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The serene, tranquil beauty of Uttarakhand and the snowcapped mountains between which it lies, offers solace and peace to everyone. The chirping of birds, a breath of fresh air, the breathtaking surroundings, and the clear blue sky—astounds and astonish all of us. However, Uttarakhand is not only about its natural beauty. It is also known for its rustic yet scrumptious food and offers a wide range of cuisines and specialties.
The Almora district in Uttarakhand is known for its exquisite Bal Mithai, a beloved sweet that is both simple and rich. An explosion of flavours, this brown, fudgy sweet is meticulously prepared from roasted khoya, or dried whole milk, and topped with white sugar balls. Bal Mithai is believed to have originated in Nepal in the seventh or eighth century and has undergone several revisions until being attributed to Lala Joga Ram Shah of Lal Bazaar, Almora, in its current version.
For his painstaking preparation, Joga Ram Shah travelled to the dairy-rich village of Phalsima to purchase special milk. Bal Mithai's original coating of 'Khas Khas,' or poppy seeds, was replaced with plain sugar balls as the commercialization of the sweet began, altering its characteristic flavour. There are rumours that it was even traded on Christmas Eve and was a favourite among the British officers stationed in Almora.
Not only is Bal Mithai delicious, but it has also become an integral part of Kumaon culture, appearing in tales and folklore. The Kumaoni origins of Bal Mithai have not stopped it from conquering palates outside of Uttarakhand. Many people enjoy it for its delicious flavours and fascinating history, which contribute to its cherished status as a culturally significant and long-lasting treat. For those in search of real flavours, here is a list of the best places recommended by city foodies to have Bal Mithai in Almora and enjoy the deep brown, almost chocolate-like treat.
Lala Joga Sah Sweet Shop, Lala Bazar Rd Recommended by @ delhifoodwalks, rakesh_minivlogs
The family of the visionary Lala Joga Ram Shah found this gastronomic paradise in the late 19th century, and it is situated in the heart of Almora's Lala Bazar. The present owner of the family business, Harish Lal Shah, is the fifth generation to carry on the sweets-making tradition. An enduringly delicious dessert, the Bal Mithai is the store's crowning achievement. Lala Joga Sah Sweet Shop is an absolute must-visit for anyone in search of the real flavours of Almora. The carefully made Bal Mithai displays the essence of Kumaoni sweet traditions.
Phone Number:
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 7 am–9 pm
Address: Lala Bazar Rd, Paltan Bazar, Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Kheem Singh Mohan Singh Rautela Sweets, Mall Road, Almora recommended by @cheftzac, @ the_himalayan_rasoiya, @ visha.khandelwal
Kheem Singh Mohan Singh Rautela Sweets, a confectionery with a history spanning over a century, is a marvel worth visiting on Almora's Mall Road. This little sweet shop has become famous for its original Kumaoni flavours and for making the best Bal Mithai in town. Everyone from residents to tourists raves about the irresistible Bal Mithai, a must-try treat when visiting Almora. This milk-based treat, which has a chocolate-like flavour and is covered in white sugar balls, has a rich cultural past and is justifiably called the "State sweet of Uttarakhand." It is dark in colour and has a crunchy exterior. Kheem Singh Rautela's is a place where history and culinary brilliance come together, so you can indulge in the heritage of Almora.
Phone Number: 05962 230 105
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 6:30 am–7:55 pm
Address: Bus Station, Mall Road, Near Roadways, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Almora Rasoi recommended by @laldeopa, @rakesh_minivlogs
Almora Rasoi is an outstanding shop in Almora Known for creating the most amazing Bal Mithai. The Bal Mithai, known for its mouthwatering flavour, showcases a commitment to using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. With a focus on creating irresistible desi ghee sweets, Almora Rasoi guarantees an unforgettable moment with each and every bite. Their dedication to creating incredibly delicious and mouthwatering products glows through in every delicacy they provide, establishing them as the top choice for anyone looking for the finest Bal Mithai in Almora. Experience the delectable offerings of Almora Rasoi, where passion and quality come together.
Phone Number: 096543 25380
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Timings: 8 am–10 pm
Address: HOTEL SHELESH COMPLEX, opposite GGIC SCHOOL TAXI STAND, Paltan Bazar, Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 300
Tiwari Sweet House recommended by @rasoikumaoni99
Some of the best Bal Mithai in the city can be found at Tiwari Sweet House in Almora, which is known as a culinary gem. Tiwari Sweet House's Bal Mithai is a great example of their skill; it has a great mix of classic flavours. Many people, both locals and tourists, come to this famous restaurant to enjoy the richness and genuineness of their delicious Bal Mithai. For those looking for the best sweets in Almora, Tiwari Sweet House continues to be a hotspot.
Phone Number: 097197 76328
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai, Rasmalai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 5 am–7 pm
Address: JM37+G8H, Mall Rd, Laxmeshwar, Dharanaula, Almora Range, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Laxmi Sweets recommended by @rasoikumaoni99
When in Almora, locals often recommend getting Bal Mithai from Laxmi Sweets. It's a popular sweet shop known for making delicious treats, especially Bal Mithai. The people in the city love the taste of their sweets, and it's a go-to place for those looking to savour this local delight. If you're exploring Almora and have a sweet tooth, Laxmi Sweets is a must-visit to experience the authentic flavours of Bal Mithai, a treat loved by both locals and visitors.
Phone Number:
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 9 am–8 pm
Address: HJ9H+XXP, Bhowali-Almora Rd, Deoli, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Latwal Sweet House recommended by @laldeopa
Latwal Sweet House in Almora is a hidden gem for Bal Mithai perfectionists. Locals highly recommend this sweet spot, where each mouthful is a flavour masterpiece and tradition. Latwal Sweet House, known for their sweets, makes Bal Mithai taste unmatched. Local endorsements speak to the authenticity and richness of every piece of this iconic dessert. Latwal Sweet House, a local favourite with a taste legacy, serves velvety Bal Mithai for an unforgettable Almora treat.
Phone Number: 097564 43118
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 7 am–11 pm
Address: lodhiya, Lat, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Kanhaiya Lal Nand Lal Misthan Bhandar Recomended by recommended by @laldeopa @travellingmunchies
Famous for its mouthwatering delights, Kanhaiya Lal Nand Lal Misthan Bhandar is a sweets shop in Almora. Those in search of delectable desserts often visit this palce, which is well-known for its delicious bal mithai, Rasmalai and Gajar Ka Halwa. Roti, Dal, Chole, Bhature, Tikia, and Samosa are just a some of the mouthwatering dishes offered in the store's. Customers go from all around to savour the flavours of Almora at this restaurant, thanks to its prime position.
Phone Number: 094129 66614
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 7 am–9 pm
Address: Lala Bazar Rd, Paltan Bazar, Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Sangela Misthan Bhandar recommended by @visha. Khandelwal
Sangela Misthan Bhandar, located in Ganai, Almora, is a renowned sweet shop known for its delicious Bal Mithai. This cute little shop is known for making delicious sweets that bring in both locals and tourists. To have a delicious time, try the mouthwatering flavours of Bal Mithai at Sangela Misthan Bhandar. In every bite, sweetness meets greatness.
Phone Number: 05966 246128
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 5 am–8 pm
Address: V9P3+P4M, Malla Tajpur, Chaukhutiya, Uttarakhand 263656
Cost for two: Rs 400
Negi Sweet Shop, rakesh_minivlogs
Negi's Sweet House in Almora is well-known for its famous "Bal Mithai" and is an expert in crafting traditional Kumaoni sweets. This charming location is a must-visit, offering an amazing selection of classic delicacies. Discover the outstanding cuisine of Kumaon through the exceptional flavours and delightful sweetness that characterise Negi's Sweet House.
Phone Number: 099970 74919
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 5 am–11:30 pm
Address: House no 4 Lodhiya, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
Deewan Sweets, Mall Road, Almora, rakesh_minivlogs
Deewan Sweets in Almora is the go-to place to get the beloved local delicacy, Bal Mithai. This sweet shop is renowned for its excellent products, providing a pleasurable experience for anyone seeking Almora's genuine flavours. Deewan Sweets serves up the sweetness of city.
Phone Number:
USP Dishes: Bal Mithai
Available Cuisines: Indian
Type: Veg
Meals Served: Sweets
Timings: 6 am–8 pm
Address: Mall, Road, opposite to Govind Vallabh Pant museum, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Cost for two: Rs 400
