Devbhoomi Rasoi Review
In the narrow by-lanes around the Landour clock tower lies Devbhoomi Rasoi, run by a man with a passion to bring back local Uttarakhandi cuisine and culture into the mainstream. Mr Naresh is at the helm of this modest-looking establishment that previous generations ran solely as a sweet shop. Bringing the distinctive taste of Uttarakhand to one’s palette was the brainchild of Mr Naresh. Devbhoomi Rasoi can be easily missed, walking down the crowded lanes of the bazaar. However, missing such a place will be equivalent to committing cardinal sin, since this is the only eatery in the entire region and beyond that keeps true to Uttarakhandi tradition, customs and cuisine. The food is cooked and served in traditional bronze utensils and the flavours are uniquely fresh. The originality of taste is amplified with Mr Naresh’s explanation about the cuisine and the way of village life that he passionately shares, which brings to life the entire affair.
The large thali presented us with 9 local delicacies placed in the order in which they were intended to be eaten. The sweet and sour chutney, the kumaoni raita infused with mustard oil and mustard seed, a refreshing pahadi mattha called Pallar, Aloo Urdi and Choliya (the Uttarakhandi combination of chickpea and dal), where some of the unusual items on offer that day. The cuisine can’t be compared to others in North India and no parallels can be drawn with regard to flavour and taste. It is just something one must experience for themselves. Everything felt like it is being served with an extra dose of health, goodness and wellness. Even the rotis was stuffed, making an otherwise mundane item interesting as well.
Devbhoomi Rasoi is a great place to involve yourself in a uniquely Uttarankhandi experience, and the conversation with Mr Naresh is assure to be educational and informative. I would strongly recommend anyone from outside the state to give this place a try. It is sure to add another dimension to your travel experience. Visitors from outside India would enjoy Mr. Nareshe’s willingness to involve them in the cooking process as well as the traditional costumes that he will gladly let you borrow for a quick photo session.
PS: The only complaint I have is with the cleanliness of the shop itself (not the hygien of the food per se). The Overall cleanliness of the shop can...
Read moreAverage Food in a Quaint Setting: Hapur Rasoi Vale Review
Located in the scenic Landour area of Mussoorie, Hapur Rasoi Vale promises a culinary journey through North Indian flavors. However, my recent visit left me with mixed feelings.
The ambiance exudes a quaint charm, with brass utensils adorning the tables, adding to the rustic appeal. It's a visual treat, reminiscent of traditional Indian kitchens. However, the novelty ends there.
The food, unfortunately, failed to impress. Despite being presented in unique brass utensils, the dishes were average at best, offering nothing remarkable or memorable. The menu, predominantly North Indian, lacked innovation and creativity.
One aspect that left a bitter taste was the pricing. Be cautious of the rates, as they seemed inflated for the quality of food served. Moreover, engaging in a clear discussion with the owner is advised, as there were instances where words were cleverly manipulated, leaving a sense of distrust.
In conclusion, while Hapur Rasoi Vale may charm you with its ambiance and presentation, it falls short in delivering a truly satisfying culinary experience. For those seeking authentic and flavorsome North Indian cuisine, there are better options to explore in the Landour area...
Read moreI came to this restaurant with my wife back in November. I am a local from Uttarakhand and that morning I was craving for some local food. We stumbled upon this place and combined with the charm of the owner we decided to eat here for breakfast. When I looked at the menu it said 400 rupees for this thali and I confirmed it with the owner. When the food was getting prepared we had a nice conversation with the owner but I couldn't help but notice how unhygienic it was. He was using the same dirty cloth in his pocket to wipe the dishes. When the food arrived I was excited to eat it - but that changed after I took a bite. I am a local and I know my food very well. This was not it and not freshly made. To make it worse he charged us 800 rupees. I felt cheated, however, because of his charming talk I felt helpless to confront him and just paid for the food. This whole experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. The owner is a business man, he knows how to sweet talk, I could definitely tell he knows about Uttarakhand culture but not the food and growing up as a pahadi this is a soul element which...
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