As someone born and brought up in Uttarakhand, I take the opportunity to take you through the Famous Food of Uttarakhand. Trust me, it’s a gastronomical experience like no other.
Spread across 3.287 million sq. km, India is a country in name but a continent in scale. The diversity in communities, climates, religions, cultures, and traditions also reflect in the foods. Each state has on offer a variety of different flavors to delight taste buds, satiate appetites, and nourish bodies.
Uttarakhand is no exception either.
10 Famous Food of Uttarakhand
Besides great locales, a serene environment, and welcoming locals, the state has a presence on the food scene as well. Since the state is a melting point of cultures, you will come across a stunning variety of local cuisines made from local ingredients. Let’s run you through some of the well-known foods and dishes of Uttarakhand that you should sample on your next trip to “Dev-Bhoomi.”
1. Kafuli
It is not for nothing that we start our list of famous foods of Uttarakhand with Kafuli. Think of it as a gastronomical experience that will leave your taste buds asking for more. Guess what? It is highly nutritious as well. The dish is prepared using Spinach and fenugreek leaves and served hot with steamed rice. You can add garlic, ginger, green chilies, and curd to elevate the dish.
When it comes to nutrition, Kafauli packs a punch with minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The dish even provides enough folate to keep at bay the neural tube defects in babies, which makes it a great option for pregnant women. Since Kafauli carries less fat, you need not worry about gaining extra kilos.
2. Bhang Ki Chutney
Yes! In Uttarakhand, you will come across a chutney made using Bhang (Hemp) seeds. This delightful sauce enhances the flavor profile of your food and makes it aromatic, thanks to the Hemp seeds and other flavorful herbs present in it. While it is served with everyday meals, I recommend you smear it on ragi roti. Trust me, it’s a great combination.
Don’t worry, the chutney won’t cause hallucinations as it is non-psychoactive and safe for children as well. The seeds of Bhang are quite nutritious, packed with plant-based proteins, vitamin E, fiber, and essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Moega-6. So, Bhang Ki Chutney can help you maintain your blood sugar levels, prevent heart issues, and aid digestion.
- For nutritional info, click here.
3. Famous Food of Uttarakhand: Aloo Ke Gutke
As the name says, this popular Kumaoni dish has boiled potatoes as its prime ingredient. The boiled potatoes are sauteed with spices, such as cumin seeds, red chili, and turmeric to render a variety of flavors. They usually serve it for breakfast, along with finger millet or rice flour rotis.
Interestingly, every state has its own version of Aloo Ke Gutke, but in Uttarakhand, it is considered to be a regional food. The dish seems simple, but it packs intense flavors. Almost on every occasion, you will find this dish presented to you when you visit a local’s house.
The main ingredient in this famous food of Uttarakhand is humble potato grown in the hilly areas of the state. Known as “Pahari Aloo,” these potatoes are in great demand in comparison to other varieties of potatoes. The secret of their popularity lies in their unique taste and immense nutritional value, offering carbs, fibers, and vitamins C and B6 in larger quantities.
When preparing it at home, you don’t need to add onions and garlic to it or turn it into gravy as its dryness provides all the necessary flavours. Lastly, you can serve this dish as a party appetizer on your children’s birthday or on any other occasion.
4. Gulgula
Gulgula is another popular dish of Uttarakhand, especially in the Garhwal region. Just visit any household in the region, and the host is more likely to offer you Gulgula as a dessert or snack. It is a sweet and fried dish made by using locally farmed jaggery. From Uttarakhand, this sweet dish has traveled across the north side of the country, and now many other states make Gulgulas in their own way.
Gulgula is a staple dish of festivals in Uttarakhand, especially in Karva Chauth and Basauda. Also, these sweet dishes are distributed to neighbors during weddings and Diwali. The sweet flavor of jaggery, which is soft and has a tender crumb on the inside of a crisp exterior, makes it a dish of the festival. Read More.
5. Famous Food of Uttarakhand: Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol
Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol has what it takes to grab your attention, satisfy your hunger, and elevate your dining experience. Packing a massive punch of flavors, it comes across as one of the most aromatic and easy-to-prepare dishes. Surprisingly, you can prepare it in less than half an hour, which might sound impossible given the dish’s flavor profile.
True to the name, the dish involves a lot of potatoes and tomatoes. You also need garlic paste, coriander, red chili powder, garam masala, and oil to prepare this dish. The dish tastes best with rotis, puris, and even paratha. However, its runny gravy makes it perfect for rice as well. Serve it for lunch or dinner, it’s your call.
6. Kandalee Ka Saag
Saag is a popular dish in the northern part of India, and Uttarakhand is no exception. Its main ingredient is cottage cheese and a leafy vegetable “Bichu Ghas,” which is abundant in this part of the world. If you are planning to visit Uttarakhand, you can find this dish all over the state, from roadside dhabas to upscale restaurants.
They often serve it with Parantha in the morning or during lunchtime. Besides, you experiment with this dish to elevate its flavor to your liking. The dish has struck a chord with the vacationers visiting Uttarakhand simply because it is healthy and keeps bodies nourished during challenging hikes and uneven climatic conditions. Read More.
7. Singori
Another mouth-watering sweet dish of Uttarakhand is Singori, which locals refer to as Singodi / Singauri. The dish is made from thickened milk, Khoa, usually for seasonal celebrations. The locals distribute it among themselves as a gesture of goodwill. The preparation is wrapped and served in Mallu leaf.
Locals add cardamom, coconut, and ginger to it to make it wholesome and appetizing. The addition of coconut milk leads to a high protein count in the dessert. The average time for making this dessert is around 40 minutes. Feel free to add Malo leaves and grated nuts to make it more appealing and rich in flavor. At the end of the preparation, you can serve Singori with red rose petals to enhance the flavor.
8. Kumaoni Raita
Raita is a staple in north Indian cuisine, and in Uttarakhand, it comes with a local twist. Here, they make it using grated cucumber, yogurt, mustard seeds, green chili, turmeric, and coriander leaves. Locals prefer to have it for lunch as it helps in cooling the body temperature during the summer. They even serve it during potluck, buffet, kitty parties, and picnics.
The yogurt used in making Kumaoni Raita is rich in phosphorus and calcium, making your teeth and bones stronger. When you regularly have Raita as a side dish, you will be less likely to suffer from bone diseases and falling teeth in old age. Raita is the base, and you can add as many vegetables, fruits, and even dry fruits according to your liking. All of these additions will help enhance the taste and improve your immunity. Read More.
9. Chainsoo
You will get to hear a lot about Chainsoo when visiting the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The dish is prepared by using Urad Dal (Black lentil), which makes it rich in protein and other nutrients necessary for survival in the mountains. Since Chainsoo has a high protein count, it takes some time to digest. However, you should give the dish a try for its sheer deliciousness.
Chainsoo is prepared by first slowly toasting the Lentils and then making a fine paste out of it. During the procedure, you will be welcomed by the warm aromas of the Black lentil. A lot of locals, when they move to other parts of the country, prepare this dish in remembrance of their food culture. This dish is relatively easy to make, and you can add layers of spices to it according to suit your taste. Read More.
10. Garhwal Ka Fannah
Last on our list is Garhwal Ka Fannah, a dietary staple in Uttarakhand.
When visiting Mussoorie and other hill stations, you will find the aromas of this dish floating on the streets. It is a crowd-pleaser, prepared for large gatherings and family dinners alike. You will find this dish in every single restaurant in Mussoorie. It’s that popular. Read More.
Wrapping Up
So, these were some of the best and most famous food of Uttarakhand. You cannot leave the state without sampling them. Don’t forget to tell us which one you would like to taste first and which one is your favorite. If there is anything we missed, then feel free to mention it in the comment section. Till then, enjoy food and stay healthy.
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