Char Dukan

Char Dukan and Landour are inseparable; one cannot do without the other. Initially four shops were set up in a row for coffee and snacks hence the name. With more than a century of serving delicious food behind them, they have retained their original character and are still going strong. Char Dukan is the coolest hangout in the whole of Mussoorie, so much so that people say if you haven’t visited Char Dukan, you have actually not seen the real Mussoorie. Walk up from Picture Palace via Ruskin Bond’s residence and reach Char Dukan hungry and tired for it is quite a strenuous walk. But once you reach Char Dukan and attack your grub, you will feel it was worth the climb. ‘Anil’s Café’ and ‘Tip Top Tea Shop’ are two main cafes with quite similar menu. However, both have their own loyal clientele. Their menu lets you feast on various kinds of parathas, sandwiches, burgers, pakoras, French fries etc, the list is long. But what they are essentially known for are their legendary bun omelettes which are very cheesy, and Masala Maggie. The pancakes and waffles with honey and maple syrup are more recent additions. Apple cinnamon waffles with ice-cream are to die for and so are their shakes, especially Oreo shake. For tea lovers, Char Dukan is heavenly as they have all kinds of tea, from masala tea to cinnamon and honey ginger. If you decide to sit in the small park opposite Tip Top Shop under an old Walnut tree, soon a young boy from the shop will jump across, take your order and serve you happily. This is the kind of service one cannot find in any fancy place.
At Anil’s Café, ask for Mathew Wai Wai. It is off the menu, named on one of the Woodstock students who told them how to prepare Wai Wai for him. It is Wai Wai noodles made in typical Maggi style with fried egg on top of it. Egg lovers will lap it up for sure. You can even buy ice-cream, chocolates, confectionary etc here. They keep guide books on Landour as well. A must visit to understand why this is one of the most sought after locations in Mussoorie.