Cuisine & Must Try Dishes

Food of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s cuisine, known as "Pahadi Cuisine," is simple, healthy, and rich in flavors influenced by the Himalayan lifestyle. It consists of locally grown grains, pulses, dairy products, and aromatic spices. Here are some of the must-try traditional dishes of Uttarakhand:

 1. Aloo Ke Gutke – Spicy Kumaoni Potatoes

✅ A famous Pahadi snack made with boiled potatoes sautéed with mustard seeds & dry spices.
✅ Often served with Bhatt Ki Churkani or Pahadi Raita.
✅ Perfect as a side dish or tea-time snack.

 Where to Try? – Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet

 2. Bhatt Ki Churkani – Black Soybean Curry

✅ A protein-rich dish made from black soybeans cooked in aromatic spices.
✅ Served with rice and ghee, making it a wholesome meal.
✅ A Garhwali & Kumaoni specialty.

 Where to Try? – Rishikesh, Almora, Chamoli

 3. Chainsoo – Flavored Black Urad Dal

✅ A thick dal made from roasted black gram (urad dal) and spices.
✅ Rich in protein and iron, perfect for the cold weather.
✅ Traditionally cooked in iron vessels to enhance flavor.

 Where to Try? – Garhwal Region (Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi)

 4. Kafuli – Uttarakhand’s Signature Spinach Curry

✅ A nutritious dish made from spinach, fenugreek leaves, and buttermilk.
✅ Cooked with spices & served with steamed rice or roti.
✅ A winter delicacy packed with vitamins and minerals.

 Where to Try? – Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar

 5. Jhangora Ki Kheer – Barnyard Millet Dessert

✅ A delicious dessert made with Jhangora (barnyard millet), milk, and dry fruits.
✅ A gluten-free and healthy alternative to regular kheer.
✅ Popular during festivals and special occasions.

 Where to Try? – Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Haridwar

 6. Badi Ki Sabzi – Sun-Dried Lentil Dumpling Curry

✅ Made from sun-dried black gram dumplings, cooked in a spicy gravy.
✅ A comforting winter dish packed with nutrients.
✅ Served with steamed rice and ghee.

 Where to Try? – Kumaon Region (Nainital, Almora)

7. Arsa – Traditional Sweet Snack

✅ A deep-fried sweet dish made with rice flour, jaggery, and ghee.
✅ Often served during weddings & festivals.
✅ A crispy, chewy treat perfect with chai.

 Where to Try? – Almora, Rishikesh, Pithoragarh

 8. Pahadi Raita – Cooling Yogurt Dish

✅ A refreshing raita made with cucumber, mustard seeds & curd.
✅ A perfect side dish with dal, rice, and parathas.
✅ Known for its cooling properties during summers.

 Where to Try? – Dehradun, Haridwar, Ranikhet

 9. Dubuk – Lentil Curry for Winters

✅ A slow-cooked lentil dish made from ground pulses (bhatt, gahat, or masoor dal).
✅ A warming winter dish, rich in protein & fiber.
✅ Best paired with hot rice & ghee.

 Where to Try? – Garhwal & Kumaon Region

 10. Singodi – Coconut & Khoya Sweet Wrapped in Leaves

✅ A traditional Kumaoni dessert, made with khoya (thickened milk) and coconut.
✅ Wrapped in Malu leaves, which enhance its aroma.
✅ A must-try sweet souvenir from Uttarakhand!

 Where to Try? – Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar

 Why Try Uttarakhand’s Cuisine?

✅ Authentic Pahadi Flavors – Locally grown grains, lentils, and fresh dairy.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with proteins, vitamins & minerals.
✅ Seasonal Specialties – Warm, spicy dishes for winters & light, cooling dishes for summers.
✅ Rich Cultural Heritage – Every dish tells a story of tradition & Himalayan lifestyle.