vegetarian food is sold anywhere in Mathura or Vrindavan. All restaurants, street stalls, and shops are 100% vegetarian. Even eggs are not commonly available.
Is street food safe to eat in Mathura?
Popular street food stalls near Vishram Ghat and Holi Gate with high turnover are generally safe. Stick to busy vendors, avoid raw items, and drink bottled water. Our recommended spots are all generations-old establishments trusted by millions of pilgrims.
Can I combine a food tour with temple visits?
Absolutely! Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple visit, then Kachori breakfast near Holi Gate, Peda shopping at Brijwasi, Vishram Ghat walk, Vrindavan temples visit, lunch at a local dhaba, and evening aarti with Rabri. We customize every itinerary perfectly.
What is the best time for a Mathura food tour?
Morning (7-9 AM) for Kachori Sabzi and Aloo Puri breakfast. Mid-morning (10-12) for Peda tasting and shopping. Afternoon (1-3 PM) for Lassi and thali. Evening (5-8 PM) for Rabri, Jalebi, and ghat-side snacks. Holi season (March) is the most vibrant time.
How much does a Mathura food tour cost?
Street food budget: ₹150-300 per person for a full tour. Sweet shopping: ₹200-500 (Peda boxes). Our food tour with cab: ₹1,200 (sedan) for half-day covering Mathura + Vrindavan. From Delhi: ₹3,500 round trip including food stops.
Should I visit Vrindavan too for food?
Absolutely! Vrindavan (15 km from Mathura) has its own food specialties — Lassi at the famous Vrindavan lassi shops, temple prasad at Banke Bihari and ISKCON temples, and traditional Braj ki chaat. We include both cities in our food tour.
Book Your Mathura Food Tour
Let our drivers take you to the best sweet shops and food spots in Krishna's holy city. We know every temple and every legendary stall.