Dehradun isn't just famous for its pleasant hill weather, tucked away in its lanes are vegetarian dishes that can easily outshine any meat dish. If you think the real flavour only comes from non-vegetarian food, these five vegetarian dishes from Dehradun might change your mind, and a trip to the city is considered incomplete without tasting them.
The soya chaap craze
Soya chaap has become an obsession among Dehradun's youth. The malai chaap and tandoori masala chaap served here are so juicy and flavourful that even confirmed non-vegetarian eaters turn into fans. Delhi Soya Chaap and Sardar Ji Chaap Wale, located on Rajpur Road and EC Road, are the city's most sought-after spots for this dish. A plate of the best soya chaap here costs between Rs 180 and Rs 250, and its spicy, creamy taste practically melts in the mouth.
Chetan ki Puri: a 44-year-old legacy
Chetan Prakash Puri Wale, known locally simply as Chetan ki Puri, is one of Dehradun's oldest food joints. Located at Hanuman Chowk near Paltan Bazaar, the shop is known for its crisp kachori, bedmi puri and spicy potato curry. There's barely room to stand during the breakfast rush. A plate priced between Rs 150 and Rs 210 gets you four kachoris or puris with curry and raita, a combination that has remained the top choice for Dehradun residents for years.
Shop owner Chetan Prasad says he started making and selling puris 44 years ago, never imagining that tourists from across the country and abroad would one day travel here just to taste his puri and kachori. He says feeding people gives him a special kind of joy. Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has also visited the shop to try the food.
Vegetarian kebabs that rival meat
If you're a vegetarian who loves kebabs, Dehradun's veg kebabs will win you over. The veg hara bhara kebab and dahi ke kebab here are so soft that they melt like butter the moment they touch the mouth. Popular restaurants and cafes in the EC Road and Jakhan areas serve these kebabs with mint chutney and shredded onions. A plate typically costs between Rs 200 and Rs 300. Near the vegetable market by Paltan Bazaar, Manvi Fast Food also serves a generous portion of soybean kebabs with tomato chutney for just Rs 30.
The rise of cheesy white sauce pasta
Cheesy veg white sauce pasta has become a favourite among today's youth and children, carving out its own space in Dehradun's food culture. Chilly Potato Fast Food and BBQ on Shimla Bypass Road, along with several cafes on Rajpur Road, prepare this pasta creamy and cheesy with fresh vegetables. Served hot with oregano and chilli flakes, prices start at Rs 120 at regular outlets and go up to Rs 250 at the better cafes.
Crispy spring rolls for evening tea
Nothing beats Dehradun's spring rolls if you want something crunchy alongside your evening tea. Popular outlets like Count Down Fast Food and Five Star Janta, near Parade Ground and Kanak Chowk, serve veg spring rolls that are extremely crispy and packed with noodles and vegetable stuffing. Served with Schezwan chutney or sweet sauce, a plate of these spring rolls is easily available for Rs 100 to Rs 180.
Momos, chowmein and tikki hold their own too
Beyond these, street food like momos, chowmein and tikki also hold a special place for vegetarians in Dehradun. The balance of spices and the style of serving at these restaurants is distinctive. Whether it's a heavy breakfast or a light evening snack, Dehradun's vegetarian spots pass the test for every kind of food lover. So the next time you head to Dehradun's valleys, don't limit yourself to enjoying the cool weather, make sure these spots make it to your food bucket list too. From the narrow lanes of Paltan Bazaar to the upscale cafes of Rajpur Road, every corner of Dehradun is always ready to introduce you to a fresh and delicious vegetarian flavour.
