Gulgula To Malta Juice: Explore Mussoorie’s Street Food Treats

The fertile valleys of Mussoorie yield an abundance of fresh produce such as apples, Malta oranges, potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. These ingredients form the base of many of the region's traditional dishes, which are often simple yet bursting with flavour.

Also Read: Street Foods Of India: 7 Amazing Street Foods From Delhi You Must Try

From steaming momos and spicy chaat to crispy aloo tikkis and sweet jalebis, the town's street food scene is a melting pot of flavours and aromas that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. It is also influenced by the culinary traditions of Punjab, Tibet, Gharwal, and the Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand.

Both of these regions are known for their unique food cultures that involve the use of local ingredients, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques. So come along and explore the winding roads, quaint shops, and stunning vistas that make Mussoorie’s food scene a truly enjoyable experience. Some of the popular street food options are:

● Kachori

Kachori is a deep-fried snack made from a spicy mixture of lentils, potatoes, and spices and served with tangy tamarind chutney. This snack is popular in Mussoorie and can be found at local street food stalls, small eateries, and shops in the town. They are available in different varieties in Mussoorie, such as daal kachori, aloo kachori, pyaaz (onion) kachori, and paneer kachori. Each type has its own unique taste and flavour, making them a favourite among locals and tourists.

Kachoris are often served with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or yoghurt, adding a tangy flavour to the dish. Some vendors also serve it with a side of aloo sabzi, a spicy potato curry that complements the kachori well. This snack is available throughout the day in Mussoorie, but it is most popular during breakfast hours. And they are an affordable and delicious breakfast option that can be enjoyed on the go.

● Singori

Singori, or singauri, is a sweet delicacy from Kumaon made from khoya (dried evaporated milk solids), coated with a thin layer of malai (clotted cream), and then wrapped in a leaf

called maalu. The maalu leaf imparts a distinct flavour and aroma to the singori. This sweet meat is similar to kalakhand and is available at various street food stalls and sweet shops in Mussoorie. You can find singori at places like the Mall Road, Kulri Bazaar, and Landour Bazaar. Some of the popular places to try singori in Mussoorie are the Lovely Omelette Centre, Sharma Ji's Corner, and the famous Prakash's Singori.

● Bhang Ki Pakodi

Bhang ki pakodi is a traditional snack in Mussoorie that is made from the leaves of the cannabis plant. The leaves are mixed with gram flour and spices and deep-fried to make crispy pakodas, or fritters. This street food item is mostly consumed during the Holi festival in Mussoorie. Bhang ki pakodi is typically served with green chutney or tamarind chutney, which enhances its flavour. It is often enjoyed as a snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee. While bhang seeds are traditionally used in some parts of India for their medicinal properties, it is important to note that the consumption of cannabis is illegal in India. Therefore, it is advised to be cautious while trying this street food and only consume it if it is being sold by a licensed vendor.

● Lassi:

Lassi is a traditional Punjabi drink that is popular in Mussoorie. It is a refreshing and traditional Indian drink made by blending yoghurt with water, sugar, or honey, and spices like cardamom and saffron. It can be served plain or with a variety of flavours, including mango, rose, and saffron.

In Mussoorie, you can find various types of lassi being served at local street food stalls, such as sweet, salted, mango, and even strawberry lassi. Some vendors also offer a unique variation called the "malai lassi," which is made by adding a dollop of clotted cream or malai on top of the lassi.

● Kulhad Wali Chai:

Kulhad wali chai is a traditional beverage in Mussoorie, where tea is served in earthenware cups. The tea is made from milk, tea leaves, ginger, and spices and is often enjoyed with a side of crispy biscuits or rusks.

Kulhad wali chai, which means tea served in earthenware cups, is a popular hot drink in Mussoorie, enjoyed by people in this cold hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The use of earthenware cups is a traditional and eco-friendly way of serving tea, and it adds a distinct earthy flavour and aroma to the tea. Drinking kulhad wali chai is a great way to experience the local flavours and culture of Mussoorie.

● Gulgula:

Gulgula is a popular sweetmeat available in Mussoorie. It is a type of sweet fritter or dumpling made by mixing wheat flour, sugar or jaggery, cardamom, fennel seeds and then deep-frying the dough balls until they turn golden brown. Gulgula is often served as a snack or dessert and is a popular item at local fairs and festivals.

It is a perfect snack to munch on while exploring the scenic beauty of Mussoorie, too. Gulgula is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight out of the frying pan. It is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or drizzled with honey for added sweetness. If you have a sweet tooth and love trying unique street food dishes, gulgula is a must-try when in Mussoorie.

● Chole Bhature:

Chole bhature is a spicy Punjabi dish that is a popular street food item in Mussoorie as well. It consists of spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried puffy bread called bhature. Chole Bhature is a spicy and flavourful dish that consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature).

The chole is made by cooking chickpeas with a blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, and a special blend of chole masala, which gives it a unique and aromatic flavour. The bhature is made by mixing flour, yoghurt, and baking powder, which is then rolled out and deep-fried until it puffs up and turns golden brown.

Chole Bhature is often served with chopped onions, green chillies, and a tangy tamarind chutney or a mint-coriander chutney, which balances out the spiciness of the dish. If you love spicy and flavourful food, then Chole Bhature is a must-try when in Mussoorie. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

● Aloo ke Ghutke

Aloo ke ghutke is a popular street food in Mussoorie and a Kumaoni speciality. This delicious dish is made using pahaadi boiled potatoes that are diced and then mixed with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli powder. The naturally sweet potatoes are then pan-fried with mustard oil until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Aloo ke ghutke is usually served hot and garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a tangy and refreshing twist to the dish. This mouth-watering street food is perfect for snacking on-the-go or enjoying as a light meal, and it's a must-try for anyone looking to explore the vibrant food culture of Mussoorie.

● Sticky Jaw Toffee

Sticky Jaw Toffee is a sweet and sticky toffee that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while exploring the town. The preparation of this delicious street food involves heating sugar until it melts and turns into a golden brown syrup. Butter and cream are then added to the mixture, along with vanilla essence and a pinch of salt. The mixture is continuously

stirred until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Finally, it's poured onto a greased plate and allowed to cool before being cut into small pieces. 

This toffee gets its name from its extremely sticky and chewy texture, which can cause your jaw to stick together. However, the delicious caramel flavour of the toffee more than makes up for the inconvenience of having a sticky jaw! This popular street food can be found being sold by street vendors throughout Mussoorie, particularly in the bustling Mall Road area. It's a favourite among children and adults alike and is often enjoyed as a quick snack or a sweet treat after a meal.

● Bal Mithai

Bal Mithai is a popular sweetmeat in Mussoorie that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Made with khoya, sugar, and coated with white chocolate, this delectable sweet is a must-try when visiting the town. The name "Bal Mithai" literally translates to "child's sweet" in Hindi, and it is believed to have originated from the town of Almora in Uttarakhand, India.

The sweet is often accompanied by a crispy and flaky sweet called "singhori", made from refined flour and stuffed with khoya, nuts, and sugar. Bal Mithai is often sold by street vendors and sweet shops in Mussoorie, and its unique flavour and texture make it a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're exploring the town's scenic streets or enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a bite of Bal Mithai is a delicious way to experience the local flavours and indulge in the town's rich culinary heritage.

● Malta Juice

Malta juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that is popular among tourists and locals in Mussoorie. Malta, also known as bitter orange or sour orange, is a citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia but is now grown in many parts of the world, including Mussoorie. The juice is made by squeezing the malta fruit and adding water, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

The drink has a tangy and slightly bitter taste that is both refreshing and invigorating. Malta juice is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a perfect drink to boost your immunity and beat the heat during the scorching summers. The juice is often sold by street vendors and juice shops in Mussoorie, and it is a popular drink to have with spicy street food such as chaat and samosas.

Apart from these, Mussoorie also offers a range of popular dishes like omelettes, pancakes, and momos. Omelettes and pancakes are typically served with a variety of fillings like cheese, mushrooms, and vegetables. Momos, on the other hand, are a Tibetan delicacy that has become extremely popular in Mussoorie. These steamed or fried dumplings are often served with a spicy garlic chutney and are a must-try street food.

Vendors in Mussoorie serve Maggi in a variety of ways, including with vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Some of the must-try street food snacks in Mussoorie include aloo tikki, chaat, dahi papdi chaat, and more.

The street food of Mussoorie is a testament to the region's vibrant food culture, reflecting its unique geography, climate, and culinary traditions. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious traveller, a stroll through the streets of Mussoorie is a must-do experience. So, the next time you visit this charming hill station, be sure to sample some of its delectable street food and immerse yourself in its rich culinary heritage.