Besides being a land of breathtaking natural beauty and stunning locales, Himachal Pradesh endevours to make an impression and connection with travellers through its scrumptious cuisine. The Himachali cuisine is a wonderful blend of different Pahadi food that offer a delightful gastronomical experience. Each valley in Himachal has something important to contribute to the flavour and presentation of the state’s cuisine, it in fact beckons the weather conditions, traditions, history and availability of resources. So, for a cultural aficionado, no trip in Himachal Pradesh can be reckoned complete without tasting the local dishes.
The unique aroma and flavour of Himachali cuisine is due to it being cooked on a slow flame and the heavy use of yoghurt and cardamom in its dishes. The cuisine of Himachal Pradesh is also significantly influenced by the cuisines of Punjab and Tibet, especially in its northern regions. Chickpeas play a very important role in the Himachali cuisine. One of the most popular dishes of this state is the Madra, a delicacy comprised of soaked chickpeas and/or vegetables and cooked in spices such as cloves, cardamoms, turmeric etc. It is usually served with the sour but yummy Kaale Channe Ka Khatta.
The cuisine of the state is renowned for its high nutrient content and the Dhaam is its best example. A plate full of rice, rajma, curd, boor ki kadi and jaggery, the Dhaam is commonly served in festivals. A trip to Himachal is incomplete without feasting on the Tudkiya Bhath, the authentic pulao of this state.
The special feature of this dish is that it contains an extra dose of lentils, curd and potatoes along with numerous spices. If you are in the Lahul-Spiti region, don’t forget to try the Aktori, a pancake type dish made with buckwheat leaves and wheat flour. Get the taste of Tibet on your tongue with the many Tibetan delicacies like Momos, Thukpa and Meatballs offered in the upper parts of the state. Some popular snacks of Himachal satiating the hunger pangs are Bhey, a dish prepared from lotus stems and the Sidu, a dish made from wheat flour. As a dessert, Mitha, a sweet dish made of sweetened rice mixed with raisins and dry fruits is mostly served in Himachal.
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Dham: Heritage Food Of Himachal |
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Dham is a traditional vegetarian festive meal of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a mid-day meal prepared on auspicious occasions , festivals , weddings, and other religious functions. Traditional Dham is served to people in Himachali cuisine on all such occasions typically on the floor in pattals. Himachali cuisine has a unique aroma and flavor due to use of lot of yogurt and spices like chilies, cardamom , cinnamon , turmeric and coriander powder. The food is typically cooked in mustard oil and on low flame. As availability of vegetables is a challenge in the hilly and cold region , the traditional dham has no vegetable dish in it and most of the dishes are made with different lentils and dairy products like curd, ghee, buttermilk , paneer (cottage cheese). The dishes served at a Himachali dham varies from one district to another |
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Madra: Authentic Tastes |
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Madra is a popular Himachal Pradesh food that is served in Chamba district as Chana Madra. It is cooked properly in oil with various spices such as cardamoms, cloves, turmeric powder, cinnamon, and coriander powder to better the taste of the dish. Almost all the restaurants in Chamba serve Madra and is one such food that represents the food culture of the state. Where to try: Chamba and Kangra Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500 |
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Kaale Channe ka Khatta: Spicy Escapes |
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Kaale Channe ka Khatta is a pahadi dish which is usually served with rice and Madra in Kangra. The dish is sour and is prepared using a combination of different spices to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t miss trying this amazing delicacy on your trip to Himachal Pradesh. Where to try: Kangra Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500 |
| Tudkiya Bhath: Delicious Bites | |
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Tudkiya Bhath is a mouth-savoring pulao of Himachal Pradesh. Served in Chamba, it is a cooked in a unique manner. Not only simplest of the Indian spices are used but also yogurts, potatoes along with onion and tomatoes are added to make it even more delicious. Experience the dish with mash dal and lime juice for the best taste. Where to try: Chamba Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500 |
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Babru: Flavorsome Meals |
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Babru is one of the most famous Himachali food found in Shimla. It is a version of the famous kachodis of North India and acts as a perfect food for evening snacks along with a cup of tea. Don’t forget to try this crispy Himachali kachodi along with tamarind chuntey for a heavenly taste on your next trip to the beautiful Shimla. Where to try: Shimla Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200 |
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Siddu: Traditional Dish |
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Siddu is another famous Himachal Pradesh food that is made using wheat flour. The preparation of this dish is a but time consuming but its heavenly taste is worth all the hard work. The wheat flour is preserved for atleast 4 to 5 hours until the yeasts settle down. The dough is then put on a flame so that it is half cooked and later steamed and served. Where to try: All over Himachal Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200 |
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Bhey: Scrummy Delicacy |
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Made with lotus stems, Bhey is a popular household dish across the state of Himachal Pradesh. The dish comprises ginger, garlic, gram flour, and onions. Bhey is one of the most delectable dishes among Himachali cuisine and is enjoyed by people across the state. Where to try: All over the state. Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200 |
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Aktori: Festive Delight |
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Aktori comprises buckwheat leaves and wheat flour. It is a festive dish and is cooked in the form of a cake. One of the most cherished dishes, Aktori is the famous food of Himachal Pradesh. The dish originated in Spiti Valley and is relished by people all over the state.
Where to try: Lahaul – Spiti Price Range: ₹ 200 – ₹400 |
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Tibetan Dishes: Palatable Cuisine |
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The cuisine of Himachal Pradesh also includes Tibetan dishes. Himachali cuisine is inspired by Tibetan cuisine and includes an array of scrumptious Tibetan dishes, including LuchiPoti, Thukpa, momos, Thentuk, and Tingmo. Where to try: Mcleodganj and Dharamshala Price Range: ₹400 – ₹700 |