Ask anyone who grew up in Dehradun what to take home from the city, and you'll get the same answer: rusks. Doon's bakeries have been making them for generations, and a box of rusks is still what we carry when we visit relatives in Delhi, Lucknow or anywhere else. Show up without one and someone will definitely ask.
Why is Dehradun famous for its bakeries?
Dehradun's long history as a cantonment town and a school town brought with it a culture of tea-time baking: rusks, biscuits, cakes and puffs to have with chai. Old family bakeries grew up around the Clock Tower and Rajpur Road, and many of them are still running.
What to try
Rusks. Twice-baked, crunchy and made for dunking in tea. Try the plain, elaichi and fruit ones and pick your favourite.
- Cheese straws. Crisp and buttery. A packet rarely survives the drive home.
- Plum cake. Especially around Christmas.
- Puffs and patties. The classic evening snack.
- Biscuits and cookies. Often sold loose, by weight.
Bakeries to visit
Ellora's, Rajpur Road
On lower Rajpur Road, Ellora's is one of the names people most connect with Dehradun baking. Locals buy rusks and cheese straws here by the box.
Old Bakery House, Raipur
On the Raipur side near Donali Chowk. A neighbourhood bakery worth knowing if you live in the east of the city.
Old Friends Bakers and Café, Majra
Near St. Jude's Chowk on the Shimla Bypass road. Known for eggless bakes and custom cakes, which makes it a handy option for birthdays.
How to carry rusks home without crumbs everywhere
- Buy sealed boxes rather than loose packs if you're travelling.
- Pack them in your hand luggage so they don't get crushed.
- Once opened, rusks stay crisp for a few weeks in an airtight container.
A few bakery habits worth picking up
- Go in the morning for the freshest batch.
- Ask what came out of the oven that day.
- Popular items sell out around festivals. Order your Christmas plum cake ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dehradun famous for in food?
Rusks and bakery items, basmati rice, and street food like chole katlamba and bun tikki. See our street food guide for the rest.
Which is the best bakery in Dehradun?
Ellora's on Rajpur Road is one of the most famous, but every neighbourhood has its own favourite, and people are loyal to theirs.
How long do Dehradun rusks last?
In an airtight container, rusks usually stay crisp for a few weeks.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Open Explore → Food & Drink → Bakeries & desserts for directions to every bakery in this guide. Looking for more to take home? See our Dehradun shopping guide.