Dehradun, a city located in the Uttarakhand state of India, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, diverse culture, and academic excellence. Its lush green surroundings and pleasant climate attract visitors from far and wide, while its delicious food contributes to its popularity in India. Beyond its beautiful scenery and academic excellence, Dehradun is also celebrated for its rich and varied food culture, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Uttarakhandi cuisine, North Indian flavours, and influences from neighbouring regions. The restaurants in Dehradun and their food, along with the city’s food culture, are what we need to be talking about in today’s blog post.
Dehradun: The City & its Food Culture
Dehradun is a beautiful city situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a perfect blend of landscape, prestigious institutions, and cultural diversity. It is surrounded by greenery and has a very pleasant climate. Its vibrant cultural and culinary scene, influenced by a mix of local traditions and modern influences, adds to the city’s charm, making it a great destination for visitors and residents.
Dehradun’s food culture is a delightful fusion of traditional Garhwali cuisine, North Indian flavours, and influences from neighbouring regions. The restaurants in Dehradun, along with the street food stalls, offer a variety of local snacks, from kachoris, samosas, chaats, Kafuli, and Phaanu to popular North Indian staples like tandoori chicken and butter chicken. Additionally, due to its closeness to Tibet and Nepal, Dehradun also offers delicious momos and Tibetan cuisine. The city’s food scene caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a haven for food lovers looking to explore diverse culinary delights.
Traditional Uttarakhandi Dishes Commonly Served in Restaurants In Dehradun:
Kafuli: This is one of the most nutritious dishes out of the traditional dishes served by the restaurants in Dehradun mentioned in this blog. The main ingredients of this dish include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek leaves (methi), and sometimes other local greens like mustard greens (sarson). The vegetables and greens are first finely chopped and then cooked with a blend of Indian spices. These spices usually include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sometimes red chilli powder. Also, a small quantity of lentils like split black gram (urad dal) may be added to enhance the texture and nutritional value. Kafuli is often enjoyed with a side of steamed rice or roti, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Phaanu: This is a hearty stew that is a staple when it comes to the cuisine of Uttarakhand. This hearty stew is made using a variety of lentils, with the most common being whole or split urad dal (black gram). The lentils are ground into a paste after being soaked overnight and then cooked with spices like asafoetida, cumin, coriander, and sometimes green chillies for heat. It is then slow-cooked until the lentils are soft and creamy, which results in a thick and flavorful stew. Phaanu is typically served hot with steamed rice or unleavened bread (roti) and is often accompanied by a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) for added richness and flavour.
Bhang ki Chutney: This unique condiment originated from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The name of this dish is contrary to reality, it does not have any intoxicating substances. It is made from hemp seeds, which are rich in protein and healthy fats, and is served by a few restaurants in Dehradun. In this dish, hemp seeds are ground into a paste along with garlic, green chillies, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt. All these ingredients come together to make a vibrant green chutney with a nutty flavour and spicy kick. Bhang ki Chutney is typically served as an accompaniment to meals, adding a burst of flavour and texture to dishes like rice, roti, or even snacks like pakoras (fritters).
Chainsoo: Chainsoo is a comforting lentil dish that is popular in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is made primarily from black gram lentils (urad dal), which are soaked, ground into a coarse paste, and then cooked with a tempering of spices such as asafoetida, cumin seeds, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. The dish has a thick and creamy consistency, similar to a dal, and is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Chainsoo pairs well with rice or roti and is enjoyed for its robust flavour and comforting texture and is one of the most popular dishes in the restaurants of Dehradun.
Aloo Ke Gutke: This is one of the most popular potato-based dishes that originated all over Uttarakhand. In this dish, the potatoes are boiled, diced, and then sautéed with spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder, and dried mango powder (amchur) for tanginess. The potatoes are cooked until they are crispy on the outside. This dish has the perfect blend of tangy and spices. Aloo Ke Gutke is often served in the restaurants of Dehradun as a side dish alongside main courses like dal and rice or as a tasty accompaniment to flatbreads like roti or paratha.
Urad Dal ke Pakode: Urad Dal ke Pakode are deep-fried fritters made from black gram lentil flour, mixed with spices, onions, chopped green chillies, and coriander leaves. The batter for the fritters is prepared by combining soaked and ground urad dal with water to form a thick paste, which is then seasoned with spices such as cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Small portions of the batter are dropped into hot oil and fried until golden brown and crispy. Urad Dal ke Pakode is typically served hot as a snack or appetizer, often accompanied by mint chutney for dipping.
Conclusion:
Dehradun is loved by its visitors for many reasons, from the serene landscape to the academic institutions and, above all, the food offered by the restaurants in Dehradun. People often find themselves exploring the hillside touristy attractions, immersed in Pahadi traditions, and savouring the cuisines of the city. This place never fails to leave an impression on the tourists and for all the good reasons. If all this talk about food has made you hungry and you are craving a snack, do not worry! Just order your favourite food from the website of Swiggy. They have best-in-class delivery services and truly offer the best food delivery service in India.
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