Rishikesh, a small yet enchanting town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, is a hub for adventure sports and spirituality and a paradise for foodies. Rishikesh’s cuisine is a mix of North Indian, Tibetan, and Garhwali flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The town has a variety of options when it comes to food, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Whether you’re a vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or vegan, there’s something for everyone. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to try first.

That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-try foods in Rishikesh to help you navigate through the culinary scene of the town. From spicy chaat to sweet lassi, this list has got you covered. So, let’s get started on this mouth-watering journey of Rishikesh’s cuisine.

Famous Foods in Rishikesh

Lassi

Lassi is a popular Indian yoghurt-based drink that is loved by people of all ages. It is a refreshing and healthy beverage that can be found in various flavors. Lassi is made with yogurt, water, and sugar and sometimes flavored with fruits like mango, strawberry, or banana. It is a perfect drink for hot summer days and is often served with meals or as a dessert.

In Rishikesh, lassi is a must-try food item that is readily available in many restaurants and street food vendors. You can enjoy it in a traditional earthen cup, called matka, which enhances its flavor and keeps it cool. Lassi in Rishikesh is often made with locally sourced ingredients, making it even more delicious and fresh.

Some popular places to try lassi in Rishikesh are the Lassiwala in the Tapovan area and Pahadi Lassi near Ram Jhula. These places serve lassi in a unique style that you won’t find anywhere else in India. So, don’t forget to add lassi to your list of must-try foods when you visit Rishikesh.

Where to try:

Rishikesh offers numerous places to try the delicious lassi, a popular traditional yogurt-based drink. Here are some of the best places to try Lassi in Rishikesh:

Shri Balaji Lassi: Located in the heart of Rishikesh, this place is popular for its creamy and refreshing lassi. The shop offers a variety of flavors like mango, strawberry, and classic sweet lassi.
Laxman Jhula Lassi Wala: Situated near the iconic Laxman Jhula, this place is known for its thick, creamy and flavorful lassi. It also offers a wide range of toppings like dry fruits, cardamom, and rose syrup.
Chotiwala Lassi: One of the oldest and renowned shops in Rishikesh, Chotiwala serves the most authentic and traditional lassi in town. The place offers a unique blend of spices and sweetness, making it a must-visit place for lassi lovers.
Ramana’s Organic Cafe: This cafe offers a healthy twist to traditional lassi by using organic ingredients and fresh fruits. The place is popular for its signature Blueberry lassi and vegan lassi made from almond milk.
Madras Cafe: Located in the Tapovan area, Madras Cafe is popular for its delicious South Indian food and refreshing lassi. The place offers a variety of flavors like Mango, sweet, and salty lassi.

These are some of the best places to try lassi in Rishikesh. Don’t forget to visit these places and treat yourself to a refreshing drink while exploring the city.

Aloo Puri

Aloo Puri is a popular breakfast dish in India that is commonly served in Rishikesh as well. It is made by deep-frying unleavened bread, known as puri, and serving it with a potato curry or aloo sabzi. The potato curry is usually a spicy and flavorful dish made by cooking boiled potatoes with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The dish is then garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served hot.

Aloo Puri is a perfect breakfast option for those who are looking for a quick and filling meal to start their day. It is a popular street food that can be found in many local eateries and food stalls in Rishikesh. Many restaurants in Rishikesh also serve Aloo Puri as a part of their breakfast menu.

Where to try:

Aloo Puri is a popular North Indian dish, and it is widely available in Rishikesh. Some of the best places to try Aloo Puri in Rishikesh are:

Chotiwala Restaurant: Chotiwala is a well-known restaurant in Rishikesh, and it is famous for its delicious North Indian food. The Aloo Puri served here is one of the best in town.
Devraj Coffee Corner: Devraj Coffee Corner is a cozy cafe located in the heart of Rishikesh. The cafe serves a variety of snacks and beverages, and their Aloo Puri is a must-try.
The Sitting Elephant: The Sitting Elephant is a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of Indian and international cuisine. Their Aloo Puri is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Bistro Nirvana: Bistro Nirvana is a charming cafe that serves healthy and delicious food. Their Aloo Puri is made with fresh ingredients and is a great option for a quick bite.
Shree Balaji Dhaba: Shree Balaji Dhaba is a popular dhaba-style restaurant in Rishikesh, and their Aloo Puri is one of the best in town. The restaurant is known for its authentic North Indian food and generous portions.

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish that has made its way to the streets of Rishikesh. It is a combination of chole (spiced chickpeas) and bhature (deep-fried bread). The chickpeas are cooked in a spicy and tangy gravy, and the bhature is soft and fluffy.

This dish is a perfect breakfast or lunch option, and it is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is also a popular street food item that can be found in various parts of the city.

The dish is usually served with pickles, onions, and achaar (spicy Indian pickle). It is a heavy dish, so it is recommended to share it with someone else or to have it as a meal on its own.

If you’re a foodie and want to try this dish, head to some of the popular local eateries in Rishikesh, such as Chotiwala Restaurant, Ramana’s Organic Cafe, and Madras Cafe.

Where to try:

If you are looking to try some authentic Chole Bhature in Rishikesh, then you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to try this delicious dish:

Chotiwala: This is a popular restaurant in Rishikesh that serves delicious Chole Bhature. The dish is prepared using traditional Punjabi-style spices and is served hot and fresh.
Bistro Nirvana: Another popular restaurant in Rishikesh, Bistro Nirvana is known for its delicious North Indian cuisine. The Chole Bhature served here is a must-try.
Madras Cafe: While this restaurant is known for its South Indian cuisine, it also serves some amazing North Indian dishes, including Chole Bhature. The dish is prepared using a unique blend of spices that give it a unique flavor.
Ganga View Restaurant: Located near the Ganga river, this restaurant offers a stunning view of the river and the surrounding mountains. The Chole Bhature served here is one of the best in Rishikesh.
Choti Wala Restaurant: This is another popular restaurant in Rishikesh that serves delicious Chole Bhature. The dish is prepared using fresh ingredients and is served hot and spicy.

These are just a few of the many places where you can try Chole Bhature in Rishikesh. So, if you are a foodie, make sure to add this dish to your must-try list.

Momos

Momos are a popular street food in Rishikesh, which have become a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Momos are steamed dumplings, filled with vegetables or meat, served with a spicy sauce. They are originally from Tibet, but they have made their way into the Indian cuisine and have become an essential part of street food culture.

The momos are usually stuffed with cabbage, onions, carrots, and other vegetables or meat like chicken or mutton, and are served with a spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is what makes momos so special and delicious. It is made with a mix of spices and ingredients such as tomato, onion, garlic, and green chili.

If you’re in Rishikesh, you can find momos at almost every street food stall or restaurant. You can try them at the famous street food market, Ram Jhula, or at the Laxman Jhula market. The momos at Pure Soul Cafe are also highly recommended by locals and tourists alike.

Don’t forget to try momos when you’re in Rishikesh, as they are a delicious and must-try food item!

Where to try:

Rishikesh is home to a variety of momo stalls and restaurants, making it easy to find a place to try this delicious dish. Some popular places to try momos in Rishikesh include:

Chotiwala: Located in the heart of Rishikesh, Chotiwala is a well-known restaurant that serves delicious momos, among other North Indian dishes.
Ramana’s Organic Cafe: This cafe is famous for its organic food and serves a range of momos made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Beatles Cafe: This cafe has a charming atmosphere and serves a variety of dishes, including momos, which are highly recommended by visitors.
Bistro Nirvana: This cozy little cafe is known for its momos, which are served with a spicy dip and a side of salad.
German Bakery: This bakery is famous for its freshly baked goods, but also serves delicious momos, which are a must-try for anyone visiting Rishikesh.

Chaat

Chaat is a popular savory snack that is commonly found all across India, including in Rishikesh. It is made up of a variety of ingredients such as chickpeas, potatoes, and spices, which are then mixed with tamarind chutney and yogurt to give it a sweet and tangy flavor. The dish is then topped off with crispy fried noodles and sometimes even pomegranate seeds.

In Rishikesh, there are a number of different types of chaat available, including aloo chaat, which is made with boiled potatoes, and samosa chaat, which is made with samosas cut into small pieces and topped with yogurt, chutney, and spices. There are also variations of chaat that include different types of ingredients such as fruit, sprouts, or even paneer.

Chaat is a great option for those who are looking for a light and tasty snack to enjoy while exploring the city. It is also a popular street food, so visitors to Rishikesh can easily find chaat vendors throughout the city.

Where to try:

If you’re looking to try chaat in Rishikesh, there are several places to consider. Here are a few popular options:

Chotiwala: Located on the busy Dehradun Road, Chotiwala is a well-known restaurant that serves a variety of North Indian dishes, including chaat.
The Sitting Elephant: This cozy rooftop restaurant serves a range of Indian and continental dishes, but is especially known for its delicious chaat.
Rajasthani Bhojnalaya: This casual eatery in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh specializes in Rajasthani cuisine, but also serves a variety of chaat dishes.
Sita Ram Bazaar: For a more street food-style experience, head to Sita Ram Bazaar, a bustling market area where you can find several chaat vendors selling their wares.
Ramana’s Organic Cafe: If you’re looking for a healthier take on chaat, check out Ramana’s Organic Cafe, which serves a range of organic, vegetarian dishes, including a tasty sprouted moong dal chaat.

Kachori

Kachori is a deep-fried, crispy and flaky pastry that originated in North India. It is a popular snack and breakfast item that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The pastry is stuffed with a spicy filling made with lentils, potatoes, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Kachori is usually served with a side of chutney or pickle.

Kachori is believed to have originated in Rajasthan, but it is now a popular snack across North India, including Rishikesh. It is often sold by street vendors and small food shops. There are different varieties of kachori available, such as onion kachori, paneer kachori, and moong dal kachori. Each type of kachori has a unique taste and texture.

If you are visiting Rishikesh, you must try the delicious kachori that is available at various food joints and stalls. Some popular places to try kachori in Rishikesh include Chotiwala, Shri Balaji Kachori Bhandar, and Bikanerwala. These places serve freshly made kachoris that are crispy, flaky, and full of flavor.

Where to try:

If you’re in Rishikesh and looking to try some delicious Kachoris, there are several places where you can indulge in this crispy and spicy treat. Here are a few popular spots:

Chotiwala Restaurant – Located near Triveni Ghat, this iconic restaurant in Rishikesh is known for its delectable Kachoris.
Bhole Baba Farsan – This small shop located near Ram Jhula serves some of the most scrumptious Kachoris in Rishikesh.
Shri Balaji Kachori Bhandar – Situated in the busy market area of Laxman Jhula, this eatery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its delicious Kachoris.
Chirag Dhaba – This roadside dhaba located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway is known for its freshly made Kachoris that are served hot and crispy.
Mohan’s Kachori – This popular food joint located in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh is famous for its spicy Kachoris that are sure to leave you wanting more.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a popular noodle soup that has its roots in the Himalayan region. It is made with boiled noodles, vegetables, and meat, in a spicy broth. Thukpa is a very filling and satisfying dish and is often had as a complete meal. It is especially popular during the colder months, as it is believed to be a warming dish that helps to keep the body warm.

Thukpa is traditionally made with yak meat, but in Rishikesh, you can find variations that use chicken or vegetables instead. The broth is usually made with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger, which give it a distinctive flavor and aroma.

Thukpa is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Rishikesh, especially if you are looking for something hearty and filling to warm you up on a chilly day. You can find it at local restaurants and street food stalls in the city, and it is definitely worth trying at least once.

Where to try:

Thukpa is a popular Tibetan soup that can be found in several places in Rishikesh. Some of the popular spots to try Thukpa in Rishikesh are:

German Bakery: Located near Laxman Jhula, the German Bakery is known for its authentic Tibetan cuisine, including Thukpa.
Little Buddha Cafe: Situated in the heart of Rishikesh, this cafe offers a serene and peaceful ambiance along with a delectable variety of food, including Thukpa.
Pure Soul Cafe: This vegetarian cafe in Tapovan, Rishikesh serves a variety of healthy dishes including Thukpa.
Free Spirit Cafe: A popular spot among backpackers, Free Spirit Cafe offers a range of cuisines, including Tibetan food like Thukpa.
Shambala Restaurant: This restaurant, located in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh, serves delicious Tibetan food, including Thukpa, in a serene and tranquil setting.

Jalebi

Jalebi is a sweet that is popular throughout India, and Rishikesh is no exception. It is a deep-fried sweet made by pouring a flour-based batter into a spiral shape and then soaking it in sugar syrup. The result is a crispy and syrupy dessert that is a perfect way to end a meal or just as a snack.

Jalebis are often eaten for breakfast in Rishikesh and are commonly paired with samosas or kachoris. They are also a popular offering in the many ashrams and temples that dot the city.

Jalebis are available at most sweet shops and street vendors throughout Rishikesh, and are especially popular during festivals and celebrations.

Overall, Jalebi is a must-try food in Rishikesh for those with a sweet tooth.

Where to try:

If you’re looking to try jalebi in Rishikesh, here are some popular places to check out:

Chotiwala: This iconic restaurant in Rishikesh is known for its delicious jalebi served with rabri.
Mohan’s Pure Vegetarian: This restaurant serves a variety of sweets and snacks including jalebi, which is a must-try.
Kashyap Kachori Bhandar: While they are known for their kachoris, this street food vendor also serves hot and crispy jalebis.
Brijwasi Sweets: This sweet shop offers a range of Indian sweets, including jalebi, which is a crowd favorite.
Hoshiyar Puri: A popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh, this eatery serves crispy puris with spicy aloo sabzi and sweet jalebi.

Parantha

Parantha is a popular flatbread dish in India that is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It is made by stuffing a dough made from wheat flour with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, cauliflower, paneer (cottage cheese), or even sweet fillings like jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) or bananas. The dough is then rolled out and cooked on a griddle with ghee (clarified butter) until crispy and golden brown. Paranthas are often served with a side of curd (yogurt) or pickle, and are a staple in North Indian cuisine. They are also popular as street food and can be found in almost every corner of the country.

Where to try:

Rishikesh has several places where you can enjoy a hot and crispy parantha. Some of the most popular places to try parantha in Rishikesh are:

Chotiwala: This is one of the oldest and most popular eateries in Rishikesh, known for its delicious North Indian cuisine, including mouth-watering paranthas.
Ramana’s Garden Cafe: This is a popular cafe that serves fresh and healthy food. They offer a variety of paranthas that are made with organic ingredients.
The Sitting Elephant: This cafe is located near the Laxman Jhula bridge and serves delicious vegetarian food. Their paranthas are made with homemade ghee and are a must-try.
Madras Cafe: This is a South Indian restaurant that serves some of the best dosas and uttapams in Rishikesh. They also have a variety of paranthas on their menu that are worth trying.
Ayurpak: This is a vegetarian cafe that serves healthy and organic food. They have a variety of paranthas on their menu that are made with fresh ingredients and are free from preservatives.

Rishikesh is not only famous for its spiritual and adventurous activities but also for its delectable food. From sweet to savoury, there are a variety of options to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you should definitely try out the must-try foods in Rishikesh.

From the refreshing lassi to the mouth-watering chaat, the delicious kachori to the hot thukpa, each of these dishes has a unique flavour and charm that make them a must-try. So, the next time you visit Rishikesh, don’t forget to indulge in these flavoursome delicacies.