Experience the soul of Uttarakhand through its traditional mountain cuisine.
When you travel to the hills of Uttarakhand — especially the serene regions of Nainital, Pangot, or Kaladhungi — the natural beauty and peaceful air are not the only things that linger with you. The local Kumaoni cuisine, rich in heritage and simplicity, is a quiet yet powerful highlight of every visit.
At EYD Hotels & Resorts, especially at our properties like JJ’s Village Eco Resort (Nainital) and Hilltop Pangot, we serve traditional dishes that bring the flavor of the mountains to your plate. Here’s a curated list of Kumaoni dishes you absolutely must try on your next visit.
A wholesome black soybean curry cooked with rice flour and mild spices.
This dish is a signature in every Kumaoni kitchen. It’s smoky, earthy, and served hot with steamed rice — a perfect companion to chilly mountain evenings.
🟡 Best enjoyed at: JJ’s Village Eco Resort
Spicy, roasted baby potatoes tempered with jakhya (local mustard seed).
Often served with hot puris or rotis, this humble side dish is often a guest favorite. It’s crunchy, tangy, and made with just a few ingredients — but full of flavor.
🟡 You’ll usually find this during bonfire evenings at most of our resorts.
A protein-rich, thick curry made from roasted urad dal (black gram).
This dish has a unique, nutty aroma and is often paired with steamed rice or mandua (millet) rotis. Slow-cooked and hearty, it’s ideal for high-altitude climates.
A tangy, yogurt-based curry thickened with gram flour and tempered with mustard.
Lighter than the Punjabi-style kadhi, Kumaoni Jholi is comforting and usually eaten with rice. Variations include pakuwa jholi, made with gram flour fritters.
A thick lentil stew made from a mix of dals soaked overnight and cooked slowly.
This delicacy takes time and patience, making it a special dish served during festive gatherings or family weekends. It’s both nutritious and filling.
No, it’s not what you think! This hemp seed chutney is local, nutty, and sour — often served with almost every meal.
Made from roasted hemp seeds, garlic, green chillies, and lemon juice, it adds a punch of flavor and is surprisingly healthy.
A sweet treat made from khoya (reduced milk) and wrapped in a malu leaf.
Singori is a must-try when you’re in the hills. The leaf adds a subtle woody fragrance, making it a unique dessert experience.
At EYD Hotels & Resorts, we serve regional dishes at properties like:
Our chefs use local produce, traditional recipes, and seasonal ingredients to bring you authentic Kumaoni flavors. Whether you’re enjoying an outdoor breakfast or a cozy dinner by the fire, these dishes are part of our cultural hospitality.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re a foodie traveler, request a “Kumaoni Thali” during your stay — it includes a mix of the above dishes, served with rice, roti, and local pickles.