Food enthusiasts visiting Dehradun can find a historic culinary destination that has stood the test of time since 1919. Located in Paltan Bazaar, the legendary Swadishth Achar Bhandar is nearly 108 years old and offers distinct flavors of carrot, bitter gourd, gooseberry, radish, and cauliflower pickles. People travel from far and wide to purchase these items, which are uniquely prepared using raw oil. The shop offers multiple varieties of mango pickle, with the dry mango variant being the most sought-after option due to its long shelf life.
A Legacy Spanning Generations
Current operator Sushil Mittal shared that his grandfather began this culinary journey in 1919 by launching a small pickle-making shop. The business was later managed by his father, and Sushil has been running the establishment for the past 50 years. To maintain authentic flavors, he sources pure mustard oil from Alwar in Rajasthan. Although this oil is somewhat expensive, it enhances the taste of the pickles, and the special spice blends used in the recipes are prepared in-house.
Extensive Variety Of Mango And Vegetable Pickles
Customers can choose from a total of 80 to 100 varieties of pickles at the establishment. There are more than 10 types of mango pickles available, with the dry mango variety being the most popular and in high demand because it remains fresh for years. Most of the vegetable pickles are crafted by women, providing a reliable source of livelihood for their households. In addition to pickles, the shop prepares gooseberry and apple murabbas, which are distinctively made using jaggery instead of refined sugar.
Options For Diabetics And Patronage From Dignitaries
The shop also caters to health-conscious buyers by offering specialized options for individuals dealing with diabetes, including bitter gourd and banana pickles sourced directly from Rajasthan. Sushil noted that pickles from his shop are regularly supplied to various government officials and politicians, alongside regular patrons who arrive from distant places. Prices at the store start at 150 rupees per kilogram. A customer named Virendra Kumar shared that he has been purchasing mixed pickles from the shop for several years, praising the consistent quality and visible purity.
