Uttarakhand, located in the lap of the Himalayas is blessed with varied topography and breathtaking landscapes. It’s not just the natural richness of the destination that people want to explore; its gastronomic experience too plays an important role. Food is definitely the best part of every trip. So here we are, to take you through the distinctive flavors of the food of Uttarakhand that tells a lot about its people and their deep connection to the region.
Table of Contents
About The Food Of Uttarakhand
The cuisine of Uttarakhand is as simple as the people of the state. The use of nutritious and locally grown ingredients is what makes Uttarakhand cuisine very appealing to the palate. Something that really stands out in the cuisine of Uttarakhand is the use of the available resources to make some of the tastiest yet nutritious dishes.
Geographical Influence On Uttarakhand Cuisine
Uttarakhand has different cuisines based on their regions: Kumaon and Garhwal cuisines. Both these regions share the same characteristics of the mountain culinary traditions, however the difference is only in the style of cooking and the ingredients used. Kumaon cuisine uses more rice and lentils in their preparations, while the Garhwal cuisine emphasizes wheat-based preparations to protect from the cold of the higher altitude regions.
Cuisine Of Uttarakhand: Ingredients Used
A complete Uttatakhand meal includes fiber, proteins, and micronutrients that are essential to meet the physical demands of mountain life. As mentioned earlier, most of the Uttarakhand food is made using crops that have survived the harsh mountain environment. Few such crops that grow on the mountainous terrain are millets such as mandua and jhangora. Other indigenous grains and hardy crops is what forms the backbone of the staple food of Uttarakhand. Locally grown vegetables, lentils, khoya, jaggery, herbs and fruits from the forest are the basic ingredients used for cooking on a day to day basis.
Methods Of Cooking
The traditional food of Uttarakhand is generally cooked on desi chulas (clay ovens) to give that smoky flavor to the food. Roasting, slow cooking, steaming and khadd-style cooking are the most popular cooking methods. The quantity of oil used while making a dish is also very less compared to the other regions. Overall, the use of healthy ingredients, old techniques and great methods of cooking results in simple yet mouth-watering dishes.
Click here to book your 6- Day Uttarakhand Getaway – To The Yoga Capital Of The World
Popular Food Of Uttarakhand
The yummy cuisine of Uttarakhand literally highlights the state’s tradition and culture. Let’s take a closer look at the popular Uttarakhand’s food that will leave you asking for more.
Kafuli
Kafuli or Kapaa, a healthy curry is the most popular food in Uttarakhand because of its nutritious value. This exotic dish is made by cooking a mixture of local spinach varieties and other green leaves. This dish is a perfect example of how a healthy dish can be made from simple ingredients. This winter dish has attained the status of being the State Food of Uttarakhand.
Aloo Ke Gutke
Aloo Ke Gutke is a popular side dish made by tossing boiled potatoes with local spices (cumin, coriander, and red chili). This simple yet flavorful dish is a satisfying and hearty vegetarian dish that is loved by all in this region. It tastes best when served with flatbreads.
Bhang Ki Chutney
You can’t actually call this a dish, it is a tangy sauce that improves the flavor of other dishes. Couldn’t stop myself from adding this chutney into this list as it is one of the most popular foods to taste while here. It is a sauce made from a mixture of hemp seeds and spices. A single lick of the sauce will leave a fresh and tangy taste in your mouth that will linger for a long time.
Chainsoo
Chainsoo is a very famous Garhwal dish which is packed with proteins that will help survive the challenging mountain environment. Since the dish is high in protein, it takes more time to digest the food. Kali Dal is first toasted and then turned into a paste. The slow simmering method of cooking is used to turn the dish into a thick curry. This very earthy flavorful dish is definitely worth trying.
Bal Mithai
Bal Mithai is a sweet dish that is made from khoya (reduced milk) and coated with white sugar balls. This must-try delicacy is believed to have originated in the Kumaon region. Its unique chocolate-like confectionery, rich flavors and a satisfying texture is what makes it a hit among all.
Garhwal Ka Fannah
Garhwal Ka Fannah is a heavenly Uttarakhand food that has become famous especially in the little town of Mussoorie. The dish is so divine in its aroma and taste that, be it festivals, gatherings or momentous occasions, Garhwal Ka Fannah will make it to all the menus. Healthy ingredients like horse gram which is full of protein and nutrients is used in the making of the dish. Since horse gram has antioxidants, the dish is great to include in your daily diet.
Gulgula
Gulgula is another sweet dish that has made it to the list of top food in Uttarakhand. Not just the locals but the tourists too love the taste of this dessert. Basic ingredients that are easily available at home are used in the preparation of the dish. This sweet local dish can neither be called a snack nor a dessert as people tend to eat it at any time because of its great taste.
Pahadi Mutton
Last but not the least is the Pahadi Mutton made of lamb or goat meat using the slow cooking method of preparation. It is a perfect example of how local spices play a heavy role in the flavorful preparation of the mountain cuisine. Please note that non-veg food is not allowed in many parts of Uttarakhand due to religious reasons.
Also Read: A Travel Guide To The Valley Of Flowers Uttarakhand
Conclusion
The amazing food of Uttarakhand truly reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage. It also shows how a wide variety of dishes can be made with available resources. In short, the state’s culinary skills tell the story of adaptation, survival and resilience. So the next time you are here, make sure to get on a gastronomic journey to taste the mouthwatering cuisine of Uttarakhand.
FAQs
A nutritious, gluten-free, flatbread made from finger millet flour is the most famous breakfast in Uttatakhand. Mandua Ki Roti tastes best when served with ghee, jaggery, or vegetable curries.
Wheat, covering 30.8% of the cropped area and rice covering 23.9% of the total cropped area are the two main food crops of Uttarakhand.
Some of the famous sweets of Uttarakhand are Bal Mithai, Singori and Lohaghat ki Barfi. Simple ingredients like khoya, wheat flour, semolina, jaggery, milk and ghee form the base of the dish.
