Travelling is not just about spellbinding views, pleasant weather, and interaction with the locals, travelling is also about enjoying delicious meals and street food of the area. Trying out different cuisines is also a major element of travelling. Himachal Pradesh is known for its stunning views and spellbinding Himalayas and also for some of the finger-licking range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. These Himachal Pradesh delicacies are cooked in fine spices to offer the perfect taste and aroma.
If you are someone who searches for the famous eating spots of the area before sightseeing and tourist attractions, then this article is just for you. Here is a list of some of the best foods to eat in Himachal Pradesh. First of all, let us look at some of the best places to eat in Himachal Pradesh so that you can have the most delicious meals at an affordable price.
How to Travel from Delhi to Manali
There are several ways to travel from Delhi to Manali, including by plane, train, and bus. Taking the bus is a great option if you are thinking about travelling from Delhi to Manali. There are several bus operators that run regular buses between the two cities. Delhi to Manali bus will cost you really less compared to taking cabs or driving your own car. The journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on the route and traffic. Alternatively, you can also fly to Bhuntar airport (Kullu) and then take a taxi or bus to Manali. Another option is to take a train to Joginder Nagar and then take a bus or taxi from there to Manali.
Read More: 6 Exciting Road Trips to Himachal Pradesh to go With Your Friends
Best Places To Eat In Himachal Pradesh
The popular places to eat in Himachal Pradesh are Renaissance (Manali), Skyroom Bar and Restro (Palampur), Basil Leaf Restaurant (Manali), Joy Restaurant (Palampur), Dylan’s Toasted And Roasted Coffee House (Manali), La Plage, KuluLa Plage (Kullu), Qilaa (Shimla), Honey Hut (Shimla), Wake & Bake Cafe (Shimla), Casa Bella Vista (Manali), Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant (Manali), Tibet Kitchen (Dharamshala) and so on.
Go Local: Try These 10 Best Traditional Food in Manali
From hearty dals and curries to mouthwatering momos and chow mein, the local food in Manali is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new culinary adventure, this guide will help you navigate the best traditional dishes that Manali has to offer. From the famous Siddu to the delicious Patande, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the flavours of Manali together!
10 Best Traditional Food in Manali
1. Tibetan Thukpa
2. Dhaam
3. Kaale Chane Ka Khatta
4. Aktori
5. Babru
6. Bhey
7. Chha Gosht
8. Siddu
9. Kullu Trout Fish
10. Madra
1. Tibetan Thukpa
Himachal Pradesh is a Tibetan-influenced state. As a result, you will find the popular Tibetan dish, Thukpa, at every restaurant in Himachal Pradesh. Thukpa is a noodle soup that is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. A vegetarian Thukpa is loaded with vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, and cabbage. One cup of piping hot Thukpa will bring you so much comfort and warmth in the freezing cold weather of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is the place where you can get the best authentic Tibetan Thukpas.
2. Dhaam
Dhaam is a wholesome meal loaded with flavours and nutrients. The meal consists of a variety of dishes such as curry of red kidney beans, fried dal, aromatic rice, boor ki kadhi, curd, sweets, salad, and also jaggery for the sweet cravings. The meal is usually served at festivals, wedding ceremonies, and several other crucial events. Manali and Chamba provide the most flavourful dhaam. So, don’t forget to check out the restaurants of these places to enjoy the best dhaam of your life.
3. Kaale Chane Ka Khatta
Want to try something spicy to beat Himachal’s cold weather? Try the sour and spicy Khatta which is prepared with boiled black chickpeas. The black chickpeas are boiled first of all, and then they are cooked in spices such as cumin seeds, asafoetida, fennel seeds, coriander powder, mint powder, and salt. Green chilli and tamarind are added to further enhance the taste. Don’t forget to try Kaale Chane Ka Khatta whenever you are in Himachal Pradesh.
4. Aktori
Craving for something sweet? Aktori is maybe what you are looking for. These heavenly pancakes are a staple food for the people of Himachal Pradesh. The dish is made with basic ingredients such as milk, water, sugar, buckwheat leaves, and baking soda. The dish is so easy to prepare but tastes incredible. The dish originated from the Spiti Valley and now the whole state couldn’t stop gorging on this delicacy. If you wish to try the authentic Aktori, then head to the stunning Spiti Valley to indulge in the mouth-watering dessert.
Read More: Best Cafes in Himachal
5. Babru
Babru looks kinda similar to a North Indian dish, known as kachori but you will find a striking difference between the flavours of both dishes. This flattened bread is prepared with wheat flour. The flavourful filling of black gram paste makes it an impressive dish of Himachal Pradesh. This delicacy is served with tamarind chutney and a nice cup of hot tea to provide a soothing experience in Himachal’s freezing cold temperature.
6. Bhey
Bhey is a crispy Himachal Pradesh dish with finger-licking flavours. The dish is prepared with Lotus stem which is cooked in ginger, garlic, onion, gram flour, and other Indian spices to get the authentic flavour. You can enjoy Bhey with roti, parathas, and even rice. If you had just one bite, then you probably can’t resist having more. Bhey is so satisfying that even your kids will surely be obsessed with it.
7. Chha Gosht
Chha Gosht is for people who are always ready to enjoy non-veg dishes. Chha Gosht is one of the best non-veg dishes in Himachal Pradesh which is prepared by marinating lamb for a short period. The marination is further cooked in ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, gram flour, and some flavourful Indian spices such as a bay leaf, asafoetida, cardamom powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. If you wish to try the best Chha Gosht in Himachal Pradesh, then head to the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
Read More: A Guide to the Traditional Cuisines of Himachal Pradesh
8. Siddu
Siddu is basically a bun with an amazing filling. The dish is made with a dough of wheat flour and is filled with fat to make it extra special. The dough is then roasted for a while. The dough is further steamed until the dough is ready to eat. That’s it! You can have Siddu now with vegetables or mutton to make it taste even better.
9. Kullu Trout Fish
Kullu Trout Fish is a popular non-vegetarian dish that is prepared by marinating fish and cooking it with basic Indian spices to preserve the actual flavour of trout fish. For additional flavours, the fish is fried in mustard oil and lemon-onion sauce. The trout fish is perfect for a wholesome dinner or lunch. The fish can be served with vegetables to make it a little more healthy dish.
10. Madra
Madra is another heartfelt dish of Himachal Pradesh made with chickpeas or vegetables along with different Indian spices like cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder, and turmeric powder to make it more flavourful. Madra tastes better with rice, and roti, and you can also enjoy it with Babru. Madra is a commonly cooked dish among the locals for the festive season.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Manali
Manali is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of traditional dishes to try. From the famous Siddu to the delicious Kullu Trout Fish, there’s something for everyone. We hope this guide has helped you discover some new favourites and has inspired you to visit Manali and explore its delicious traditional cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new culinary adventure, Manali is sure to delight your taste buds. So next time you plan your trip to Manali, make sure to include a visit to a local restaurant or street food vendor to try out some of these delicious traditional dishes.
Cover Image By – SILK SP
Bon Appétit!
