Food, well it has always been one of the prime concerns for every parent when their ward goes off to make his career, what parents want and what their child might also find good to eat is somewhat troublesome, because meeting the nutritional value of a young body and also keeping in mind the good taste of the food is not every city’s cup of tea, well in Dehradun it might just be, the geographical location of this city gives it food table the best menu to offer with all the nutritional requirements along with a good taste. The unique cuisine of Dehradun has always been one of the prime aspects to draw students from all walks of life, as every place has its own food significance and so has the capital of Uttarakhand Dehardhun though similar to its people, simple yet incredible. Dehradun and the entire state of Uttarakhand cater to Kamuani cuisine. If you look at the traditional cooking style of Dehradun, you will notice that people cook food over burning wood or charcoal. The food is simple and nutritious and apt for the Himalayan climate. It is like, every day there is something to taste in Dehradun.

The restaurants and street vendors serve the food with warmth and this adds to the taste of food here. You can also hire a car in Uttarakhand for your entire stay and enjoy hopping around the places, tasting these delicacies. The city of Dehradun offers palates of flavorsome and mouth watering dishes that are high on nutrition as well. The cuisine of the state is meticulously chosen to not only offer delight to the taste buds but also to make most of the resources available and also provide the people with good health.

Whilst the preparation of the food, great care is taken to include all the necessary elements to keep one well-prepared for the tough climate and trails of the city, special attention is paid to maintain the good looks and taste of the dishes as well. A balanced flavor is a key to authentic Uttarakhand cuisine that is mostly cooked over a slow fire and consists of lentils. Although Dehradun is divided into different regions; they unite as one in its methods of cooking and the choice of ingredients. There are also several dishes that the different regions of the city have in common but they surely have different names because the reason how they are prepared differs from region to region within the city.

The food habit in the state also witnesses variation with the changing season; wherein winter witnesses Mathir and Til Laddus or Madua Rotis are preferred whereas, in summers, Dubkas with Chholia Rotis are relished. The major ingredients responsible for adding the taste and incredible aroma to the food of Uttarakhand are varied lentils that are exclusive to the state and a variety of flours that come from barley and buckwheat. The dishes in Dehradun deeply connect to its people where the food is prepared with the right amount of spices, which only entices one to savor it. Phanu, Kafuli, Jholi, Gahat ke Paranthe, and Baadi are some of the finger-licking staple dishes of Uttarakhand. Along with, Aaloo Gutuk, Dubke, Kaapa, Jaula, and Sisunaak Saag are the mouth-watering presentations that the restaurants in the city have to offer.

The side dishes in Uttarakhand are equally important and therefore are prepared with utter care because of their craze among the people of the state and the students who come from far off places, Bhangeera ki Chutney, and Hara Namak are some of the sides that add to the flavor of main course meals. Concluding the gastronomic journey in Uttarakhand are its melt-in-mouth deserts, of which Singal-Puha, Jhangora ki Kheer, Singodi, and Baal Mithai are a few preludes. One noticeable and worthy of a trial is Sanaa Hua Nimbu, which is by far the clear attention grabber in the palatable cuisine of Uttarakhand. Food is something that is not just our basic need for immunity and good health but something that also provides us with joy and happiness. Foodies and students are for whom good food is a priority for good health and also satisfied tummy to keep up with their daily course of academics.

The food habits in Dehradun are generally of the north Indian type and have a lot of variety which is quite good since the students come herein from all parts of the country and some from other countries as well. The city being a retirement spot caters to different communities and their varied food habits. So, one can expect anything from south Indian to Gujarati and from Rajasthani to typical Punjabi-style food. The Dehradun cuisine is so appealing that it coerces you to visit it time and time again. As the people belong to the hilly region, their food is also very nutritious. It not only suits the energy requirements but is apt for the cold climate in the region as well. Food is often cooked with pure ghee and is high in hot spices such as red chilies.

Popular dishes include chains (a dish of black gram dal), ras (a mixture of dals), jholi (a thick gravy with potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables), kafuli (a spinach dish), and local pieces of bread such as chapatis, mandua ki roti, and gahat ke paranthe.Chutneys made from sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and other local ingredients help perk up the meal. The restaurants in Dehradun also offer a wide range of cuisines serving all kinds of people. It doesn’t matter if you are a hardcore non-vegetarian or a vegetarian person, there are bound to be some restaurants that suit your taste. Apart from the restaurants, you can find fast-food joints at every nook and corner of the city. These joints serve you local celebrity food such as chowmein, momos, bakery products, etc. These food joints also serve various types of soups like piping hot chicken soup, tomato, and sweet corn soup.

Written By:- SHASHANK MISHRA