Last month marked my first visit to Uttarakhand in six years! Back in 2018, I had made a brief stop at a client’s resort in Jim Corbett followed by a quick excursion to Nainital. Little did I anticipate that my next journey to the state, six years later to the capital city of Dehradun, would once again be connected to my work.
The main purpose of my recent trip was to attend a wedding in a client’s family. Although I had the pleasure of spending four days in the picturesque Doon Valley, the majority of my evenings were occupied by various wedding events – the Mehendi ceremony, sangeet, and the wedding reception. Naturally, I found myself indulging in an abundance of delectable wedding cuisine. Balancing these celebratory evenings with morning office work at my Airbnb unfortunately left me with limited opportunities to fully explore Dehradun and its attractions. Nevertheless, I did manage to sneak in a few culinary experiences when time allowed.
My Food Stops in Dehradun
Chetan Swadisht Kachori
Indulge in delectable aloo puri at the charming little Chetan Swadisht Kachori situated in the bustling Hanuman Chowk area. This hidden gem, known for its years of culinary tradition, offers a delightful dining experience with its rustic simplicity. You’ll find it tucked in between Hanuman Temple and some shops, and the first thing you’ll spot is the enticing sight of puris being fried in hot oil at the entrance.
Be prepared to relish the simple thali, served on environmentally-friendly leaf plates. It includes unlimited servings of alu sabzi, khatti meethi kaddu ki sabzi, chole, and sookhi alu sabzi, accompanied by mouthwatering puris. And don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with their heavenly gulab jamuns. The flavours of the food at Chetan Swadisht Kachori are something not to be missed.
Ama Cafe
After 4 days. of eating Indian food, I wanted a change of culinary scenery, so I dropped into the delightful Ama Cafe for an English breakfast, a croissant, and some crispy chilly fries. This cafe is spread over 2 floors and its enchanting ‘cabin-in-the-woods’ aesthetics can capture anyone’s heart. Despite its large seating capacity, you may have to wait for a table.
There’s a delightful display case filled to the brim with tantalizing pastries and the large menu ranging from soups to pizzas, pastas, french toast/waffles, and so much more makes it apt for people of all ages and dietary preferences. Sitting there on a rainy afternoon and watching the street outside while sipping a cup of coffee was a moment of pure bliss!
Kalsang Restaurant
Looking for an authentic Tibetan – Chinese feast, I headed to Kalsang, known as one of the best restaurants in Dehradun. The piping hot Thukpa blew me away – it was definitely the best I’ve ever had, and the flavorful momos were a win, even though the tempura prawns didn’t quite hit the mark. The classy decor added to the whole dining experience, and the service brought a nice touch to the overall vibe. Expect generous portions, fresh, top-notch grub, comfy seating, and charming interiors that offer a taste of Tibetan culture. It’s a tad on the pricey side compared to other joints, but a must-visit for all the foodies in Dehradun! They also have a cafe downstairs called Kalsang Cafe, which I did not try.
Chur Chur Naan
A chance encounter with a roadside stall was a decent culinary experience. Despite the chilly 10-degree weather, the hot, butter-laden chur chur naan served at standing tables on the footpath was hot and yummy. The gravies were average. What struck me was the efficient management by a lone woman sitting on a barstool, skillfully directing the team of cooks and ensuring a seamless dining experience for the numerous patrons. I did not read the reviews of this place before I visited but later found them to be terrible. Go here after you check the reviews so you can tell if they’ve improved or not.
Sunrise Bakery
The oldest bakery in Dehradun, Sunrise Bakery, turned out to be a treasure trove of delectable cookies. I purchased a selection of cookies as souvenirs for friends and myself. While the sticky toffee, renowned in Dehradun, did not live up to its legendary stickiness as described, the biscuits were truly fabulous. I later discovered that only a select few places offer authentic sticky toffee. This is not one of them.
No visit to North India is complete without savoring the iconic combination of chole bhature and lassi. I opted for this classic favorite through a random Swiggy order, indulging in the flavorsome dish right at my Airbnb. Most of my meals in Dehradun surpassed expectations. This city is undoubtedly a wonderful destination that food enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
Follow for more on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
