A quick food guide to Roorkee
Most of us who have written this recommendation have been in the campus of IIT Roorkee for at least two years and are quite aware of the food scene in Roorkee. By no means is the food here going to dazzle you unless you visit Rustic House, in fact, if the law of diminishing returns for taste had to be applied for the local food, one would probably reach the saturation point after a couple of chapos to the good restaurants. However, there are a few dishes that will take you down the memory lane, and hopefully, make your day. Inspired by Buzzfeed’s ‘Worth it!’, we have listed three places for each specific food that we feel is at a bang for buck price, and have mentioned a few other popular dishes at these specific locations.
P.S.- We’ve left out Roorkee’s premier diner, Rustic House, out of the review lest the list gets dominated (On a side note, The Rustic Sin and Banana Caramel are a must during your stay at Roorkee). Bhawan canteens are out of the list as tenders keep changing and so does the quality. Zaika(called Aal-Baik back in 2014), was a household name until it drastically deteriorated in quality the previous year, with some cases of food poisoning.
P.P.S.- We hope you like our custom map.
All Dishes are listed alphabetically
Biryani
Roorkee junta has constant debates on why vegetable biriyani isn’t just called a pulao and we’ve had discussions on this topic as well. While we find it hard to come to a conclusion, what we do know is that pulao is traditionally a dish of chicken and rice and India is the only country that serves it as a vegetarian dish!
Al-Baik ₹
Overshadowed by many food joints in civil lines, Al-Baik is a small homely joint that serves simple chicken dishes that taste great. They’ve got a Moradabad style biriyani that’s got tender pieces and warm flavours.
Real Hyderabadi Biryani ₹₹
This diner serves a variety of vegetarian, chicken and mutton biryanis. We’ve grown a predilection for their spicy curry that’s served with the rice, and the overall experience is great.
Olive ₹₹₹
A brother to Rustic House in more than just name, Olive is one of the high-end restaurants in Roorkee. The biryani here doesn’t have strong roots from a particular place; the excess brown onions is a sort of blessing that adds a simple yet unique flavour.
Other mentions- Motel Polaris, Tanisha’s Hyderabadi Biriyani, Tamarind, Royal Palace
Burgers
Happinezz ₹
Locating this mini-cafe is a daunting task, however, the food here feels homemade and a bang-for-buck deal. Their ₹30 cheeseburger has nothing much to complain about (although asking them to put less cabbage and onions would help a great deal with the flavour)
TinTin ₹₹
For over the last 5 years, TinTin has been a favourite amongst many IITR students, especially for their mushroom burgers and tacos, which aren’t exactly tacos but regular rolls. Don’t hesitate to chat with the owners, a lovely old couple, who’ll make you feel at home. They are the only diner in Roorkee, as of now, to sell tarts.
Grab it ₹₹₹
Grab it has become a popular burger spot for the IITR junta, although burger purists won’t like their burgers as they use packed frozen patties. A thinner bun and freshly made patties would make their diner much better, but for now, it’s one of the best you can get in the IITR locality.
Other mentions- Milk bar, Rover’s cafe
Cakes
In your 4–5 years of Uni, you’re probably going to end up getting a cake at least once or twice for your friend’s birthday. The cakes here are mostly dry with a moderate to high content of whipped cream depending on the price you pay. Either way, we won’t feel bad if it ends up on someone’s face.
Milk Bar ₹₹
Located just outside Century Gate, cakes here are decent and the ‘cheap tag’ has made their cakes popular for the hippie-like birthday celebrations at Roorkee. Their pastries are inconsistent, but when made well they definitely taste rich and creamy. How about a little adventure?
Pandhi’s Bakery ₹₹
Located in the lane opposite Dominos, their pastries have sponges that are soft and almost moist throughout. The chocolate cakes have really dense and creamy layers- its black forest is one of the best in Roorkee. We don’t recommend their fruit pastries ( the use of artificial flavors leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth). The Casatta is recommended if you like citrus and bubble-gum flavors in pastries.
Happinezz ₹₹
Their ice-cream cake is slowly garnering popularity and has remained as one of our favourites.
Chaat
There sadly isn’t any variety in the chaats found in Roorkee. Gol Gappas and dahi puri is the only thing one can find at the stalls located in chowpatty or midway in civil lines. For around ₹20–30, we hope it satisfies your craving for that sweet & spicy kick. There is a chaat guy who stands opposite the main gate at night sometimes and we feel he serves the best puchkas as of now.
Chicken (curry)
So you’re craving some good ‘ol succulent chicken? Maybe you already had high standards set back at home or you’re in an exploratory mood; don’t worry, we got you covered.
Zaika was on our list the previous year, alas, health issues. Badshah is still a safe bet.
Royal Palace ₹₹
Remember how Nadal keeps having an off-season, injuries and form daunting his ranking? Unpredictable, but comes out good for the most part, that’s how we’d sum up Royal palace. They were blatant horrible back in 2015, good in 2016, deteriorated in 2017, great in 2018–2019. ML trend anyone? Their boneless butter chicken, garlic chicken, and special Irani chicken is something our alumni could come back to Roorkee for, if not the convocation. It is recommended to go at an unpopular time so that the chef can make the dish in peace (and you can hog on it)
Desi Tadka ₹₹
Located opposite Dominos, Desi Tadka used to be a street joint with a van where customers used to sit on cots of woven jute (Charpai, in more desi terms) to have their meals. The food was excellent and so was the desi ambience. Naturally, their popularity blew up and now they’re a well-established restaurant trying to stay true to their traditional Indian aesthetic. If you plan a visit, don’t miss out on their chicken kali mirch. The taste of the gravy feels very fresh after the one too many similar ones that are served in Roorkee.
Olive ₹₹₹
Their non-vegetarian menu is pretty good overall so you can’t go wrong there. You can try out the classics like butter chicken or something more exotic like chicken rara.
Other mentions- Real special chicken at Real Hyderabadi, Chicken Haryali, Afghani and Barra at Punjabi Nature (we’re not fans of the hygiene at that place though), Spice Club.
Chow mein
Prakash sweets ₹
If you crave a quick bite outside century gate, Prakash sweets is a good option. Their chow mein, samosas, and Gulab Jamuns are popular.
Happinezz ₹₹
Their chow mein tends to be oily at times, but for around ₹50 you’re getting enough chow mein to fill up two people that tastes above average.
Khosla International House Cafeteria (KIH) ₹₹₹
The KIH cafe has a decent diner, serving simple non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes at a modest price. Their chicken chowmein is, however, one of the better chow mein dishes you can find in Roorkee.
Fried Chicken
Al-Baik ₹
Al-Baik has become a popular spot to enjoy chicken. They offer one of the best fried chicken and is known for its famous chicken twister that makes anyone immediately fall in love with the place and its hospitality.
KIH ₹₹
Too lazy to go out of the campus? KIH offers hot and affordable chicken pakodas right inside our holy veggie campus.
Rolla Costa ₹₹₹
A five minute walk from KB gate, Rollacosta offers a wide variety of dishes from rolls to pastas. The fried chicken wings here are served hot from the fryer, which makes the experience all the more satisfying.
Other mentions- Grab it! for their nuggets and popcorn, Kung Pao chicken at Tamarind.
Ice Creams
The only legit Ice cream parlour we’ve come across that’s close to our campus is Giani (₹₹₹). We recommend their Belgian ice cream if you like the flavour of dark chocolate and mocha brownie ice cream if you’re a coffee lover.
Iced teas/Virgin Mojitos
Luckily ice teas are hard to mess up.
Rover’s cafe ₹
Located just outside century gate, this mini cafe serves regular version and a peach variant as well. Have it with their fried momos and you’ve got yourself a decent snack.
Rolla Costa ₹₹
Situated just beside Pizza Hut, this restaurant has a variety of our beloved cold beverage, from honey and lemon variants to kiwi ice-teas. Do try their various pizzas and rolls as well.
Peppery Herbs ₹₹₹
Served in a fancy mug-glass, Peppery Herbs has the best iced teas Roorkee has to offer. Their flavour notes are on point, although the same cannot be said to the food they serve. We recommend their mint, passion fruit, and peach flavour iced teas.
You can also get a free glass of iced tea with one of their combo meals (which happen to be good value for money, so try them out)
Other mentions- Olive, Pizza Hut
Maggi
Most of us were baffled knowing that diners, especially the bhawan canteens, have managed to make the humble maggi taste dreadful. As owning an induction is not allowed by the administration, the quest for joints that served at least a ‘normal’ maggi became important.
Earth Science canteen ₹
Although the cooks of the Earth Science department canteen oscillate between Yippee noodles and Maggi, they don’t mess with the tastemaker and end up serving noodles that taste the way they were meant to. Their poha and chai are worth trying as well.
CBRI Canteen ₹₹
Apart from their gigantic paranthas, the CBRI canteen is known for their soupy and dry maggi that come with onions, tomatoes, and chillies. veggies. The old uncle and his son almost always end up adding extra chillies, so do remember to ask for a less spicy maggi.
Rolla Costa ₹₹₹
If you’re in the mood for a ‘fancy’ maggi- topped with a cheese, fresh herbs, or schezwan sauce- then Rolla Costa won’t disappoint.
Other mentions- Balaji stall at Cautley, satkar
Momos
The Momos of Roorkee aren’t anywhere close to Delhi or Kolkata, and if you end up having an irresistible urge to gobble up some amazing momos, we’d recommend you take the weekend off and eat at Kalsang, Mussoorie or better yet, visit McLeodganj for heavenly momos (if you ever plan a trip there. The vendors will give you extra momos and chutney if you ask nicely).
Kathi roll stall ₹
This stall has been outside Century Gate(opposite Prakash) for decades serving primarily kathi rolls to hungry students and localities. Their momos picked up traction when one of our beloved Chinese eateries, Take Away China, shut down three years back. They offer steamed and tandoori momos.
Rover’s cafe ₹₹
Rover’s cafe started off primarily as a burger place with pretentious unheard names for their dishes like the ‘Katrina Kaif’ burger. Harsh reviews made them change the names *phew* and what’s left is a decent cafe serving mediocre food with a few dishes that try to stand out, namely their fried momos. It’s inconsistent, but if it’s your lucky day, you will leave the place satisfied.
Paranthas
One would probably be better off having paranthas at their own canteen, with a dollop of butter and a side of chutney or curd. However,if you decide otherwise, we have some places for you.
Satkar ₹
Located at the end of a narrow street opposite Royal Palace, Satkar is one of the most underrated parantha places of Roorkee. Although their prep time may leave you a little restless, we assure you it’s worth the wait. (₹20+.)
CBRI canteen ₹₹
Famous for their pyaaz and paneer paranthas, CBRI canteen has become a regular spot for a lot of students craving paranthas and maggi.
Snacks Point ₹₹
The paranthas served here have good taste and variety. It also comes with the bonus of being in a diner with an assortment of other dishes. Non vegetarians should definitely try out the Keema Naan over there.
Other mentions- Hotel Prakash
Pastas
Absolute suckage. Fresh pasta is an alien term in Roorkee. Everyone's a Bambino addict.
Desi Tadka ₹
Although their pastas aren’t consistent, we feel their red sauce pasta is a safe bet. Do try their sandwich truffles along with the pasta.
Rolla Costa ₹₹
From their regular white sauce and red sauce to a fusion primavera pasta, Rolla Costa has a lot going on in its continental department. Good? hmm.
Olive ₹₹₹
Regular pastas are decent, chicken pasta is good. Olive used to be the best restaurant Roorkee had to offer until a few years ago when it was overshadowed by its sister restaurant, Rustic House. Do try their Hakka noodles.
Other mentions- Lasagna at Center Point, TinTin for their inexpensive red sauce pasta
Pastries
CBRI canteen ₹
A decent cake dough and decently flavoured cream, one can’t get more at ₹20 right? The owners tend to oscillate between vanilla and pineapple flavours but their chocolate pastry has always been on the menu.
Desi Tadka ₹₹
Located opposite Dominos, Desi Tadka has a variety of in-house pastries that have a fan following. We recommend their chocolate truffle. Do try out their sandwich truffles as well, they are on of a kind in Roorkee.
Cafe Coffee Day ₹₹₹
CCD’s twilight dessert is popular amongst their regulars around India, and Roorkee is no exception. Their Hazelnut cake tastes good as well.
Pizzas
We really wished wood fire pizzas existed here, or at least a Sbarro’s for that thin New York slice. Alas, we’re restricted to Dominos and Pizza Hut for our cravings. Happinezz does serve decent pizzas that give a homely feel for around ₹90, which is what we’d recommend if you want a change from the commercial joints. Milk Bar started serving pizzas last year and it's doing quite good.
Shakes
You need to be a really messed-up diner to screw up milkshakes.
Rolla Costa ₹
Their USP being seasonal fruit shakes, Rolla Costa does well when it comes to beverages. Chikoo(sapodilla) shakes are a favourite.
Desi Tadka ₹₹
From basic chocolate shakes to their black currant variants, you can’t go wrong here.
Olive ₹₹₹
Apart from their regular menu, Olive has a different monthly(sometimes weekly) specials menu, that often incorporates a new shake. Their dry nut shakes are worth having.
Sizzlers
Peppery Herbs ₹₹
Seafood lovers will like their fish sizzlers. The teriyaki fish sizzler tastes good although it’s very light on the teriyaki base.
Olive ₹₹₹
Olive has a decent collection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian sizzlers. Don’t be afraid to try them out
South Indian
Chennai Kings, which was one of the two authentic South Indian spots (other being Ramesh Madrasi Dosa), sadly closed this year. Honestly, there isn’t much to expect here.
Chowpatty ₹
Ramesh Madrasi Dosa located near the chowpatty serves good dosas and vadas at a decent price.
Hotel Prakash ₹₹
Hotel Prakash has many regulars from the local Roorkee community and is often crowded, although the dosas served tells a different story. North Indians seem to have settled for the dosas here, the oily crust and a sambar that lacks spice would leave any dosa enthusiast disappointed. However, for Roorkee standards, they’re decent.
Peppery Herbs ₹₹₹
From Keema and Asian fusion dosas to the classic plain and masala dosas, then Pepper Herbs is worth a shot if you aren’t a dosa purist.
We sincerely hope this quick guide is helpful to the readers, especially the newcomers to R-Land. To know more about us, follow us at fb.com/culinaryclubiitr and instagram.com/culinaryclubiitr.
We’re an open group, any fellow IITR student of any branch and program can join us.
