An account of some must-try street foods of Dehradun

Have you ever tried these food ? lets try it.

Indian cuisine is known for its spice and has a plethora of quick-bites representing the same, lovingly known as "Street Food" since some of the BEST places to have these delicacies are small roadside vendors. Bhukkhad Talks by FoodPremi brings to you a small cover of a few incredible street food joints of Dehradun.

"Jaina Ke Samose" (near Bindal Bridge on Chakrata Road)

Where to get fresh samosas and jalebis? The answer is Jaina, a 40-year-old establishment, now run by the third generation of the owners! What sets their preparation apart is the inclusion of a slice of paneer in the samosa (yummy!).

"Dwarka Store ke paas Bun-Tikki" (near Dwarka Store on E.C. Road)

The Indian version of the burger urf "Bun Tikki" is classically prepared with crispy potato patties topped with onions, tomatoes, saunth (sweet sauce), green chutney and curd (with a dash of masala). The "thela" near Dwarka Store has been there since 1984 (reminds us of 'The Martyr's Corner' by R. K. Narayan, doesn't it?), and serves an excellent preparation of bun-tikki (with two tikkis!) - all for Rs.15/- per plate !

"Chetan Puri Wala" (near Hanuman Chowk)

Puri + Chole + Aloo Sabzi + Kaddu Sabzi + Chutney -- that's the famous 'Poori Thali' served at Chetan Puri Waala. Their popularity is evident by the waiting period you have to face no matter what day or time it is, but the food is worth it ! A steady stream of orders comes from the nearby shops who have relied on the shop ever since it opened, but that hasn't limited the reach of their customers. People travel from all parts of Doon to eat here, and you should too !

"LalaJee's Angithi - Tandoori Momo" (Connaught Place, Chakrata Road)

Momos are delicious little "potli"s of heaven that come in an astonishing variety of preparations. Tandoori momos combine the delight of fried momos with the health of an oil-free preparation, and this concept was first introduced in Dehradun by LalaJee's (two years ago). They offer momos with two different fillings (veg or paneer) that are prepared in three different ways - Afghani (cream), Masala & Achari.

"Parade Ground pe Dosa" (Opposite Doonga House, Parade Ground)

South-Indian food has a special place in our hearts (and a recurring spot in our diets!) and the "Madrasi Dosa" vendor at Parade Ground has been serving a consistent quality and taste of the same since 1992 ! The menu is pretty standard - Dosa (masala or plain), Idli and Vada. Each of these has its own distinct flavour and appeal, with the complimentary sambar and chutneys (red: tomato;  white: coconut) adding to the experience!

"Katlambe Thela after a matinee" (Opposite Natraj Cinema, Chakrata Road)

Though no longer main-stream after the opening of multiplexes, Natraj Cinema was one of the most visited halls of Dehradun due to its access to everyone from the other side of Bindaal Bridge. And, despite the intermission snacks at the cafeteria, the "thela" serving katlambe (a deep-fried heavy "big-brother" of bhature) has been a regular post-movie meal since 1996 !

"Capri ka Chole Kulche wala" (near Capri Trade Center, Chakrata Road)

Chole-kulche are the oil-free cousins of chole bhature and katlambe - the Chole are boiled and served in a mix of chutney, onions, tomatoes, chillies and spices while the Kulche are flat breads that are toasted (with or without butter) on a "tawa" before serving. While this healthy (and tasty!) delight can be found all over town, what sets the vendor at Capri apart is that he's been in the business (and more or less the same spot) since 1970 ! 

"Shopping break at Sumit Banta Shop" (Paltan Bazaar)

Bunta is the "desi" version of Lime Soda, and we've ALL had a glass at some time in our lives. Sumit Banta Shop takes the experience to another level with a menu of nearly 10 different flavors (masala, jeera lemon, pudina lemon, strawberry, orange, rose - among others ! They make their own soda and also offer a milk-based rose cooler during the summers.

"Rajpur wale Sardarji ke Pakode" (Near Rajpur Chowk)

This is undoubtedly one of the most well-known food-landmarks of Dehradun. It was established in 1952 (OMG !) and even features in some of Ruskin Bond's stories! They have samosas in the morning and afternoon, and crispy pakode in the evenings (served with imli chutney) - one plate is never enough!


While this isn't even close to being a comprehensive list, all the places mentioned above play a major part in Dehradun's street food heritage and offerings.