Chotiwala — Restaurant in Uttarakhand

Restaurant Review: Chotiwala

Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Ambiance: Chotiwala in Rishikesh is an iconic restaurant with a unique, traditional vibe that immediately catches your attention. The highlight is the restaurant’s mascot— a man dressed as a Chotiwala, sitting outside to greet guests, adding to the charm and local flavor. The interiors are simple yet comfortable, with wooden furniture and wall art that reflects the culture of Rishikesh. The place tends to be bustling with activity, which adds to the lively atmosphere but can sometimes make it a bit noisy.

Food: Chotiwala is known for serving authentic North Indian cuisine, and it does not disappoint. The menu offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, catering to both locals and tourists. The Thali is a must-try, offering a variety of dishes that are rich in flavor and generous in portion. The Dal Makhani and Paneer Butter Masala stand out, with perfectly balanced spices and a creamy texture. The Poori Bhaji for breakfast is another delight, reminding you of home-cooked meals.

For those seeking something lighter, the Aloo Paratha with curd and pickle is a satisfying choice. The food is generally fresh, flavorful, and not overly greasy, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy hearty, traditional meals.

Service: The service at Chotiwala is efficient, with staff members who are courteous and attentive despite the high volume of customers. Food is served promptly, and special requests are usually accommodated without fuss. However, during peak hours, there might be a slight wait for a table, but the overall experience is worth it.

Value for Money: Chotiwala offers great value for money. The portion sizes are generous, and the quality of the food justifies the prices. Considering its location in a popular tourist destination, the pricing is quite reasonable.

Overall: Chotiwala is a must-visit when in Rishikesh, especially if you want to experience authentic North Indian vegetarian cuisine. While it may not be a fine dining experience, the food, ambiance, and service combine to create a memorable meal. Whether you’re there for a quick breakfast before heading to the ghats or a leisurely lunch after exploring the city, Chotiwala will leave you satisfied and planning...

During our visit to Rishikesh, We had the pleasure of dining at Chotiwala Restaurant, located near Swarg Ashram and the Ram Jhukla. This iconic restaurant since 1958 offers a truly authentic taste of Rishikesh, serving delicious Indian cuisine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ambiance The ambiance of Chotiwala is simple yet charming, with traditional decor that reflects the cultural heritage of the region. The large statue of Chotiwala, the restaurant’s mascot, outside is a popular photo spot for visitors. The restaurant is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Food The highlight of the dining experience at Chotiwala is definitely the food. The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Indian dishes, with a focus on North Indian cuisine. From mouthwatering parathas to flavorful curries and dals, everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. The thali meals are particularly popular and offer a great way to sample a variety of dishes in one go. The portions are generous, and the food is both flavorful and satisfying. Service The staff at Chotiwala are friendly, attentive, and quick to serve, making the overall dining experience even more enjoyable. They are always ready to assist with recommendations and ensure that your needs are met during your meal. Location Located near Swarg Ashram, the restaurant is well-placed for those visiting the spiritual spots of Rishikesh. It's a great place to stop by for a hearty meal after exploring the nearby ashrams, temples, and the banks of the Ganges. Final Thoughts If you’re in Rishikesh and looking for a place to enjoy tasty, authentic Indian food in a relaxed and friendly setting, Chotiwala Restaurant is a must-visit. With its great food, friendly service, and iconic location near Swarg Ashram, it offers a delightful dining experience that should not be missed during your stay...

We had gone to eat at Chotiwala in January. Upon reaching we saw two Chotiwalas next to each other. We decided to eat at the second Chotiwala and took a table for four. Obviously we had to order the famous Punjabi thali. Beside that, we ordered paapdi chaat,kachori, dahi bhalla, and chai.

Our review? Everything tasted bad.

Firstly, paapdi wasn’t flaky. When I took the first bite I got an explosion of (bad) oil in my mouth, followed by the over sweetened curd and some masala. The recipe couldn’t bind the flavours of chaat together. Either it was made in hurry or it is legit worst paapdi.

Further ahead, Dahi bhalla which is a badge of honour for most of Indian restaurants, didn’t taste fresh. It didn’t live up to our expectation.

Last but not the least is Punjabi thaali. We thought at least that might cover for the lost experience but lo and behold our heart sank once we took the first bite. Low quality rice, paneer sabjee was like a step-child (cooked badly), kadhi were bland. Daal makhni was the only saving grace but when we asked for some extra daal, they informed it was chargeable. This tradition was new since most thaalis at restaurant give you an extra serving if required. Salad was not fresh.

That was food. Now let’s talk about other things. The washrooms were dirty, the washbasin was clogged and you could see dirty water floating. It’s shocking that the restaurant is in Rishikesh and no one has flagged the dirty condition it is in. The restaurant is not worth the hype it’s got online.

Total price we paid for the food was around 787 rupees. Chotiwala is not worth your...