When a person travels, they collect memories. But when a food enthusiast travels, they collect local ingredients that can help revive and relive the stories of their journeys through food. Traveller's Pantry is a series by Slurrp through which tourists travelling across the states of India will find indigenous gems that they can stock up on, take back home and learn more about India’s regional cuisines. This series will walk you through some of the best ingredients that India’s states have to offer, especially through the experienced hands of local chefs, experts and vendors, taking you on a true culinary safari of the nation.
Known for its pristine beauty and snow-capped mountains, Uttarakhand is an Indian state divided into two regions - Garhwal and Kumaon. Surrounded by the Himalayas, it boasts a unique cultural and culinary heritage. From Kedarnath and Dehradun to Mussoorie and Auli, it has many tourist spots which are now experiencing a footfall of travellers amid the rest of the country struggling with heat waves.
Video Credit: Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana/ YouTube
From picturesque locations to unique preparations, you can explore a lot on your holiday in Uttarakhand. However, when it comes to bringing home souvenirs, instead of key chains and sweaters, you must indulge in shopping for food products and snacks. Sweets, spices, millets and honey, Uttarakhand is a mine for culinary enthusiasts who are looking to bring home authentic food products brimming with Himalayan goodness.
Slurrp connected with Sandeep Juyal, Executive Sous Chef, The Roseate Ganges; Aman Bisht, web developer and manager at Pahadi Lala; Sanjay Garg, owner of Ramnath Amarnath Atta Chakki; Priyavrat Badoni, owner of Bengali Sweets Shop; and Preety Rajput, founder of Hillpure Organic to bring you recommendations for what and where to buy in Uttarakhand.
Hemp Seeds And Hemp Seed Oil
Chef Sandeep Juyal and Preety Rajput say that Uttarakhand is one of the best places in India to buy hemp seeds and hemp seed oil. It is one of the best sources of protein for vegetarians, and the oil can be used while preparing salad dressings. Preety Rajput suggested that it can even replace olive oil. Other nutrients in the seeds include fibre, omega-6s, fatty acids, and omega-3s. It is specifically considered good for your heart, skin, and hair health.
Shop Name: Hillpure Organic
Address: Hillpure Organic Vikasnagar, Bithoria No-1, Tilaknagar, Kusumkhera, Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263139
Contact: 7217025084
Price: Rs 225 per kg for seeds and Rs 300 per 65 ml for oil
Singori
Priyavrat Badoni said, “Singori is a traditional sweet of Uttarakhand, and folklore suggests that it originated either in Kumaon or Tehri regions of the state.” Made with khoya, the sweet delicacy has a rich taste. Once the khoya is roasted and it turns brown, raising and dry coconut are added to it. When the mixture is still warm, it is poured into cones prepared from malu leaves and left to settle overnight. The leaf not only increases the shelf life but also adds flavour to the dish. You can keep it in your home for 10-12 days. Apart from that, you can also purchase milk-based bal mithai from the various sweet shops in the state.
Shop Name: Bengali Sweets Shop Dehradun
Address: Chakrata Rd, near Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Contact: 0135-2712792
Price: Rs 600-620 per kg for singori and Rs 580 per kg for bal mithai
Barnyard Millet
Chef Sandeep Juyal and Aman Bisht mentioned that Uttarakhand is among a few places from where you can purchase different varieties of millet, especially barnyard millet. Aman said that it is the best option for people struggling with managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Since it is gluten-free, it is also a good option if you are suffering from a gluten allergy.
Shop Name: Pahadi Lala
Address: Moldhar, Bhaniyawala, Athhoorwala, Uttarakhand 248140
Contact: 9690400715
Price: Rs 140 for kg
Ragi Flour
In metropolitan cities, it is difficult to find places from where you can get the best quality ragi, jowar, or bajra flour. However, if you are in Uttarakhand, you can purchase it from regular shops. Sanjay Garg said that ragi flour is called mandwa in the local language, and it is rich in iron. These are better options for people trying to overcome their gluten allergy. Millet-based flour is also easy on the stomach when you make roti or paratha with it.
Shop Name: Ramnath Amarnath Atta Chakki
Address: Shop No. 50, Karanpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Contact: 8923665666
Price: Rs 60 per kg for ragi flour and Rs 50 per kg for bajra flour
Spices & Herbs
Preety Rajput said that Uttarakhand has some of the best-quality spices grown in the mountains. The list includes turmeric, red chillies, bay leaf, and coriander. She added that along with curcumin, the pahadi turmeric also has other essential nutrients that add to its medicinal properties. Moreover, the red chillies grown here are smaller in size and less spicy. They do not lead to digestive issues and can even be used to make pickles. You can also purchase herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and green tea from Hillpure Organic. They also take pride in selling pure sun-dried honey and authentic rose water.
Shop Name: Hillpure Organic
Address: Hillpure Organic Vikasnagar, Bithoria No-1, Tilaknagar, Kusumkhera, Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263139
Contact: 7217025084
Price: Rs 179 per 200 gm for turmeric, Rs 189 per 200 gm for red chilli powder, and Rs 199 for 100 gm of bay leaf
Jakhya
Chef Sandeep Juyal and Aman Bisht shared that jakhya is commonly used in the local cuisine of Uttarakhand as a replacement for jeera (cumin seeds). Aman Bisht added, “You can use it for tempering, and it has a long shelf life. It adds a crunchy texture to the dish and makes it tastier.” If you try a local recipe of dal in Uttarakhand, you will be convinced to buy this item and stock up your pantry. You can also purchase kulthi dal, pahadi rajma, and gaith ki dal from them to add rich ingredients from the state to your kitchen.
Shop Name: Pahadi Lala
Address: Moldhar, Bhaniyawala, Athhoorwala, Uttarakhand 248140
Contact: 9690400715
Price: Rs 100-120 per 100 gm
Rotana
Image Credit: Chef Raj Pundir/Instagram
Have you tasted the local cookies of Uttarakhand? It is called rotana. Priyavrat Badoni shared that the dessert is prepared using jaggery and wheat flour. Another variety of it is made using rice flour and jaggery, and it is popularly prepared during weddings. You can stock up on this and bring home the essence of the Himalayas. You can serve it during a high-tea party or even give souvenirs to your friends.
Shop Name: Bengali Sweets Shop Dehradun
Address: Chakrata Rd, near Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Contact: 0135-2712792
Price: Rs 250 per kg
