India is a land of diversity and this diversity is reflected in the cuisines available in different parts of the country. One of the reasons people visit different parts of India is to taste the delectable dishes that reflect the varied culture. So in any place in India, you are bound to be surprised by the variety of food and food habits that are imbibed by the local people as well as tourists.
Himachal Pradesh is one such state where oomph factor is not limited to snow-capped mountains or hills, green valleys, and fresh air. Another thing that makes this state one of a kind are the different Himachal Pradesh cuisines. The food culture here is defined by an amalgamation of different kinds of cuisines from across India.
12 Best Himachal Pradesh Cuisines
Are you looking for some famous Himachal Pradesh cuisines? Let us get you acquainted with the food habits of the locals as well as some of the popular cuisines of the ‘Land of Gods’ which tourists love and appreciate
- Babru: Flavorsome Meals
- Kullu Trout fish: Scrumptious Delicacies
- Kaale Channe ka Khatta: Spicy Escapes
- Tudkiya Bhath: Delicious Bites
- Dham: Exceptional Thali Style
- Madra: Authentic Tastes
- Chha Gosht: Himachali Style Mutton Curry
- Siddu: Traditional Dish
- Bhey: Scrummy Delicacy
- Aktori: Festive Delight
- Mittha: Sweetened Rice
- Tibetan Dishes: Palatable Cuisine
1. 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
Restaurants: Himachali Rasoi, Shimla
Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200
Suggested Read: New Year Party In Himachal
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2. Kullu Trout Fish: Scrumptious Delicacies
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Kullu Trout Fish is one of the must-try dishes, especially for fish lovers. The most famous food of Himachal Pradesh, this amazing dish is served in the Kullu region and is prepared using minimal spices in order to bring out the natural taste of trout. The dish tastes best when you have it with boiled vegetables and therefore it is also one of the healthiest dishes of Himachal Pradesh. One can explore the various restaurants in Kullu to taste this scrumptious dish.
Where to try: Kullu
Restaurants: Highway On My Plate, Kullu
Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1400
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3. 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
Restaurants: Atithi Restaurant
Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500
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4. 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
Restaurants: Zaika Pishori Dhaba, Chamba
Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500
Suggested Read: 12 Best Places To Visit In Himachal In January For A Blissful Retreat
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5. Dham: Exceptional Thali Style
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Dham is an exceptional thali style food and a favourite of every tourist who visits Himachal. The dish in the thali includes rajma, dal, curd, rice, sour sauce and sweet. It guarantees great taste and the highlight of the dish is that it is prepared by special chefs. Hands down, savouring this palatable thali is one of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh.
Where to try: Manali and Chamba
Restaurants: Aashiana Restaurant
Price Range: ₹ 500 – ₹ 700
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6. Madra: Authentic Tastes
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
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
Restaurants: Atithi Restaurant
Price Range: ₹ 300 – ₹ 500
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7. Chha Gosht: Himachali Style Mutton Curry
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Chha Gosht is one of the most famous Himachali food. This delicious dish is prepared with marinated lamb and is then cooked in gravy of yogurt and gram flour. To enhance the taste of the dish, spices like coriander powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger garlic powder are also added.
Where to try: Chamba
Restaurants: Old Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba with Himachali Kitchen, Dalhousie
Price Range: ₹ 300- ₹ 600
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8. 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
Restaurants: Himachali Rasoi, Shimla
Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200
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9. 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.
Restaurants: Himachali Rasoi, Shimla
Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200
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10. Aktori: Festive Delight
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
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
Restaurants: Spiti Organic Kitchen, Kaza
Price Range: ₹ 200 – ₹400
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11. Mittha: Sweetened Rice
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One of the most toothsome dishes among Himachali cuisine, Mittha is the most sought-after sweet dish of Himachal Pradesh. This sweet dish is prepared on special occasions and comprises rice and dry fruits.
Where to try: All over the state.
Restaurants: Himachali Rasoi, Shimla
Price Range: ₹ 100 – ₹ 200
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12. 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
Restaurants: Tibetan Kitchen, Mcleodganj
Price Range: ₹400 – ₹700
Further Read: 14 Best Restaurants In Dalhousie That You Must Visit While You Are On A Trip To Himachal
The food culture definitely represents a lot about the lifestyle and people of a place. As you can see that the Himachal Pradesh Cuisines are a combination of nutritious and delicious food items, the whole experience will be worthwhile. There is nothing better than enjoying the scenic beauty of the state while eating appetizing food during a Himachal Pradesh Trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Himachal Pradesh Cuisine
What is the most popular dish in Himachal Pradesh?
Any of the pahari cuisine dish is well-liked by most of the tourists who visit here and you can try any of these dishes. But the most popular one is Dham and definitely worth a shot. Which cities are perfect to enjoy the varied cuisines of Himachal Pradesh?
The major cities in which you can think about trying out the varied cuisines of the state are:
1. Shimla
2. Manali
3. Kullu
4. Dharamshala Which are the spices that are used in abundance in Himachal Pradesh cuisine?
Local people in Himachal Pradesh prefer to use lots of spices especially red chillies, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom etc. which makes the dishes richly flavoured and aromatic. What are the Top 3 traditional dishes of Himachal Pradesh?
The top 3 traditional dishes of the state according to majority would be:
1. Sidu
2. Chana Madra
3. Kaddo ka Khatta Which sweet dish/dessert of Himachal Pradesh is the most recommended?
The local sweet dish that is really appreciated for its memorable taste is Mittha. It is basically a combination of sweetened rice, dry fruits including raisins. What is the famous food in Kullu?
You can try local delicacies here which includes Bhature, Kodra Roti, Jatu, Vada, Sattu, Patrodu, etc. What is the famous food of Manali?
The most famous dishes to eat in Manali are Dham, Red Rice, Kadhi Chawal, etc.
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