Nainital Food Trail

So, FOOD is a huge part of getting to know the culture of a place. Besides,eating local is my mantra for life. So let’s begin:

1. While in the Kumayon Hills, you must head to The Anupam Restaurant at Bara Bazar to try out their Pahari/ Kumayon Thali. It is delicious! And if you are accompanied by a Carnivore like I was,you could choose to add any side non vegetarian dish of your choice. We chose to have the Khada Masale Mutton as is made in the hills…did not regret it at all. I give this place a 4/5 easily

Loved the Pahari Thali they had on offer

Oh,and as an extra you will get to be a part of the local community as you see local friends stopping by and chit chatting. The easy,laid back mountain air makes this place very special.

2. The next place on my list would of course have to be ‘The Sakleys’, once again in the main market. This place has a history and the desserts here are truly lovely. The continental food on their menu is very good. I’d give this place a 4/5 again.

3. The Machan: This place is right on the Mall and you can never miss it. This place is a must visit for its ambience. The view of the lake with the mountains in the backdrop is just brilliant. I don’t recommend the momos we ordered here. However, saw some fellow tourists devouring some typical butter chicken- Naan kind of food and that sure looked good. I’d give this place 2/5 for the food we had but a 5/5 for the view…

If unsure, just order some beverage….that’s what we did the next day and were more than happy.

4. The Chandni Chowk: Once again, a prominent place on the Mall. This place is famous for garam jalebi aur garam doodh. Frankly, both fell flat and personally found neither great

However, the ambience of the place is quite interesting and one gets the feeling of sitting at a street side place on Chandni Chowk…check out the pictures below. I’d give this place a 2/5 for food. Visit it though,to look around at the street scenes of Chandni Chowk.

5. Momos: Found everywhere. Hot momos in the cold weather are a good combination and Sonam Momos in the Tibetan Market is the leader here.

6. While out in the market, also visit the ‘Pahari Store’ which sits atop(1st Floor) the Capitol Hill movie hall which faces you as you approach the Tibetan Market/ Naina Devi Mandir from the Mall Road. This store houses a large variety of aroma candles, wooden artifacts, Pahari masalas,Pahari dals, hand knitted woollens and a whole lot of stuff you may want to browse through while visiting the hills. It also is a factory outlet for a candle making factory of Nainital…. I loved the place!

7. And while walking down the Mall road, ofcourse you will stop for the various Hot chocolate, coffee and masala Chay breaks!

Some of you have requested me to share with you my itinerary…will do that next.

Till then, remain joyful

Ciao