Exploring the Street Foods of Uttarakhand

enrouteI
May 8, 2024

In the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand presents not only beautiful landscapes but also a unique culinary prowess deeply rooted in its culture. While the state is renowned for its wholesome unique and traditional cuisine, its street food offers a delightful array of flavors that tantalize the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. From hearty snacks to delectable sweets, the street foods of Uttarakhand reflect the simplicity, authenticity, and ingenuity of mountain living. There is so much more to Uttarakhand apart from the usual Pahadi Maggi, Chaats, Momos, Pani-Puris, etc. With this journey let me take you through the other and more diversified tastes of Uttarakhand!

(Image Description: Patyud and Green Chutney

Source: Jade via That Goan Girl Blog)

If craving something salty and savory for an evening snack, Patyud is a tasty fritter of Arbi/Colocasia Leaves. These leaves are itchy when touched bare however the cook generally applies Mustard Oil and then continues with the cooking to avoid itchiness and allergies. The pakoras/bhajiyas turn out to be so flavourful and tasty once cooked, served best with fresh pudina green chutney. The unique and flavourful bursting of tastes in the mouths of people, bringing enlightened expressions to people’s faces, is indeed delightful to watch!

If craving something sweet while rustling in the valleys of Uttarakhand, look no further than Gulgula, Uttarakhand’s answer to the ubiquitous doughnut. Made from a batter of wheat flour, jaggery, and fennel seeds, these golden-brown fritters are mostly ghee-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Served with masala chai as an evening snack or with a dollop of creamy Rabri, Gulgula is a heavenly indulgence that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

(Image Description: Uttarakhandi Gulgule

Source: Dassana’s Veg Recipes by Dassana Amit)

A beloved snack in the Kumaon region, Singhodi is a sweet delight that showcases the culinary authenticity of Almora cuisine. These cone-shaped sweet shots are covered in Maalo leaves containing a stuffing of khoya, cream, cardamom, and coconut. Elsewhere, in the absence of Maalo leaves, Turmeric leaves are used to cover the dish. It is a healthier option since it is not deep fried but steamed. It is topped with rose petals or coconut shards for enhanced taste.

(Image Description: Uttarakhandi Sweets: Bal Mithai, Singhodi,

Source: Uttarakhand Tourism via @digvijay)

A classic breakfast staple enjoyed across Uttarakhand, Aloo Puri is a simple yet satisfying dish that epitomizes the essence of homemade comfort food. Fluffy puris or deep-fried bread are paired with a spicy potato curry, infused with a medley of fragrant spices. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely breakfast or a quick snack on the go, Aaloo Puri is guaranteed to leave you craving for more. Similarly, for a lesser curry meal, Pahadi Aaloo ke Gutke seems a perfect meal on the go. “Gutke” in Kumaoni means pieces and thus, a Pahadi Aaloo recipe with Jakhya or Wild Mustard seeds as a substitute for Jeera or Cumin Seeds.

Kafuli stands as a celebrated gem in the culinary treasury of Uttarakhand, offering a rustic yet tantalizing side dish that harmonizes exquisitely with steamed rice, chapati, or parathas. The gastronomic landscape of Uttarakhand is a testament to simplicity, uniqueness, and nutritional richness, predominantly characterized by its vegetarian fare. Kafuli is a spinach curry, served hot with Mandua Roti or Ragi Roti or with rice.

(Image Description: Uttarakhand Kafli

Source: Subodh Chaudhary via e-uttaranchal)

To satiate your sweet tooth, indulge in a bowl of Jhangora Ki Kheer, a traditional dessert made from Jhangora or barnyard millet. Slow-cooked with milk, sugar, and fragrant spices such as cardamom and saffron, this creamy and aromatic kheer is a delightful conclusion to any meal. Garnished with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and dried fruits, Jhangora Ki Kheer is a celebration of Uttarakhand’s rich authentic culinary heritage.

Baal Mithai is another sweet dish found easily in almost all local street shops wherein you can have a sweets box packed for your friends and relatives as a gift or prasad from temples. The dish is usually served in a large gathering and is mostly the best light dessert after meals.

(Image Description: Baal Mithai

Source: Shruti Dewal via Pinterest)

Apart from all these dishes, since Uttarakhand is a state closely intertwined with nature, there are usually many small street vendors selling indigenous fruits, berries, and vegetables. It is always recommended to buy stuff like Kaphal berries and Kakdis from them as it would support their small-scale agriculture and is mostly devoid of harmful external chemicals, pesticidal, or preservable concoctions.

(Image Description: Kafal berries of Uttarakhand

Source: @bisht_hemu via Instagram)

From the foothills of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of its towns and villages, the street foods of Uttarakhand offer a tantalizing glimpse into the heart and soul of this enchanting region. We have chosen to go through the various street foods of Uttarakhand, but the majestic state is so much more. Apart from the usual maggi, chaats and momos, there are many flavors to Uttarakhand. With their diverse flavors, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible aromas, these culinary treasures are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of mountain communities. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Uttarakhand, be sure to indulge your senses and savor the savory delights that await you at every corner!

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