Food at Hemkunt Sahib, Uttarakhand, India

Food History of Hemkunt Sahib

The region around Hemkunt Sahib, a revered Sikh place of worship set amidst the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, has a food culture deeply rooted in the traditional vegetarian cuisine of North India. The availability of food historically has been influenced by the challenging terrain and the need to serve the pilgrims who trek the difficult path on their spiritual journey to Hemkunt Sahib. As a result, the food here is simple, hearty, and infused with local flavors, typically prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from the region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hemkunt Sahib

1. Langar (Community Kitchen Meal) - Vegetarian: A community meal served in the Gurudwara which is simple yet wholesome, typically including flatbread (roti), lentils (dal), vegetables (sabzi), and rice.
2. Aloo ke Gutke - Vegetarian: A local Pahari dish made with boiled potatoes, spiced with local herbs and spices, and served with a side of green chutney.
3. Chainsoo - Vegetarian: A traditional Garhwali lentil dish made from roasted black gram and flavored with Himalayan spices.
4. Kafuli - Vegetarian: A thick, nutritious spinach and fenugreek leaves-based curry that is a staple in Garhwali meals.
5. Bhangjeera Ki Chutney - Vegetarian: A tangy and nutty chutney made from local bhangjeera seeds which is often served with meals.
6. Garhwal Ka Fannah - Vegetarian: An aromatic and flavorful preparation of rice with local herbs and spices.
7. Jhangore Ki Kheer - Vegetarian: A dessert made with barnyard millet and milk, sweetened with jaggery or sugar, often flavored with cardamom.
8. Mandua ki Roti - Vegetarian: A nutritious flatbread made from ragi or finger millet which is very popular in the Himalayan regions.
9. Gahat Ke Parathe - Vegetarian: Stuffed flatbread filled with a spiced mixture of Gahat dal (horse gram), a warming and hearty dish.
10. Phaanu - Vegetarian: A savory and thick dal made from different varieties of lentils like gahat, arhar, or green mung, accompanied by rice or flatbread.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hemkunt Sahib

Being a pilgrimage spot tucked away in the mountains, options for restaurants near Hemkunt Sahib are limited. Most of the food available to tourists comes from langars in Gurudwaras and small dhabas or eateries in nearby towns like Govindghat, Ghangaria or Joshimath. Here are a few popular places:

• Sarvan Singh "Shane Punjab"
  Ghangaria, Uttarakhand 246443

  Famous dish: Parathas - Vegetarian

• Ghangaria Restaurant
  Ghangaria, Uttarakhand 246443

  Famous dish: Alu Paratha with Yogurt - Vegetarian

• Shri Krishna Restaurant
  Govindghat, Uttarakhand 246443

  Famous dish: Thali - Vegetarian