Handi Restaurant inside Dehradun’s Doon Club has been shut after a surprise inspection found rats, cockroaches, rotten vegetables and old food in its kitchen. The inspection was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Legal Services Authority.
Officials found rats gnawing spice packets and cockroaches inside the kitchen. The inspection also uncovered 2-day-old rice, along with week-old momo and chowmein material. Rotten vegetables were found among the kitchen supplies.
Dirty dishes had reportedly remained piled up for days, while blocked drains added to the poor sanitary conditions observed during the inspection. Around 22 kg of food was destroyed at the premises.
Food samples sent for testing
Samples of paneer, milk and chicken curry were collected and sent for testing. The test results will provide the next verified information about the condition of those samples.
The restaurant has been closed following the inspection. Authorities have issued a 14-day notice requiring cleanup. The restaurant risks losing its licence if the required action is not completed.
The findings are significant for customers because the inspection involved food prepared for service at a restaurant located inside a prominent Dehradun club. However, the available information does not establish whether any customer became ill or whether the collected samples were unsafe.
Reports published by The Times of India, ThePrint and India Today on 13 and 14 October 2026 also identified the same Handi Restaurant at Doon Club and reported its closure after findings involving rotten food, rats and cockroaches. These reports match the location and inspection details in the available account.
The immediate process now involves the restaurant’s cleanup and the laboratory testing of the collected samples. The notice period and test results will determine what further action is taken against the establishment.
Conclusion
Handi Restaurant at Dehradun’s Doon Club remains shut after officials found rodent activity, cockroaches, old food, blocked drains and other hygiene concerns. Around 22 kg of food was destroyed, samples were sent for testing, and the restaurant was given a 14-day cleanup notice with the risk of losing its licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which restaurant was closed?
Handi Restaurant inside Dehradun’s Doon Club was shut after the inspection.
Q. Who conducted the inspection?
The Food and Drug Administration and the Legal Services Authority conducted the surprise inspection.
Q. What problems were found in the kitchen?
Inspectors found rats, cockroaches, rotten vegetables, 2-day-old rice, week-old momo and chowmein material, piled-up dirty dishes and blocked drains.
Q. How much food was destroyed?
Around 22 kg of food was destroyed at the premises.
Q. Which samples were sent for testing?
Samples of paneer, milk and chicken curry were sent for testing.
Q. How long was the cleanup notice?
The restaurant was given a 14-day notice to clean up.
Q. What could happen if the restaurant does not comply?
The restaurant risks losing its licence if it does not complete the required cleanup.
