Wine & Dine
Though Rishikesh is predominantly vegetarian, the city has eateries offering varied cuisines, from Italian to Israeli.
Right by Lakshman Jhula are two of Rishikesh’s most famous eateries, which are blessed with undisturbed views of the Ganga,. While Freedom Cafe is frequented for its pillowy pancakes, shakshukas, and shakes, the treehouse-style 10 Little Buddha Cafe serves the best pizzas in town. German Bakery is another hangout popular for its yakcheese sandwiches and fruit pancakes. Located in Swarg Ashram, Tip Top Restaurant serves Italian and Israeli dishes, whereas Oliva Italian and Vegan Kitchen does authentic wood-fired pizzas and delectable mushroom pastas. With a cosy ambience of lanterns and candle-lit tables, Oasis Restaurant boasts a multi-cuisine menu. The backpacker’s favourite, Swiss Garden serves homemade pastas and schnitzels, its non-vegetarian menu being a rarity here.
Fresh & Organic
11 Ramana’s Garden ( ramanas.org) has a lovely outdoor seating and salad bar, and its menu includes vegan, lacto, and ovo options. Moreover, buying a meal here contributes to an orphan’s schooling. At 12 Ayurpak ( ayurpak. webs.com), a local family readies your meal within 30 minutes with fresh vegetables from their garden. Elsewhere, Pure Soul-Cafe & Organic Kitchen offers organic fare in a homely environment, true to its name. La-So-Va Fresh Kitchen is a one-man show run by Eshu, who cooks holistic buffetstyle feasts of vegan and vegetarian dishes with local and seasonal ingredients.
Local Treats
The age-old Chotiwala ( chotiwalarestaurant. com) is the top choice for a home-style meal of Garhwali dishes— kafuli (made with spinach and fenugreek leaves); aloo ke gutke made from potato, red chillies, and jambu (a herb grown in the higher reaches of Kumaon); mandua (a local cereal); and singodi (a dessert of coconut and condensed milk). The riverside Ganga Beach Restaurant serves scrumptious snacks and chilled lassi, while the unassuming Pappu Lassi serves unique warm lassi (a sweetsavoury yoghurt drink) in earthen pots.