India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Haldwani, being a bustling commercial hub and the Gateway to Kumaon, offers a diverse and flavorful food scene. From traditional Kumaoni cuisine to North Indian, street food, and modern cafés, the city caters to every food lover.
1. Traditional Kumaoni Cuisine in Haldwani
Haldwani is close to Kumaon’s hill region, making it a great place to try authentic Kumaoni dishes.
Must-Try Traditional Kumaoni Dishes:
✅ Bhatt Ki Churkani – A flavorful black bean curry, best with rice.
✅ Aloo Ke Gutke – Spiced stir-fried potatoes, a local specialty.
✅ Chainsoo – Thick dal made from ground black gram (urad dal).
✅ Madua Roti – Healthy millet bread, commonly eaten with ghee.
✅ Gahat Ki Dal (Kulath Ki Dal) – A protein-rich lentil soup.
✅ Bhang Ki Chutney – A tangy chutney made from hemp seeds.
✅ Bal Mithai – A famous Kumaoni sweet made of khoya, coated with sugar balls.
Where to Eat Traditional Kumaoni Food in Haldwani?
Uttarakhand Rasoi – Best for authentic Kumaoni thalis.
Himalayan Flavors – Offers regional dishes with local spices.
Pind Balluchi – Serves Kumaoni and North Indian food.
Tip: Try a Kumaoni Thali, which includes a mix of dal, roti, vegetables, and chutneys.
2. Best Street Food in Haldwani
Haldwani has vibrant street food markets offering delicious chaat, snacks, and fast food.
Popular Street Foods to Try:
Chole Bhature – Deep-fried bread with spicy chickpea curry.
Aloo Tikki Chaat – Crispy potato patties topped with chutneys.
Bedmi Poori – Stuffed crispy puris served with aloo sabzi.
Paneer Tikka & Soya Chaap – Best enjoyed at local tandoori stalls.
Momos & Thukpa – A must-try in Tibetan food joints.
Dahi Puri & Pani Puri – Favorite evening snack in local markets.
Best Places for Street Food in Haldwani:
Mangal Parao Market – Famous for chaat, samosas, and sweets.
Nainital Road Food Stalls – Best for tandoori snacks & momos.
Haldwani Chaat Bhandar – A must-visit for golgappe & aloo tikki chaat.
Tip: Visit in the evening when most stalls serve freshly prepared snacks.
3. Best Restaurants in Haldwani
Haldwani has a variety of fine dining, casual dining, and multi-cuisine restaurants catering to all tastes.
A. Multi-Cuisine & Fine Dining Restaurants
The Hunger Garage – Best for North Indian, fast food, and Chinese.
The Tandoori Nights – Famous for mughlai dishes, kebabs, and biryani.
Pind Balluchi – Serves a mix of North Indian & Kumaoni dishes.
Himalayan Flavors – A great place for local and international dishes.
Tip: Try their special North Indian Thali, which includes dal makhani, paneer, and fresh tandoori roti.
B. Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Haldwani
Shri Banke Bihari Bhojanalaya – Famous for pure vegetarian thalis.
Jai Ambe Bhojanalaya – Serves homemade-style veg meals.
Satvik Rasoi – Best for sattvic meals without onion & garlic.
Tip: If you’re looking for simple, healthy food, these places serve home-style vegetarian meals.
C. Best Fast Food & Café Culture in Haldwani
For those who love fast food, burgers, and café culture, Haldwani has modern cafés and quick-bite options.
The Grills Hut – Best for burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.
Domino’s & Pizza Hut – Located on Nainital Road.
Café Coffee Day (CCD) – Best for coffee, pastries, and light snacks.
Bake & Beans Café – Serves cakes, desserts, and gourmet sandwiches.
Tip: If you want a relaxing coffee break, visit Bake & Beans Café for a peaceful ambiance.
4. Best Sweets & Desserts in Haldwani
Haldwani is known for traditional sweets and modern desserts, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Must-Try Sweets in Haldwani:
Bal Mithai – The famous sugar-coated khoya sweet from Kumaon.
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 Haldwani:
Bansal Sweets & Bakers – Best for Bal Mithai & Singhal.
Aggarwal Sweets – Famous for milk-based sweets and ladoos.
Shree Ram Sweets – Offers a variety of traditional desserts.
Tip: Buy Bal Mithai as a souvenir to take home!
5. Organic & Ayurvedic Food in Haldwani
Haldwani 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 Nainital Road) – Herbal medicines, natural oils, and skincare.
Indira Market – Organic teas, spices, and dry fruits.
Tip: Buy organic herbal teas and honey as gifts or souvenirs.
Haldwani offers a rich and diverse food culture, blending traditional Kumaoni flavors, North Indian delicacies, and modern fast food. Whether you're craving street snacks, vegetarian thalis, or gourmet meals, Haldwani has something for every food lover.
Plan your food trip and enjoy the best culinary experiences in Haldwani!