Sweet
Bal mithai
SweetKumaon's best-known sweet: a chocolate-brown fudge of roasted khoya coated with tiny white sugar balls, sold in sweet shops on Mall Road and in Bara Bazaar.
Best with: Taking home as a gift
What to eat in Nainital
Nainital's food mixes Kumaoni home cooking and sweets, Tibetan dishes from the Mallital market and the usual hill-station snacks along the lake.
Sweet
Singori
SweetSweet khoya wrapped in a cone of maalu leaf, which gives it a light, fresh aroma. Eat it fresh, the same day.
Best with: After a meal
Main course
Bhatt ki churkani
VegA thick, smoky curry of black soybeans, eaten with rice. A Kumaoni home-style classic.
Best with: Lunch on a cold day
SnackAloo ke gutke
VegPotatoes stir-fried with whole spices and red chilli, often served with Kumaoni raita made with mustard.
Best with: With tea
TibetanMomos and thukpa
Non-vegSteamed dumplings and noodle soup from small Tibetan eateries around the Mallital market. Vegetarian versions are easy to find.
Best with: A cold evening
Street foodRoasted corn and Maggi
VegCharcoal-roasted corn with lemon and chilli, and bowls of Maggi, sold at stalls along Mall Road and the lake.
Best with: An evening stroll
Where to eat in Nainital
Mall Road (Mallital end)
The biggest choice: North Indian restaurants, cafes, bakeries, sweet shops and fast food, many with lake views.
Best for: Variety and lake views
Bara Bazaar, Mallital
The old market behind The Flats, with sweet shops for bal mithai and simple local eateries.
Best for: Sweets and local food
Tibetan market area
Small Tibetan restaurants and stalls near the Mallital end of the lake.
Best for: Momos and thukpa
Tallital
Dhabas and budget restaurants near the bus stand, handy before or after a bus journey.
Best for: Quick, cheap meals
Food tips
- Kumaoni dishes such as bhatt ki churkani are not on every menu; ask at local restaurants or your homestay.
- Buy bal mithai from busy shops so it is fresh; it keeps for a few days.
- Mall Road restaurants fill up at dinner time on weekends; eat a little early.
- Carry water and a snack on walks to Tiffin Top and Naina Peak.
Food in Nainital: FAQs
What is the famous food of Nainital?
Bal mithai is the best-known treat. Also try singori, Kumaoni dishes like bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke, momos from the Tibetan eateries and roasted corn on Mall Road.
Is non-vegetarian food available in Nainital?
Yes. Mall Road and Mallital have plenty of non-vegetarian and vegetarian restaurants, as well as Tibetan eateries.
