Best Aloo Paratha in Dhanaulti—Is It Really Worth the Hype?

Is It Really Worth the Hype?

When you are traveling to a hill station, either momos or maggie is a must. But have you ever tried Aloo Paratha in pahar? If you haven’t, then you must try. Small disclaimer: Paratha has its own combination for everyone; some like it with chai (tea), some with makhan (butter), some with dahi (curd) and some with ketchup and achar (pickle). And if you are into a pahari-dhaba, you will get everything. So whatever you eat with a Paratha is your choice. I had paratha with chai and you?

Our day started after 7 in the morning, excited for our unplanned trips. We woke up, got fresh, packed our bags and left the room. I have been staying in Mussoorie for the past 3 days. We have already been to George Everest, Bhadra Temple, Company Garden, Landor and all the other places in Mussoorie. Now we wanted to explore the long drives on mountain roads, so we left for Dhanaulti. We left early, by 8, so we couldn’t have our breakfast and only had chai. Google Maps set, tank full for the scooty and bottles filled with water. After we left Mussoorie Library Chowk, it took some time to clear the traffic and reach the only road that took us.  

Initially we only decided to go to Dhaunalti, but as we drove for half an hour, we starved for food. Looking for options, it took more than an hour to find a place for breakfast. The mountain roads have very few options available and you hardly get 5 options in one place. Then again, there are no shops or stalls for 10-15 km. After an hour we finally got to see a small pahari-dhaba.

Note: Dhanaulti and Dhanolti are the same hills, just situated one after another. Both places have different names due to their pronunciation, but the area is the same. It is just one hill to this side and another to the next. But due to the mountains, the distance is 40 km from each other.

We immediately stopped there and asked the person what we could get immediately for breakfast. He read the menu, starting and ending with varieties of paratha. Aloo Paratha, Gobi Paratha, Dal Paratha, Onion Paratha, Garlic Paratha. We ordered the Aloo Paratha without taking the risk on the other parathas. In the meantime we also ordered a thandai lassi for me and a coffee for him. Then I ordered chai again to have with the aloo paratha. The place offered a panoramic view of the hills and greenery. As far as you can see, it was all covered with a lush green, vibrant landscape and terrace farming. 

Enjoying the view, we captured some pictures for our memory palace. The sweet breeze can be referred to as the paharo ki hawa. The roads are covered with trees on both sides and the sun is refracting on the other mountains. We sat in the outdoor area of the place, waiting for the aloo paratha. The 10-minute wait was really worth it for having parathas in Dhanaulti. The hot paratha with butter on top made the craving worse. The first bite was hot enough so I couldn’t get the taste of it. However, once it cooled down, it felt awesome. The paratha was very nice so we also ordered another one. Meanwhile, we checked the nearby areas and found the eco park at Dhaunalti. 

Why Aloo paratha?

1. The aloo parathas in Uttarakhand start at 20 rupees onwards, especially in Dhauulanti.
2. They are a healthy breakfast; even if you pack them for later, you can have them with ketchup.
3. On the other hand, maggi and momos are loved when served hot; parathas can be enjoyed folded also.

This was my story at Dhanaulti.

Read other blogs on Dhanaulti: 3-Day Dehradun to Dhanaulti Road Trip Itinerary