A Food Lover’s Guide to Haridwar: Best Street Foods and Local Delicacies

Haridwar, the holy city where the Ganges departs from the Himalayas, is not only spiritually stimulating but also a haven for foodies. While the temples and ghats lure pilgrims from all across, visitors can discover the food scene that showcases local culture while savoring flavors that are equally divine. If you are planning on traveling to Haridwar to discover the local food scene, you are in a culinary journey that offers tempting treats with true North Indian flavors.

1. The Snack Food Vibe of Haridwar

While ultimately walking the streets of Haridwar, especially around the Har Ki Pauri area, you will notice different snack food stands, and tons of options for foodies. The vibe is lively, with scents of spices in the air intermixed with the sounds of chanting and temple bells.

The best time to check out the Haridwar area for food is during the evening, especially after the Ganga Aarti, when locals and other tourists go out for food and joyous evenings.

2. Street Food You Must Eat in Haridwar

a. Kachori and Chole

Begin your culinary adventure by indulging yourself with crispy golden kachoris served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). It has been a traditional staple across Haridwar, and you can find it at almost every street corner.

The kachoris are deep-fried deliciously, filled with a seasoning of a mix of lentils and spices, and served along with a tangy tamarind chutney.

b. Aloo Puri

Of course, Aloo Puri is the other famous street food option among Haridwar locals and tourists. The delicious Aloo Puri consists of soft, puffed puris served with spicy mashed potatoes and tangy spicy gravy, and is simple but so satisfying!

A definite must-have on your travels in the city.

c. Chaat

Haridwar’s chaat is a burst of flavors—sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy—it is more than street food itself!

You can find a bunch in one area near Har Ki Pauri, such as dahi puri (crispy puri stuffed with yogurt and chutneys, mainly sweet chutneys) or papri chaat (crispy wafers stuffed with potatoes, yogurt, and some crunchy chutneys) amongst various other flavors!

d. Jalebi

More importantly, Jalebi must not be missed—it is said to be the most famous sweet of its kind.

You will find sugary, crispy spirals served warm and often soaked in saffron (sugar syrup). Enjoy them along with a lassi in a glass (chilled is most preferred) for an ideal sweet traditional indulgence.

e. Lassi and Chaas (Buttermilk)

Sweet and frosty, lassi and chaas (buttermilk) are very common drinks in Haridwar.

Sweet lassi is thick and creamy, often flavored with cardamom and saffron, and chaas is a slightly sour buttermilk drink that is ideal for the summertime heat.

f. Moong Dal Halwa

For dessert, be sure to try moong dal halwa, a rich, buttery sweet made of lentils, ghee, and cardamom.

A comforting, rich dessert after something spicy.

3. Where to Get the Best Street Food

a. Har Ki Pauri Area

This is the main strip for street food in Haridwar. After seeing the Ganga Aarti, walk around the immediate area with stalls for quick bites.

There are tons of vendors selling everything from your classic chaat to hot samosas.

b. Brahmavart Ghat

If you want a more authentic experience that isn't as crowded, head towards Brahmavart Ghat for local vendors serving very delicious bites that are well known to the locals.

c. Moti Bazar

Moti Bazar is a busy market street with lots of local cafes that are delicious, traditional, and cheap.

4. A Culinary Experience Beyond Street Food

Even though street food is the main attraction Haridwar has to offer, you’ll also find traditional vegetarian thalis at the local dhabas.

Thalis are a collection of lentils, vegetables, rice, and chapatis served on a metal plate. The food, although they are prepared simply, is wholesome and represents sattvic (pure) food from the region.

Haridwar has wonderful food options that meld wholesome spirituality with tasty culinary highlights.

Each bite becomes a journey, whether it's an old family recipe crispy kachori or a sweet jalebi that practically melts in your mouth.

So, the next time you are in this holy city, make sure your taste buds come along on your honest journey.