India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Roorkee, a blend of educational, military, and cultural diversity, offers a wide variety of food options, ranging from traditional North Indian flavors and street food to modern cafés and international cuisine. Whether you're a student, a traveler, or a food enthusiast, Roorkee has something delicious for everyone.
1. Traditional North Indian & Mughlai Cuisine in Roorkee
Roorkee is famous for its rich North Indian and Mughlai dishes, influenced by Haridwar’s vegetarian traditions and Delhi’s Mughlai flavors.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes:
✅ Butter Chicken & Kadhai Paneer – Creamy, flavorful, and best served with naan.
✅ Dal Makhani & Tandoori Roti – A must-try in every North Indian restaurant.
✅ Shahi Paneer & Rogan Josh – Perfect for those who love creamy and spicy flavors.
✅ Chole Bhature – One of the most popular North Indian breakfasts.
✅ Kebabs & Biryani – A treat for Mughlai food lovers.
Where to Eat Traditional North Indian Food in Roorkee?
Haveli Restaurant – Famous for authentic Punjabi thali and Mughlai dishes.
Al-Baik Roorkee – Best for Shawarma, Tandoori Chicken, and Biryani.
The Food Factory – Offers a mix of North Indian & fast food.
Tip: Try a North Indian Thali, which includes a mix of dal, sabzi, rice, roti, and sweets.
2. Best Street Food in Roorkee
Roorkee has a lively street food culture, with delicious snacks available at markets and college areas.
Popular Street Foods to Try:
Aloo Tikki Chaat – Crispy potato patties topped with curd, chutneys, and spices.
Bedmi Poori – A deep-fried puri stuffed with dal, served with spicy aloo sabzi.
Paneer Tikka & Soya Chaap – Best enjoyed at local tandoori stalls.
Momos & Thukpa – Influenced by Tibetan flavors, best for evening snacks.
Dahi Puri & Pani Puri – A favorite among students and food lovers.
Seekh Kebabs & Rolls – Popular in Al-Baik and local Mughlai stalls.
Best Places for Street Food in Roorkee:
Civil Lines Market – Famous for chaat, samosas, and sweets.
Near IIT Roorkee Gate No. 2 – Best for Shawarma, Kebabs, and Rolls.
Roorkee Chowk & Railway Road – Offers a mix of chaat, sweets, and street snacks.
Tip: Visit in the evening when most stalls serve freshly prepared snacks.
3. Best Restaurants in Roorkee
Roorkee has a variety of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to budget-friendly eateries.
A. Multi-Cuisine & Fine Dining Restaurants
Haveli Restaurant – Best for authentic North Indian & Mughlai dishes.
The Hunger Box – Offers continental, Chinese, and fast food.
Domino’s Pizza – Located near IIT Roorkee, great for a quick bite.
Skyline Restaurant – Known for South Indian & vegetarian meals.
Tip: If you love butter chicken, dal makhani, or biryani, try Haveli or The Hunger Box.
B. Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Roorkee
Shree Bikaner Misthan Bhandar – Famous for pure vegetarian thalis and sweets.
Jain Dhaba – Serves homemade-style vegetarian meals.
Rajasthan Bhojanalaya – Offers affordable yet delicious Rajasthani and North Indian meals.
Tip: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, home-cooked meal, these places serve simple yet tasty vegetarian food.
C. Best Cafés & Fast Food in Roorkee
For those who love fast food, burgers, and café culture, Roorkee has modern cafés and quick-bite options.
The Chocolate Room – Best for waffles, shakes, and coffee.
Pizza Hut & Domino’s – Located in Civil Lines & IIT Roorkee areas.
Café Coffee Day (CCD) – Best for coffee, pastries, and light snacks.
The Muffin House – Serves cakes, desserts, and gourmet sandwiches.
Tip: If you want a relaxing coffee break, visit The Chocolate Room for a peaceful ambiance.
4. Best Sweets & Desserts in Roorkee
Roorkee is known for traditional sweets and modern desserts, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Must-Try Sweets in Roorkee:
Bal Mithai – The famous sugar-coated khoya sweet from Uttarakhand.
Singhal – A deep-fried sweet dish, similar to a doughnut.
Ras Malai & Gulab Jamun – Found in most sweet shops and dhabas.
Dry Fruit Barfi & Peda – A rich, nutty dessert available in local markets.
Best Sweet Shops in Roorkee:
Bikaner Misthan Bhandar – Best for Bal Mithai & Singhal.
Aggarwal Sweets – Famous for milk-based sweets and samosas.
Gupta Sweets – Offers a variety of traditional and modern desserts.
Tip: Buy Bal Mithai as a souvenir to take home!
5. Organic & Ayurvedic Food in Roorkee
Roorkee has a growing organic food market, offering healthy, Ayurvedic, and farm-to-table options.
Best Organic & Health Food Items to Try:
Himalayan Herbal Teas – Available in specialty stores & Ayurvedic shops.
Pure Organic Honey – Found in local farms and markets.
Himalayan Dry Fruits & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.
Red Rice & Mandua Flour – A staple in traditional Kumaoni cuisine.
Best Places for Organic & Ayurvedic Products:
Patanjali Store (Near IIT Roorkee) – Herbal medicines, natural oils, and skincare.
Local Grocery Stores & Markets – Organic teas, spices, and dry fruits.
Tip: Buy organic herbal teas and honey as gifts or souvenirs.
Roorkee offers a rich and diverse food culture, blending traditional North Indian flavors, Mughlai delicacies, street snacks, and modern fast food. Whether you're craving chaat, kebabs, a full North Indian thali, or desserts, Roorkee has something for every food lover.
Plan your food trip and enjoy the best culinary experiences in Roorkee!