Haridwar Street Food Guide
Haridwar is a vegetarian paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious street food and snacks. Being a holy city, all food is pure vegetarian, making it perfect for food lovers seeking authentic Indian flavors.
Must-Try Street Snacks
1. Kachori with Aloo Sabzi
One of the most popular snacks in Haridwar, kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils or peas. It's typically served with spicy potato curry (aloo sabzi) and tangy chutneys. You'll find the best kachoris near Har Ki Pauri and in the local markets.
2. Samosa
No Indian street food guide is complete without samosas! These triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes are crispy on the outside and flavorful inside. Pair them with mint chutney and tamarind chutney for the perfect snack.
3. Jalebi
Haridwar is famous for its sweet, crispy jalebis. These orange-colored, spiral-shaped sweets are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. Best enjoyed hot with a cup of tea or as a dessert after meals.
4. Aloo Tikki
Spiced potato patties that are shallow-fried until golden brown. Served with chutneys, yogurt, and sometimes chickpeas, aloo tikki is a filling and delicious snack.
5. Chaat
Haridwar offers various types of chaat including:
- Papdi Chaat: Crispy wafers topped with potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys
- Dahi Bhalla: Soft lentil dumplings in yogurt with spices
- Aloo Chaat: Spiced potato cubes with tangy flavors
6. Lassi
Cool down with a refreshing glass of sweet or salty lassi. This yogurt-based drink is perfect for the warm weather and is available at most food stalls.
7. Kulfi
Traditional Indian ice cream made with reduced milk, sugar, and flavors like cardamom, pistachio, or mango. A perfect dessert to beat the heat!
Best Places to Eat
Har Ki Pauri Area
The area around Har Ki Pauri has numerous food stalls and small restaurants. You'll find authentic local snacks here, especially during evening hours when the Ganga Aarti takes place.
Local Markets
Explore the local markets like Moti Bazaar and Upper Road for a variety of street food options. These markets are bustling with food vendors offering fresh, hot snacks.
Restaurants
For a sit-down meal, try traditional thali (platter) restaurants that serve complete meals with multiple dishes, roti, rice, dal, vegetables, and desserts.
Food Safety Tips
- Choose stalls that look clean and have good customer turnover
- Prefer freshly prepared items over pre-made ones
- Drink bottled water or filtered water
- Start with small portions if you're trying street food for the first time
- Look for places recommended by locals
Traditional Sweets
Don't miss out on Haridwar's famous sweets:
- Pedas: Milk-based sweet, a specialty of the region
- Gulab Jamun: Soft, spongy milk balls in sugar syrup
- Rasgulla: Soft cheese balls in light syrup
- Barfi: Various flavors of condensed milk sweets
Breakfast Specialties
Start your day with traditional breakfast items:
- Poori Aloo: Deep-fried bread with spicy potato curry
- Paratha: Stuffed flatbread with various fillings
- Poha: Flattened rice with vegetables and spices
Haridwar's street food scene is vibrant and delicious. Whether you're exploring the ghats or visiting temples, you'll find amazing snacks to keep you energized throughout your spiritual journey!