Nestled in the lush Doon Valley, Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a city that blends natural beauty with a vibrant cultural tapestry. Known for its scenic hills, historic architecture, and bustling markets, Dehradun is also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s food markets and street food scenes are a reflection of its diverse culinary influences, from traditional Garhwali and Pahadi dishes to Tibetan, North Indian, and South Indian flavors. In this blog, we’ll take you on a gastronomic tour of the most popular food markets in Dehradun, where you can savor lip-smacking street food, local delicacies, and authentic regional cuisines.
Paltan Bazaar: The Heart of Dehradun’s Street Food Scene
Located near the iconic Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar is one of Dehradun’s most famous and bustling markets. While it’s renowned for affordable shopping, including basmati rice, handicrafts, and antiques, it’s also a haven for foodies. The narrow, crowded lanes of Paltan Bazaar come alive in the evenings with food stalls and small eateries offering a variety of street foods.
One of the highlights of Paltan Bazaar is the Gaylord Ice Cream Parlour, a legendary spot at the market’s entrance. Known for its creamy softy ice creams in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch, Gaylord is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Priced affordably, it’s the perfect way to end a food-filled evening. Nearby, Chaat Wali Gali, a street parallel to Paltan Bazaar, is a must-visit for chaat lovers. This lane is lined with stalls serving tangy gol gappas (pani puri), crispy aloo tikki, and flavorful papdi chaat, all bursting with spices and chutneys.
The market also offers quick bites like momos, chowmein, and rolls from small vendors, making it a one-stop destination for diverse street food. Open from 10 AM to 10 PM, Paltan Bazaar is ideal for an evening stroll, combining shopping with culinary delights.
Tibetan Market: A Taste of Himalayan Flavors
The Tibetan Market, also known as the Bhotia Market, near Lansdowne Chowk, is a vibrant shopping and food destination that showcases Dehradun’s Tibetan community’s rich culture. While the market is famous for colorful clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and prayer flags, its food stalls are a major draw for visitors seeking authentic Tibetan and North Indian cuisines.
Here, you’ll find steaming plates of momos (both vegetarian and mutton), thukpa (a hearty noodle soup), and chowmein prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The aroma of these dishes fills the air, inviting you to indulge in a warm meal amidst the market’s lively atmosphere. Local vendors also serve Tibetan butter tea and other delicacies, offering a glimpse into the Himalayan culinary heritage.
The Tibetan Market is particularly enchanting during festivals like Losar, when the stalls are decorated with prayer flags, and you can enjoy Tibetan music and dance alongside your meal. Open throughout the year, the market is best visited between October and February for cooler weather. Its proximity to Parade Ground makes it easily accessible by foot or local transport like Vikram rickshaws.
Rajpur Road: The Hub of Modern and Traditional Eateries
Rajpur Road, located opposite the Clock Tower, is Dehradun’s upscale shopping and dining hub. This vibrant street is lined with branded showrooms, cafes, and fast-food joints, making it a favorite among the city’s youth and tourists. While it’s known for high-end shopping, Rajpur Road is also a foodie’s paradise, offering a mix of street food and fine dining options.
One of the standout spots here is Buffet Snacks Shop, opposite Gandhi Park, a small but iconic fast-food joint. Famous for its crispy burgers (starting at just ₹18), bread rolls, and refreshing cold coffee, this eatery is always buzzing with customers. Another gem is K.C. Momo’s & Soup Bar in Jakhan, a historic eatery known for its piping-hot mutton momos and flavorful soups. With limited seating, it’s common to see people enjoying their meals from their cars, adding to the quirky charm of this place.
Rajpur Road also hosts popular chains like Domino’s, McDonald’s, and Cafe Coffee Day, alongside local cafes serving continental and North Indian dishes. For a more traditional experience, head to Kumar Foods, known for its North Indian thalis and sweets. Open from 9 AM to 10 PM, Rajpur Road is perfect for a day of shopping followed by a delicious meal.
Chakrata Road: South Indian Delights and More
Chakrata Road is another food-centric street in Dehradun, known for its diverse culinary offerings. The star attraction here is Madrasi Dosa, a humble stall that serves authentic South Indian dishes like crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and tangy vadas at budget-friendly prices. Located near the main Chakrata Road and Pared Ground, this stall is a favorite for its no-frills, standing-only dining experience that prioritizes taste above all.
Chakrata Road is also home to Chaat Wali Gali, where you can savor spicy chaat and gol gappa
