Nainital travel guide

Bal mithai

Almoras treasured brown fudge coated in white sugar balls—made from reduced khoya (milk solid) slow-cooked dark brown and studded with white sugar pellets; the specific alkaline climate of Almora town is believed essential to the flavor; buy from Joshi Sweets since 1925

Singori

Kumaon's festival sweet—fresh khoya (reduced milk) mixed with cardamom, coconut and almonds, wrapped tightly in maalu (Indian laurel) leaf in a cone shape; the leaf imparts a subtle floral flavor to the sweet as it rests; available at shops in Munsiari and Bageshwar

Bhatt ki churkani

Uttarakhand's ancient black soybean curry—local pahadi black soybeans cooked in a yogurt-mustard oil base with asafoetida and coriander; a highly nutritious Kumaoni staple with a slightly bitter, nutty depth; available at Kumaon homestays and mountain dhabas

Aloo ke gutke

Kumaon's iconic potato preparation—small potatoes boiled then tossed in mustard oil, cumin, dried red chili and amchur (dried mango) until crispy-edged; specific to Uttarakhand and served at almost every Kumaoni meal; the amchur tang makes it irresistible

Kumaoni thali

The complete traditional meal of Kumaon—bhaat (rice), bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, gahat (horse gram dal), raita, green chutney and Singori for dessert; best eaten at a Kumaoni homestay or the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary eco-lodge restaurants