Introduction
We all know Himachal Pradesh for its captivating beauty and serenity that lies in its atmosphere. With every breath taken, you can feel the essence of nature and some aroma of Pahadi spices being cooked in the kitchens.
The Himachali food is just like its people – simple yet incredible. The meals here are carefully prepared to include elements that keep people well-prepared for the tough climate and trails. The food habits in Himachal also witness variation with the changing season, where people prefer lighter, more energizing meals in the summer and warmer, heartier food in the winter to combat the cold.
Travellers will surely fall in love with Pahadi dishes, which are a must-try for you while exploring the towns in Himachal Pradesh. If you are planning a trip to Himachal, consider starting in Dalhousie, ‘the Switzerland of India.’ You can pre-book a comfortable stay at one of the top hotels in Dalhousie with the best views and enjoy the traditional cuisine while being incredibly close to nature.
Read More: 9 restaurants & cafes in Dalhousie that a foodie must visit
Now, let’s learn what dishes you must try in the hill towns of Himachal Pradesh.
Seven Authentic Dishes of Himachal Pradesh
Dham
Nothing is more profound, divine, or enticing than Himachal Pradesh’s tradition, Dham. Dham is also a vegetarian meal platter that includes a variety of dishes and is a great way to experience the local culture of Himachal Pradesh. Usually, it is offered at festivals and other special events.
Visiting Himachal during festivities is recommended to experience Dham’s luscious taste.
How is it Prepared:
The Dham thali is prepared by including multiple dishes “which are typically served in a specific order: rice, followed by dal, rajma, madra (channa), and kadi. The thali also includes a range of pickles, chutneys, and sweet dishes like mittha and mithi roti.
Where to Try:
Most Popular in Manali and Chamba.
Siddu
The Siddu is a traditional food item, primarily a regional side dish of Himachal. It frequently comes with the main course of mutton or any other vegetables to complement them. Although the dish requires a lot of preparation time, its taste is worth every minute spent cooking it.
This dish can often be found at restaurants in Himachal that serve it to give tourists a flavour of the delectable Himachali cuisine.
How is it Prepared:
It is made by stuffing wheat flour dough with a mixture of vegetables, cottage cheese, and spices and then steaming it.
Where to Try:
Popular in the entire Himachal Pradesh.
Tudkiya Bhath
Although it may seem simple, it is not a typical pulao you eat. Tudkiya Bhath is a famous dish of Himachal Pradesh loaded with flavours and draws its taste from numerous Pahadi ingredients. The dish is firmly rooted in Himachal Pradesh’s culinary tradition and is so flavourful that you can’t get enough of it.
You can try out Tudkiya Bhath with mashed dal topped with lime juice.
How is it Prepared:
This rice-based food is cooked with potatoes, lentils, and yoghurt in a hearty mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, cinnamon, and cardamom. A few drops of lime juice on the top of the dish further enhance the taste of this mouthwatering Himachali dish.
Where to Try:
Chamba
Chha Gosht
Chha Gosht is a mouthwatering and fiery lamb dish from Himachal Pradesh. While perfectly serving the taste of all spices marinated smoothly, this dish also gives a tangy flavour from the yoghurt-based gravy used for cooking the tender lamb meat.
This delectable cuisine in the hill towns of Himachal is perfect for non-vegetarian lovers.
How is it Prepared:
This delicious dish is made with lamb marinated and cooked in yoghurt and gram flour gravy. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic powder are also added to the recipe to improve the dish’s flavour.
Where to Try:
Chamba
Babru
This delicacy might remind you of the popular kachoris throughout North India. But at the same time, Babru is very different and has a distinctive flavour because of the black gram lentil filling, spiced with a mixture of aromatic spices.
During your next vacation in Himachal, don’t forget to try this crispy Himachali kachori with tamarind chutney for a delectable taste.
How is it Prepared:
Babru is prepared with flatbread dough packed with a sweet dal mixture of jaggery, almonds and urad dal/black gram dal.
Where to Try:
Aktori
Aktori is a royal cuisine of Himachal Pradesh, more on the lines of festive cuisine. It is prepared with lots of love and is happily enjoyed by the natives of Himachal Pradesh. This dish is a special type of cake or pancake, which has been an authentic recipe for generations.
People in Himachal usually enjoy it with a topping of ghee or honey that enhances the overall taste of Aktori.
How is it Prepared:
Buckwheat leaves are boiled in wheat flour, with additional ingredients such as milk, water, sugar, and baking soda to make Aktori.
Where to Try:
Lahaul – Spiti
Mittha
A bowl full of Mittha is among the best things for the people of Himachal Pradesh to satisfy their sweet tooth. This popular dish, mittha, has rice as its key ingredient and is further cooked with other dry fruits. The Himachali people typically prepare this delicious, sweet dish to commemorate important events. You can always enjoy it whenever you explore the hill towns in Himachal.
How is it Prepared:
This dessert is made with rice cooked in sweet sugar or jaggery, followed by the filling or garnish of raisins and other dried fruits.
Where to Try:
In all the cities and towns of Himachal.
The Bottom Line
Himachal Pradesh’s cuisine is as diverse and captivating as its geography and culture. Exploring the traditional food of this region is a must for any curious traveller. With an array of delectable dishes unique to each culture, your taste buds are in for a treat. So, while planning your itinerary, add some food adventures to your list and immerse yourself in the rich Pahadi culinary culture. Trust us; your trip won’t be complete without it!