The state of Uttarakhand is celebrated not only for the breathtaking natural beauty of its landscapes but also for its rich and diverse gastronomy. The food here is a reflection of the state’s unique geography, climate, and cherished local traditions. Primarily plant-based, the cuisine maximises the use of grains, lentils, and fresh produce native to the region. It embodies the simplicity of mountain life while showcasing the richness of locally sourced flavours. Each recipe narrates a story of the land, its people, and their enduring lifestyle.
From hearty meals crafted to sustain the resilient hill folk to indulgent sweet treats that add a dash of luxury, these culinary treasures deliver an exquisite blend of taste and nutrition. Join us as we explore the top 15 traditional dishes of Uttarakhand that you simply must savour during your visit to the enchanting Devbhoomi.
15 Must-Try Dishes from the Cuisine of Uttarakhand
The cuisine of Uttarakhand comprises a wide array of dishes, each bringing forth unique flavours that leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. These dishes, rooted in the region’s culture and lifestyle, range from hearty dals and flavourful greens to irresistible sweets that testify to the state’s culinary prowess. Here are some of the must-try dishes.
1. Kafuli
Kafuli
Kafuli is one of the most popular dishes in Uttarakhand, often referred to as the national food of the state by locals. This famous food of Uttarakhand is deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the region. This green leafy vegetable curry symbolises the abundant bounty of the hills. It’s a nutritious delight made with spinach and fenugreek leaves. These are slow-cooked in a heavy iron pot, which enhances the earthy flavours.
This dish of Uttarakhand relies heavily on locally sourced ingredients, boasting a wholesome balance of flavours that feel like a warm hug on a cold evening in the hills.
2. Bhang Ki Chutney
Bhang Ki Chutney
Among the many delicacies that Uttarakhand offers, Bhang Ki Chutney stands out for its distinctive flavours and tangy tamarind taste. Surprisingly, it’s made from hemp seeds, a plant popularly associated with the production of cannabis. However, this tangy chutney offers a unique gastronomic experience, with its nutty and refreshing taste being a complete revelation. Accompanied by mint and curd, it takes on a distinct tinge that adds an extra zing to your meal.
A staple in the region’s cuisine, it pairs beautifully with rice or bread, offering a delightful taste adventure and a fun conversation starter for food enthusiasts.
3. Phaanu
Phaanu
Phaanu, a popular delicacy from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a nutrient-rich stew made with various types of lentils. The lentils are soaked overnight before being cooked with aromatic spices. The result is a dish packed with protein and a comforting warmth perfect for the chill in the hills.
This simple yet incredibly tasty stew symbolises the essence of Garhwali food. The first time you try Phaanu, its rich flavour will surely surprise you. And once you get a taste of this unique lentil dish, you will be reaching for seconds in no time.
4. Aloo Gutook (Aloo ke Gutke)
Aloo Gutook
Aloo Gutook, or Aloo Ke Gutke, is a beloved traditional dish from Uttarakhand, cherished in every household. Quick to prepare and highly nutritious, it features boiled potatoes infused with local ingredients and garnished with coriander for a warming, delicious flavour. Perfect for breakfast or any time of year, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main course with roti or rice, or as a satisfying snack for locals and tourists alike.
5. Kandalee Ka Saag
Kandalee Ka Saag
Bright green, fresh and aromatic, Kandalee Ka Saag reflects the vibrancy of Uttarakhand’s lush meadows and towering trees in its taste and presentation. This is a local green leafy vegetable whose leaves grow abundantly in the state. It’s cooked just like other green leafy dishes, but its primary ingredient, Bichhu Ghas, gives it a unique taste. It adds spicy notes to the overall flavour, making it stand out from other saag preparations you may have tried.
Next time you’re in Uttarakhand or at an eatery serving its cuisine, make sure to order this delightful dish. You won’t regret it!
6. Chainsoo
Chainsoo
Chainsoo is a special dish from the Garhwali kitchen, carefully crafted from black gram dal. This legume is first roasted and then ground to a powder before being cooked with spices and water. The result is a thick, gravy-like dish with a smoky flavour that’s nothing short of exceptional.
It’s a testament to the skilled hands of the Garhwali cooks, who transform a simple crop grown in the hills into a culinary masterpiece unanimously loved by locals and tourists alike. Every bite of this savoury treat is bound to fill your mouth with the rustic flavours of the mountains.
7. Jhangora Ki Kheer
Jhangora Ki KheerEvery culture has a signature dessert that rounds up a meal perfectly, and for Uttarakhand, that sweet note is often struck by Jhangora Ki Kheer. This delightful, sweet dish of Uttarakhand is made from barnyard millet, which is the main ingredient of this dessert.
Locally sourced milk and sugar are added, giving this kheer a creamy texture, and a slightly nutty flavour that your taste buds will relish. It’s often served during festivals and special occasions, making it a part of Uttarakhand’s culinary heritage.
Whether you’re a local or a traveller, a sweet tooth, or a health-conscious individual, you’ll definitely find a friend in Jhangora Ki Kheer.
8. Dubuk
Dubuk
Dubuk is a popular winter dish in Uttarakhand that reminds you of why comfort food is simply the best. It’s made with mashed lentils cooked in a thick gravy infused with local spices. What makes this dish truly special is its creamy and rich texture that warms your heart on a cold winter evening in the hills.
Whether you combine it with rice or bread, Dubuk makes every bite feel like home. It’s considered to be comfort food at its finest, offering a taste of the local culture in every serving.
9. Thhatwani
Thhatwani
Thhatwani is a soup-like dish made from mixed pulses and vegetables. Cooked together to form a filling and nutritious meal, it reflects the culinary wisdom of Uttarakhand. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delightful and nourishing meal.
Thhatwani not only offers appetising flavours but also exemplifies the health-focused approach of traditional cooking in Uttarakhand. This dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of the state’s cuisine — simple, hearty, and extremely nourishing.
10. Singori
Singori
User @euttaranchal
As a traveller in Uttarakhand, one must try Singori, a delectable sweet dish that represents the creativity of the state’s culinary expertise. Singori is a milky sweet delicacy made from Khoya (dairy product of thickened milk) carefully wrapped and served in Maalu leaf.
Its sweetness, further accentuated with the fresh aroma of the leaf cover, makes Singori irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. A single bite of this famous sweet transports you to a world of indulgence – a testament to Uttarakhand’s rich culinary heritage.
11. Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol
Aloo Tamatar Ka Jhol
Aloo Tamatar Ka Jhol, a heavenly combination of potato and tomato, showcases the subtle flavours of Uttarakhand cuisine. It blends the earthy flavours of potato with a tangy explosion of tomato, creating a sensational gastronomic delight. Prepared with basic spices and garnished with fresh coriander leaves, Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol is a common dish in Uttarakhand households.
Its balance between simplicity and flavour brings out the essence of the cuisine – wholesome, comforting and aromatic. Whether served with roti or rice, Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol adds a touch of homey flavours to any meal.
12. Kumaoni Raita
Kumaoni Raita
Kumaoni Raita, a refreshing yoghurt-based side dish, adds a cool and tangy contrast to any meal. It is made with ingredients like turmeric and cucumber, along with yoghurt, offering a burst of flavour in every spoonful.
What makes Kumaoni Raita special?
- It counteracts the spicy flavours of main dishes with its coolness.
- It’s low in calories but high in taste, making it perfect for the health-conscious.
- The addition of cucumber provides a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dish.
- Its versatility allows it to pair well with everything from rice dishes to rotis.
13. Bal Mithai
Bal Mithai
User @123_khichik
Often referred to as the ‘chocolate of Uttarakhand,’ Bal Mithai is a popular sweet delicacy that you simply can’t resist. It’s made from roasted Khoya coated with sugar balls. Sweet, chewy and highly addictive, Bal Mithai will leave you wanting more.
This dessert occupies a cherished position in Uttarakhand’s culinary heritage. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this heavenly treat should definitely be on your must-try list.
14. Garhwal ka Fannah
Garhwal Ka Fannah
User @daily_cuisines
Garhwal Ka Fannah is a heartwarming dish that is synonymous with winter comforts. It is a soup-like preparation made from kulad dal (a type of lentil). Cooked slowly with spices, this famous dish of Uttarakhand is known not just for its taste but also for its heat-retaining properties and health benefits. Embracing simplicity and the essence of Garhwal culture, Garhwal Ka Fannah is a taste of home straight from Uttarakhand’s heartland.
15. Arsa
American style sesame seed cookies on light concrete background
Arsa is a traditional sweet from Uttarakhand that perfectly balances taste, texture and tradition. Made of rice flour, jaggery, and mustard oil, it’s deep-fried and delivers a crunchy outside with a soft, sweet inside.
This treat is often prepared for weddings and festivals, adding an air of joy and celebration to every bite. Arsa takes you on a delightful gastronomic journey that offers a taste of tradition and authenticity, making it a must-try treat in Uttarakhand.
Conclusion
From its breathtaking landscapes to its distinctive cuisine, Uttarakhand is a state that truly delights all senses. The dishes reflect the region’s geography, climate and tradition. They offer not just flavours that please the palate but also a feast that nurtures the soul.
The recipes are a beautiful blend of simplicity, health, and unique local flavours. Each dish is a culinary gem crafted with love and respect for the environment. They epitomise the essence of Uttarakhand’s culture, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of its people.
Whether you’re planning a visit or simply want to try something new from the Indian culinary scene, Uttarakhand’s cuisine will exceed your expectations. Challenge your taste buds to savour these flavours of the hills in celebration of India’s diverse food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional cuisine of Uttarakhand known for?
The traditional cuisine of Uttarakhand’s food is known for its simplicity and resistant appeal. It is a blend of locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce, with an emphasis on grains, lentils, and vegetables, making it high in nutrition and incredibly tasty.
What are some popular condiments or sides in Uttarakhand cuisine?
Some popular sides and condiments in Uttarakhand cuisine include Bhang Ki Chutney, a tangy side dish made from hemp seeds, mint, and curd, Kumaoni Raita, a refreshing yoghurt-based dish with cucumber, and Mooli Thechuwa, a spicy radish preparation.
Are there any food festivals dedicated to Uttarakhand’s cuisine?
Yes, there are various food festivals dedicated to Uttarakhand’s cuisine, where traditional delicacies are showcased. These are excellent events to experience the state’s culinary wealth, local produce, and unique regional dishes.
