Eat, shop and relax like a local - Lansdowne edition

Somehow, if you managed to reach this blog, we believe you are planning to visit Lansdowne. If we guessed it right, here’s what you are looking for - a detailed list of local food in Lansdowne. Ohh! And hotspots for shopping in Lansdowne.

To start with, let’s be clear: just like in every other hill station, you'll find delicious momos, Maggi, and continental food in small, cozy cafes around Lansdowne. But “pahado mai pahadi khana nahi khaya to kya kiya?” You shouldn't miss the authentic Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine here. Lansdowne is mostly known for these two cuisines - simple, warm, and homely. These hearty meals perfectly complement the Himalayan weather and the foodie in you.
"Ab idhar udhar ki baatein nahi karenge, seedha point par aate hai." Here’s a personally curated list of local favourite food in Lansdowne.

1) Bhang ki chutney

Yes. Bhang ki chutney. Don’t worry, you won’t get high after eating it. It’s a popular delicacy from Uttarakhand and a couple of other hill stations. In fact, it is also a popular dish in Nepal. Made using its Bhaang seeds, it is completely free of mind-altering effects which Bhang is known for. Bhang seed paste is considered a superfood because of its high nutritional value. It aids digestion, boosts metabolism and is healthy and delicious!
Find a local shop that serves it and go for it. If you can, get it packed in a glass jar and take some home.

Bhang ki chutney | Credits: Pinterest

2) Garhwali arsa 

This 1100-year-old sweet dish is mainly prepared during weddings as a symbol of love and offered as a return gift. This local bite-sized treat is made from jaggery, rice, and mustard oil. Sweet, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside, you can find this dessert at local eateries serving authentic Garhwali meals. 

3) Aloo ke gutke

Enjoy this as a snack or a meal with Garhwali special Mandua ki roti. Aloo ke gutke is an integral part of Kumaoni cuisine and is very popular in Lansdowne. It is mainly made from potatoes cultivated specifically in Kumaon, which have an unusually sweet taste, giving Aloo ke Gutke its unique flavor. It's made by stir-frying potatoes in mustard oil, tempered with red chilies and spices. 

Aloo ke gutke | Credits: Pinterest  

4) Bal mithai

Bal Mithai is a desi chocolate fudge-like sweet made with khoya and coated with sugar. It's a well-known sweet from Uttarakhand, believed to have arrived from Nepal in the 7th or 8th century. It's a nourishment for the Soul that you can't stop yourself from eating more. 

Desi chocolate- Bal mithai

5) Buransh

Made from the petals of the Rhododendron flower, Buransh is known for its vibrant red color. This drink is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It helps cool the body, aids digestion, and is rich in antioxidants.

6) Chana chaat

This is truly Lansdowne's secret, but you shouldn't miss it. A local dhaba at the start of the town sells Chana Chaat. They add chutney, spices, onion, and dahi. As soon as you take the first bite, a strong flavor of aamchur kicks in, followed by the sweetness of dahi and the spiciness of chutney blending.

A delicious plate of Chana chaat

7) Kumaoni Mutton

The unique thing about this curry is that the mutton is cooked with the skin, giving it a distinct taste. This slow-cooked Pahadi Mutton is made with local spices that give it this unique flavour.

Spicy, juicy, and delicious mutton tastes even better in the mountains

8) Techwani

Techwani is like another version of Aloo curry but very different. This Kumaoni special dish is known for its unique name. “Thech” means crushing and “wani” means curry. So basically, this curry is made by crushing the main ingredients with a mortar and pestle.

These are a few authentic dishes you can try in Lansdowne, but hold on, the journey hasn't ended yet. Let us tell you about the shopping scene in Lansdowne.

Hotspots for shopping in Lansdowne

The charming town of Lansdowne has never been a shopper's paradise, but great surprises come in small packages. You can find some of the best souvenirs here. Visit Lansdowne or Alaknanda market. If you are into suede, then you must visit Javed's shop in Alaknanda market. Here, you can find leather bags, shoes, and clothes at a very low price.

Now that you've read this far, it means you're seriously planning a trip to Lansdowne. So, when are you planning your visit? While you're at it, make sure to stay with us at The Hosteller, Lansdowne. It's affordable, in a great location, safe for solo female travelers, and comes with many other amenities.

Check out The Hosteller Lansdowne now!

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