Haridwar has been a historic and spiritual city with a rich cultural heritage including its culinary practices. As a pivotal part of the state of Uttarakhand, this city is known for its vegetarian cuisine, deeply influenced by the dietary customs of Hinduism, as non-vegetarian food and alcohol are generally prohibited within the city due to its religious significance.
The traditional food in Haridwar is simple, satvik (vegetarian food that eschews onions and garlic), and delectable, prepared using local ingredients and influenced by the hilly terrain of the region. The food here is a blend of both South Indian and North Indian dishes, and most often includes rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables.