7 Must try street foods in Rishikesh

Are you exploring the spiritual haven, Rishikesh and your tummy's rumbling? Or perhaps you're seeking an authentic Indian experience beyond yoga and meditation? Then look no further! The streets of Rishikesh are a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of delicious street food that will tantalise your taste buds.

5 must try street foods in Rishikesh you simply cannot miss:

1. Chaat

Rishikesh is known for its variety of chaat, a tangy and spicy street food that will awaken your taste buds. Vendors sell the traditional Aloo tikki chaat or the adventurous Pani puri at almost every other corner. The spicy, sour, sweet and tangy flavours make it irresistible to resist chaat.

• Price: Approximately INR 40 to INR 130
• Where to eat: Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram), Shri Ram Chaat Bhandar (Laxman Jhula), Rajasthani Chaat Bhandar (Tapovan) and Delhi Chaat Bhandar (Laxman Jhula)

Aloo tikki chaat

2. Samosas

The humble samosa is among the Indian street food staples and Rishikesh has done justice to it. Samosas are crispy on the outside and have a spicy potato filling that goes well with tea hence making them the perfect snack for any occasion. The ones around. Pair this with some mint chutney and enjoy yourself!

• Price: Approximately INR 20 to INR 50
• Where to eat: Rudra Café, Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram), Geeta Bhawan Canteen (Ram Jhula), Shri Ram Chaat Bhandar (Laxman Jhula), Rajasthani Chaat Bhandar (Tapovan) and Delhi Chaat Bhandar (Laxman Jhula)

Crispy on the outside, soft and spicy on the inside 

3. Aaloo Puri

Aaloo puri is a typical North Indian dish that is not only comforting but also satisfying. The food contains spicy potato curry, which comes with deep-fried bread (puri). This has become one of the preferred breakfast options in Rishikesh for the locals.It is an energy-giving meal to keep you going on your day’s activities.

• Price: Approximately INR 50 to INR 150
• Where to eat: Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram), Geeta Bhawan Canteen (Ram Jhula), Ramana’s Organic Café (Laxman Jhula) , Bistro Nirvana (Ram Jhula), Madras Café (Laxman Jhula), Rajasthani Chaat Bhandar (Tapovan), Pundir General Store (Tapovan) and Tattv Café (Laxman Jhula)

Aaloo puri, The perfect balance of flavours and textures

4. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature, a popular street food in Rishikesh which will tantalise your taste buds! The fluffy, deep-fried Bhatures are paired with a spicy, tangy chickpea curry. The combination of flavours and textures is simply irresistible. Be sure to try it with a dollop of tangy tamarind chutney and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra burst of flavour.

• Price: Approximately INR 80 to INR 150
• Where to eat: Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram), Geeta Bhawan Canteen (Ram Jhula), Pundir General Store (Tapovan), Bistro Nirvana (Ram Jhula), Madras Café (Laxman Jhula), Shiva Restaurant (Tapovan) and Shree Krishna Chole Bhature (Laxman Jhula)

Rishikesh’s Chole Bhature

5. Momos

Momos, a street food in Rishikesh, are delicious dumplings filled with vegetables, wrapped in soft, thin dough and steamed to perfection. Often served with a spicy dipping sauce, these bite-sized treats are both savoury and satisfying, making them a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

• Price: Approximately INR 50 to INR 150
• Where to eat: Momo Ghar (Laxman Jhula), Tibetan Market (Laxman Jhula), Momo Corner (Ram Jhula) and Bistro Nirvana (Ram Jhula)

Steaming momos from Rishikesh

6. Chai

Chai is not really street food, but is a critical component of the Rishikesh experience. Sipping chai in Rishikesh is a uniquely peaceful experience that blends the warmth of the drink with the spiritual calm of the surroundings. Near Laxman Jhula there is a local Chai vendor who sells varieties of Chai such as Mint Chai, Honey & Ginger Chai, Kahwa (Kashmiri Tea), etc. Nearly every corner of this city serves Masala chai, which consists of black tea, spices and milk mixed.

• Price: Approximately INR 20 to INR 70
• Where to drink: Chai Chattram (Laxman Jhula) & Chai Point (Ram Jhula)

A cup of Rishikesh magic

7. Lassi

Cold, refreshing and slightly sweet lassi is a yoghurt-based drink that must be tasted when in Rishikesh. The flavours from Pappu Lassi are numerous including plain lassi as well as mango or banana-flavoured ones among others that make up for some delightful sips. It makes sense to have lassi when you need to cool off after a hot meal because it tastes so good.

• Price: Approximately INR 20 to INR 70
• Where to have: Pappu Lassi Wala (Laxman Jhula), Shiva Lassi Wala (Laxman Jhula), Baba Lassi (Ram Jhula) and Ganga Lassi (Laxman Jhula)

Cooling off with a Rishikesh lassi

Conclusion

Rishikesh is not just a spiritual haven, it’s also a paradise for food lovers. From vibrant food joints to quiet spots offering authentic local flavours, there's something to satisfy every traveller's appetite. After a day of exploration, The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges and The Hosteller Rishikesh Upper Tapovan provide the perfect retreat. Whether you're travelling solo or with a group, these hostels offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow travellers.

So what are you waiting for? Book your stay now!

The Hosteller Rishikesh Ganges