Hotels and restaurants in Gangotri do not have an elaborate menu but there are a number of local eating joints, stalls and restaurants as well as ashrams that serve Indian platters. One also finds a handful of places serving Chinese here. Since the region has immense religious and spiritual significance for Hindus, non-vegetarian food is not available and alcohol is prohibited.

The food in Gangotri is simple, prepared with local ingredients, using herbs and spices which make the food highly nutritious and packs in energy. The cooking methods here are generally elaborate and time-consuming and a generous dash of distinct spices is used. The cooking often uses charcoal and dishes are completed by a generous amount of 'Ghee'. The food is also usually prepared using lentils and pulses. Bhatt kiChurdkani, Arsa, Kafuli, Phannu, Badi, Rus, Gulgula, KandaleekaSaag and Palau are some are of the local preparations with which the cuisine of Gangotri is defined.