Haridwar isn’t just where the Ganga meets the soul—it’s where spices meet stories. As thousands arrive daily for Ganga Aarti, the bustling lanes of this spiritual city come alive with aroma, color, and flavor. From crispy kachoris to spiced kanji vadas and syrupy jalebis, the street food in Haridwar is an essential part of the pilgrimage.
Here’s your local guide to the top 20 must-try street foods in Haridwar, complete with where to eat them, insider tips, and mouthwatering visuals.
1. Aloo Puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale
This dish is a legacy in Haridwar. At Mohan Ji Puri Wale, aloo puri isn’t just breakfast—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. The puris are fluffy and slightly crispy, deep-fried in fresh ghee. What sets this apart is the sabzi: a thin, slightly tangy curry of potatoes infused with asafoetida (hing), cumin, and green chillies, served steaming hot in dona (leaf bowls).
Where: Mohan Ji Puri Wale, near Har Ki Pauri
Price: ₹40 – ₹60
When to go: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Insider Tip: Ask for a second helping of sabzi—it’s free and worth it!
2. Kachori Sabzi at Kashyap Kachori Bhandar
This local favourite is ideal for a late breakfast or mid-morning snack. The kachoris are stuffed with spicy urad dal and fried to a crisp golden-brown perfection. They are served with a thick potato sabzi made with lots of masala and topped with raw onions, coriander, and green chutney.
Where: Kashyap Kachori Bhandar, Upper Road
Local Tip: Try it with a side of fried green chillies.
Why it’s special: The masala blend in the sabzi is homemade and has been kept a family secret for decades.
3. Kanji Vada
Kanji is a fermented drink made from black carrots, mustard seeds, and water. Vadas—made from urad dal—are soaked in this tangy probiotic drink. It’s light, healthy, and known for aiding digestion, especially in winter months.
Where: Roadside stalls near Moti Bazaar
When to try: Winter months (Nov – Feb)
Fun Fact: This is a street version of a centuries-old ayurvedic preparation meant to balance your doshas.
4. Jalebi with Rabri – Sweet Ending to a Sacred Day
Golden coils of jalebi dipped in sugar syrup are served with chilled rabri—sweetened condensed milk flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. The contrast of hot and cold, crisp and creamy, makes it a sensory delight.
Where: Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan, near Vishnu Ghat
Pro tip: Eat it hot, fresh from the kadai.
When to go: Morning or early evening when the jalebis are made fresh.
5. Chole Bhature at Bhagwati Chole Bhandar
At Bhagwati’s, the bhature are made fresh to order—fluffy, slightly sour, and pan-sized. The chole are slow-cooked overnight with black tea, whole spices, and masala, making them rich, dark, and intensely flavorful. Comes with crunchy onion rings and tangy achar (pickle).
Where: South of Har Ki Pauri
USP: No onion-garlic, fully satvik.
What to try: Their “butter chole bhature” version with a dollop of desi butter.
6. Aloo Tikki Chaat at Jain Chaat Bhandar
Crispy tikkis are smashed and topped with curd, imli chutney, pudina chutney, pomegranate seeds, chopped onions, sev, and chaat masala. It’s spicy, tangy, crunchy, and absolutely addictive.
Where: Jain Chaat Bhandar, Subhash Ghat
Hygiene: Very clean & popular with locals.
Try this: Ask for extra curd and less spice if you’re not used to Indian heat.
7. Kadhi Chawal
Their kadhi is slow-cooked using homemade curd and gram flour, lightly tempered with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and dry red chillies. Served over hot rice, it’s humble, satisfying, and soulful.
Where: Billu Bhai Ka Dhaba, Bhoopatwala Chowk
Try this if: You want a break from fried snacks.
Best Time: Lunch hours, especially for those looking for a sattvic (pure veg, light) meal.
8. Lassi in Kulhad at Sharma Lassi Bhandar
Thickened curd beaten into a smooth drink, sweetened, and topped with a layer of malai. Served in clay kulhads that impart an earthy aroma, this lassi is the ultimate refresher.
Where: Sharma Lassi Bhandar, Bada Bazaar
Served with: Rabri or malai topping.
Flavours to Try: Rose, mango, or saffron-pista.
9. Paratha Thali at Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant
This iconic vegetarian restaurant is famous for its stuffed parathas, filled with paneer, potato, cauliflower, or mixed veg. Cooked in tandoor and served with curd, pickles, and a dab of white butter, this makes for a heavy and wholesome meal.
Where: Hoshiyarpuri, Upper Road
Includes: Dal makhani, raita, salad, and dessert.
Add-On Tip: Try their dal makhani and jeera rice combo too!
10. Moong Dal Halwa at Bhatia Sweet Shop
Made during winters, this rich dessert is prepared by slow-roasting moong dal in ghee and then sweetening it with khoya, sugar, and dry fruits. The result is a sticky, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth halwa.
Where: Special halwai shops in Devpura
Best time: Post-dinner treat.
Local Tip: Pair it with a plain samosa for a spicy-sweet combo!
11. Khasta Bedmi Puri near Bara Bazaar Entry
These puris are stuffed with spiced urad dal paste and fried until crunchy. Served with dry potato curry and a tangy tamarind chutney, this dish is both crispy and spicy.
Where: Opposite Bara Bazaar entry
Eat with: Tangy pumpkin sabzi
What’s Unique: Unlike aloo puri, this version is drier and more snack-like, often enjoyed with chai.
12. Dry Fruit Chikki from Street Stalls
These healthy snacks are jaggery-based and loaded with sesame, peanuts, almonds, and cashews. They’re available in winter and work great as gifts or energy snacks for pilgrims.
Where: Seasonal vendors near Laltarao Pul
Why: Best street snack to carry back home.
Pro Tip: Always buy freshly broken pieces—the pre-packed ones lose their crunch.
13. Fruit Khomcha – Masala Fruit Plate
Local vendors serve guavas, cucumbers, amlas, pineapples, or starfruit with salt and red chilli powder. It’s crunchy, spicy, tangy, and refreshing all at once.
When to Eat: Midday to avoid heavy meals in the heat.
14. Malaiyo – Cloud-Like Dessert (Winter Special)
Available only in the early hours of winter mornings, this fluffy sweet is made by aerating saffron milk overnight in the dew. The foam that forms is sweetened and sprinkled with pistachios.
Where: Early morning vendors near Moti Bazaar
When: 6 AM to 9 AM only!
Go Early: It’s sold out before 9 AM!
15. Kulfi at Pandit Ji Kulfi Wale
Traditional Indian ice cream, made with thickened milk, sweetened and frozen in conical moulds. Flavours include pistachio, rose, mango, and elaichi (cardamom). Served in matkas (clay cups) or on sticks.
Beat the Heat: Especially popular after an evening aarti.
16. Bhel Puri – Haridwar’s Version
Different from Mumbai-style, this bhel uses more chutney and masala. Ingredients include puffed rice, chopped tomato-onion, peanuts, coriander, and lots of lemon juice.
Where: Bhel stalls near Bara Bazaar lane
Price: ₹20 – ₹40
Street Tip: Ask for “haridwari masala mix” for the true local punch.
17. Sabudana Vada – Vrat Special
These are crispy patties made from tapioca pearls, boiled potatoes, and peanuts. Served during Navratri but available in certain stalls year-round.
Where: Ekadashi-special stalls during festivals
When to find: Navratri, Ekadashi
Best Paired With: Curd or mint chutney.
18. Thandai During Mahashivratri
A festive drink made with milk, dry fruits, rose petals, and cooling spices like fennel and cardamom. Popular during Mahashivratri and Holi, it’s naturally energising.
Where: Seasonal stalls during Maha Shivratri
Festive vibe: Boosts digestion and cools down the body
Note: Avoid bhang-added versions unless you know what you’re signing up for.
19. Mini Veg Thali from Local Vendors
Usually includes 2 sabzis, chapati, rice, salad, and sometimes a sweet, all served in eco-friendly plates. These quick, home-cooked meals are ideal for pilgrims and budget travellers.
Look for: Vendors near the railway station or Vishnu Ghat.
20. Chuski – Ice Gola for Kids and Adults Alike
Shaved ice drizzled with flavoured syrups—kala khatta, rose, mango, or cola—served on sticks. Though popular with children, adults love the nostalgia too.
Perfect For: Hot summer evenings along the ghats.
Tips for First-Timers
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Haridwar is 100% vegetarian. Even eggless, in most places.
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Most street stalls open between 7 AM to 10 PM.
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Carry cash and UPI both.
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Always go where you see a local crowd – the best quality is often hidden in simplicity.
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Use kulhad cups wherever available—it enhances the taste and helps the environment.
FAQs on Street Foods in Haridwar
Q: Is Haridwar street food safe for tourists?
Yes. Choose busy stalls, avoid dairy during peak summer, and prefer fresh servings.
Q: Can I find Jain or satvik food in Haridwar?
Absolutely. Most food in Haridwar is onion-garlic free and cooked in satvik style.
Q: What’s the best time to explore street food?
Mornings (7–9 AM) for breakfast; evenings (6–9 PM) for chaat and sweets.
Conclusion
The street food in Haridwar is more than just snacks—it’s an expression of devotion, culture, and heritage served on a leaf plate. Whether you are fasting, feasting, or simply food-curious, these 20 dishes are your must-try checklist.
✍️ Now it’s your turn—comment below your favourite Haridwar street food or tell us which hidden gem we missed.
