A Guide to The Best Local Food in Rishikesh
Visitors can relish the best local food in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand that offers a Delightful culinary journey from the bustling Streets to the Charming eateries. Uttarakhand tour packages will help you explore not only spiritual significance but also vibrant local food catering to both local and international guests.
The local food in Rishikesh is known for its unique flavours and ingredients that cater to different palates. There are many places to visit in Rishikesh where visitors can explore natural wonders and relish culinary delight through a wide array of delightful local cuisines.
From mouth-watering street food to yummy sweet treats, the vibrant culinary scene of Rishikesh offers a plethora of local food options to fascinate your taste buds.
Here are some of the must-try local foods in Rishikesh:
1. Aloo Puri
Aloo puri is one of the favourite North Indian dishes to try in Rishikesh. The yummy plate combines spicy potato curry with deep-fried bread (puri). The cooked tangy potatoes in a flavorful gravy paired with crispy golden brown pooris will fuel your day to explore the places to visit in Rishikesh in one day. The most common and delectable breakfast items are available at most local joints and street food stalls around the city.
Location: Small local dhabas and street vendors around Triveni Ghat and the main market area are known for serving delicious Aloo Puri.
One of the best places to try this dish is 60’s The Eat Story in Rishikesh.
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2. Chotiwala Special Thali
Chotiwala is a famous restaurant chain in Rishikesh known for its thalis. Chotiwala Special Thali is one of the best local foods in Rishikesh, featuring a selection of dishes. The traditional Indian thali includes a variety of dishes such as dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetable curry), rice, roti (flatbread), and sometimes dessert. The thali showcases rich flavours and diversity of Indian food.
Chotiwala special thali is a must-try local food for indulging in a satisfying and flavorful meal. The homestays in Rishikesh provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and enjoy the authentic thali in the serene atmosphere along the banks of the Ganges.
Location: In Rishikesh, Two Chotiwala restaurants in Rishikesh located on each side of the Ram Jhula Bridge.
Price: The price of the Special Thali at Chotiwala is around Rs. 280
3. Delectable Street Food in Rishikesh
Delicious quick bites are perfect for snacking while exploring the town. Rishikesh offers an array of street food items like samosas, chaat, pani puri, and more. Airbnbs in Rishikesh offers a range of accommodations allowing you to enjoy local street food from the convenience of home.
Samosas is one of the most delicious local foods in Rishikesh. This popular Indian snack with a spiced potato mixture is often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea and coffee. Samosas are a delectable snack served with Imli chutney and mint sauce, adding flavour to the dish.
Panipuri, known as golgappa or gupchup, is a tempting local food in Rishikesh. Panipuris are small, round, hollow shells made from semolina or flour, filled with flavoured water, potato, onion, and chickpeas. Visitors can relish each bite of this tasty snack. Freedom Café and various other street vendors offer this mouthwatering snack.
Location: The area around Laxman Jhula and the lanes of Swarg Ashram have various street food vendors offering these flavorful snacks.
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4. Ayurvedic Cuisine
Rishikesh offers delicious and nutritious food based on the principles of Ayurveda. Visitors can opt for satvik and wholesome food that aligns with the city’s focus on health and spirituality. Some cafes and restaurants serve Ayurvedic and sattvic food, which is prepared without onion, garlic, or strong spices and is meant to be both cleansing and nourishing.
Location: The Ayurvedic cafes and restaurants are mainly concentrated around the Tapovan area, which is a hub for wellness and yoga retreats.
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5. Continental and International Cuisine
Rishikesh has a good selection of cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine, including Italian, Israeli, and vegan dishes. One of the best things to do in Rishikesh is to enjoy the fusion of flavours from Italian wood-fired oven pizzas to Chinese, Russian, and European dishes catering to international tourists and expats.
Location: Many restaurants like The Sitting Elephant, Bistro Nirvana, 5 States Restaurant by Madras Hotel, and other establishments which are located in the Tapovan area and along the banks of the Ganges offer both traditional and global cuisines to satisfy a range of culinary preferences.
6. Local Sweets
A visit to Rishikesh is incomplete without trying some of the local delectable sweets like jalebi, balushahi, and ras malai.
Jalebi is made by deep-fried wheat flour batter resulting in intricate, crispy spirals soaked in sugar syrup. The outcome is a sweet and syrupy dessert where one can’t miss the crunchiness and sweetness of jalebis making it an irresistible treat.
Balushahi, similar to Jalebli, has a different texture and flavour. This traditional sweet is known for its soft layers and rich sweetness, making it a favourite among dessert lovers.
Ras Malai made from thick milk flavour is a sweet aromatic dish that offers a unique and delightful taste for desert lovers.
Location: Sweet shops are scattered throughout Rishikesh, but the market streets near Triveni Ghat are particularly known for their sweet treats.
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7. Fresh Organic Produce
Many restaurants in Rishikesh emphasise the use of fresh, organic produce, sourced from local farms or their gardens. Sanskriti Organic Cafe at Sanskriti Vedic Retreat and Zorba’s Organic Restaurant And Cafe are known for their delicious organic meals made fresh from their organic produce. The best restaurants in Rishikesh offer a delectable organic meal against the scenic view of the holy Ganges, for an unforgettable dining experience.
Location: Organic cafes and restaurants are found in the areas of Tapovan and near the ghats, where they cater to delicious and nutritious food for visitors.
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Hence, Rishikesh offers delectable local food for visitors with a wide range of flavorful dishes to discover. This Holy city is a vegetarian zone by law, so all the food options are purely vegetarian. One can immerse in the peaceful environment as alcohol and non-vegetarian food are refrained in this region. Visitors can relish the best local food in Rishikesh against the backdrop of the Himalayas and the serene picturesque view of the Holy Ganges creating a truly enchanting experience.
What is the most famous local dish in Rishikesh?
The most famous local dish in Rishikesh is Aloo Poori, a traditional breakfast served at various eateries like 60’s The Eat Story.
Where can I find the best traditional meals in Rishikesh?
The best traditional meals in Rishikesh can be found at Chotiwala, known for serving the best Chole Bhature consists of spicy white chickpeas and fried bread.
What are some must-try street foods in Rishikesh?
Some must-try street foods in Rishikesh include Samosa, Sweets, Aloo Poori, Chole Bhature, Dosa, and Pani Puri, available at various locations across the city.
What is unique about Rishikesh local cuisine?
The unique aspect of Rishikesh’s local cuisine lies in its blend of traditional recipes and contemporary tastes offering a wide range of vegetarian delicacies that cater to both locals and international guests.
