A Journey to Garhwali Delights

In the heart of Uttarakhand, our journey begins with a hearty breakfast at a canteen near the District Magistrate’s office. The anticipation of reaching Harsil Valley today fills the air, but first, a delightful Garhwali breakfast awaits. As Anthony Bourdain would say, “Food is the doorway to understanding a culture.”

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Gahat ka Paratha and Mandua ka Bari

“What will we get for breakfast now?” We inquire eagerly. The options presented are Gahat ka Paratha and Mandua ka Bari, both quintessential Garhwali dishes. Gahat, the royal horse gram, is known for its high energy content. As we take a bite of the paratha, we can’t help but marvel at its warmth and flavor. It’s a taste that lingers, much like the fragrance of the Mandua flour used in the Bari.

Bari, a Garhwali delight, can be made from various flours, including wheat, rice, kuttu (buckwheat), and mandua (ragi). Today, we savor the Mandua Bari, cooked in butter due to the unavailability of ghee. The taste is a revelation, a delicate balance of sweetness and Mandua’s unique flavor.

Accompanying our meal is Gahat Dal, known for its warmth and health benefits. It’s said that Gahat Dal soup can even help with pathri (calculus) problems. The richness of Garhwali cuisine becomes evident with every bite.

A Gastronomic Adventure

Our journey takes us to Mukhwa village, where we are welcomed by a Garhwali family. They introduce us to their farm and prepare a feast fit for kings.

As we watch them cook over an earthen stove, the aroma fills the air. We learn about their cows, which yield six liters of milk each day. Their red rice, while not red in color due to hand milling, is a local specialty.

Our hosts serve us Pahari palak, Lingra ki sabzi, dal, and more. Pahari palak, plucked fresh from their hillside, is a revelation. It’s a testament to the purity and authenticity of Garhwali cuisine.

Cooking in mustard oil adds a distinct Garhwali touch to the dishes.

Garhwali Nights and Mountain Views

After a day of culinary adventures, it’s time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

We find lodging at a hotel overlooking Mukhwa village. The view of the city below, with its twinkling lights, is mesmerizing. Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly; you leave marks behind, however small.

We dine on Pahari cuisine once more, savoring Pahari palak, Lingra ki sabzi, dal, and tawa chapatis. The mustard oil-cooked dishes remind us of the rich flavors of the region. The night air is crisp, hinting at colder temperatures ahead.

Onward to Dunda Village

Our journey continues towards Dunda  illage, where we anticipate colder weather and more Garhwali culinary delights.

We set off early, driving through the picturesque village. The beauty of the landscape is awe-inspiring. The mountains, the Ganga river, and the city of Uttarakhand fade into the distance as we ascend further into the hills.

As we travel, we look forward to exploring more of Garhwali food. Each meal brings a new revelation, a deeper understanding of the local culture through its flavors.

Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start. Our journey through Garhwali cuisine is not just about satisfying our taste buds; it’s a way to connect with the culture, history, and warmth of the Garhwali people. We’ll continue our adventure, one meal at a time, embracing the Garhwali spirit and the Garhwali way of life.

Stay tuned for more Garhwali delights and the stories they hold. Goodbye for now, but we’ll be back with more tales from the heart of Garhwal. Namaste!