We all know that Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination that offers breathtaking views. But did you know that the region’s culinary heritage is no behind. The traditional recipes of Himachal with unique flavors is sure to elevate your experience in this wonderful state. Here’s a list of Himachal Pradesh food that will make every meal a memorable experience.
A Little About Himachal Pradesh And Its Cuisine
Fresh and nutritious cuisine is a vital aspect for the people of Himachal Pradesh due to the region’s relatively cold climate and demanding physical labor. To stay fit and healthy, the locals here consume a lot of fresh and nutritious food. Hence one can see the use of healthy cooking styles and ingredients that are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Majority of the dishes are vegetarian, but you can also see non-vegetarian food being cooked in the northern areas. Use of a lot of veggies and meat in the Himalayan Cuisine is very normal. Desserts too are quite healthy because of the use of jaggery instead of sugar.
Best Himachal Pradesh Food To Try
Here in this blog we will take you through some of the mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian traditional foods of Himachal Pradesh.
1.Bhey
Bhey or Spicy Lotus Stems is a spicy Himachal Pradesh food made with thin slices of lotus stems. This local delicacy with a flavorful mix of spices is enjoyed throughout the state. The mouth-watering Himachali food is made of tender stems of the lotus plant and various spices. It is generally served as an appetizer or side dish along with paranthas, chapatis, and rice. Its unique and satisfying taste showcases the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Type: Savory
Made With: lotus stems, ginger, garlic and a blend of aromatic spices.
Where To Try: Available throughout the state.
2. Madra
Madra is a popular food of Himachal Pradesh that showcases the state’s great food culture. It is made from soaked chickpeas/vegetables and seasoned with various spices. This lip-smacking dish has a curd-based gravy that brings about a delightful contrast to the dish. The wholesome and flavorful meal is generally cooked during festivals and other special occasions. Tastes best when eaten with rice, chapati or bread.
Type: Savory
Made With: chickpeas, yogurt, spices
Where To Try: Chamba and Kangra
3. Mittha
Mittha is one of the most loved sweet Himachal Pradesh foods to try. For those looking to end a great meal with a sweet, this dish should definitely be on your list. No feasts for special occasions, weddings, and parties go without this dish. The scrumptious sweet dish is made of simple ingredients but its heavenly taste will leave you wanting for more.
Type: Sweet
Made With: rice, dry fruits, raisins
Where To Try: throughout Himachal Pradesh
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4. Dhaam
Himachali Dham is not just a dish but a complete meal packed with nutrients. This traditional food of Himachal Pradesh comprises curd, fried dal, rajma, kidney beans, rice, kadi, salad and some jaggery. The dish is prepared during festivals and celebratory events by special chefs called ‘Botis.’ This scrumptious meal is a must try traditional food of Himachal Pradesh.
Type: Savory
Made With: dal, rajma, rice, curd, vegetables
Where To Try: Manali and Chamba
5. Aktori
Aktori is a sweet dish generally made during the festive season. Originating from the Spiti Valley, Aktori is like a delectable cake or pancake. Buckwheat leaves are cooked in wheat flour and then mixed with sugar, water, milk, and baking soda to make this traditional delight. The flavors of this simple yet tasty dish can be elevated by drizzling some ghee or honey on top of it.
Type: Sweet
Made With: wheat flour, buckwheat leaves, sugar, milk
Where To Try: Spiti Valley and Lahaul
6. Thukpa
Thukpa is another popular dish of Himachal Pradesh that is inspired from the Tibetan culture. It is a flavorful noodle soup made by adding mutton, chicken, vegetables and sauces. Cooking all the ingredients together makes for a nutritious and flavorful meal. This Tibetan delicacy is a must-try dish while visiting Himachal Pradesh. Thukpa is best enjoyed during chilly winter months.
Type: Savory
Made With: boiling noodles, fresh vegetables, chicken and meat
Where To Try: Dharamshala and McLeodganj
7. Babru
Babru is a traditional deep-fried bread that resembles the North Indian kachori. The puri made of wheat is stuffed with ground black gram to produce a distinct taste. It is basically a savory snack item to be had at tea time or as breakfast. Tastes best when served with sweet tamarind chutney or Chana Madra. The crispy exterior and soft interiors of the Babru creates a delightful culinary experience. A must try traditional food of Himachal Pradesh!
Type: Savory
Made With: wheat flour, black gram, spices, and herbs
Where To Try: Shimla
8. Siddu
Siddu is one of the most loved Himachal Pradesh food, mainly because of its method of cooking. This dish is cooked both on open flame as well as on steam. Siddu is basically a local bun made out of dough ferments for 4-5 hours. After fermentation the dough is made into small balls and filled with fat or any desired stuffing. The stuffed buns are then partially cooked on an open flame and then steamed until they are completely cooked.
Type: Savory
Made With: wheat flour, yeast, fat, grated coconut or poppy seeds
Where To Try: Shimla, Chamba, and Manali
9. Patande
Patande is an exclusive breakfast dish prepared with milk, sugar, wheat flour and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. It bears a great resemblance to the south India dosa. However the texture and taste of this breakfast food is more like the pancakes. Patande is generally consumed with ghee, jam or sauce.
Type: Sweet
Made With: batter of wheat flour, sugar, milk and baking powder
Where To Try: Sirmaur
10. Aloo Palda
A Himachali delicacy that every foodie will vouch for is the Aloo Palda. It is a dish that’s loved by both locals and tourists. This mouth-watering famous Himachal Pradesh food is made by cooking soft-boiled potatoes in a thick buttery gravy. The other spices and seasoning that goes into this dish makes it even more delicious. Himachali-style Aloo Palda is best served with rice or Makki ki roti.
Type: Savory
Made With: Potatoes, yogurt or buttermilk, ginger-garlic paste and spices
Where To Try: Kangra and Hamirpur
11. Chha Gosht
Chha Gosht or Himachali-style mutton curry is a traditional Himachal Pradesh food famous among hard-core non-vegetarian enthusiasts. The word Chha Gosht translates to ‘charcoal cooked lamb’ and as the name suggests the tender pieces of lamb are marinated and cooked on charcoal. The meat is then cooked in a rich gravy made of tomatoes, onions and various Indian spices. The enriching flavors of this delicacy is a pure delight to your taste buds.
Type: Savory
Made With: lamb, tomatoes, onions, spices and yogurt
Where To Try: Chamba
12. Trout Fish
The famous Trout fish is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor. For seafood lovers this special non-vegetarian delicacy is a must try when in Himachal Pradesh. The fish is caught from the streams of Kullu using traditional angling methods and then marinated with little spices. The use of less spices is to bring out the natural flavors of the fish. It is then grilled, fried, or baked and served with a drizzle of light lemon-onion sauce for that added zing.
Type: Savory
Made With: Trout fish, light spices, mustard oil
Where To Try: Kullu
Also Read: 12 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
FAQs
Mittha or Meethe Chaawal is the most famous dessert in Himachali Pradesh. The use of ingredients to make this sweet dish is simple but to taste the dish after it’s cooked is simply mouthwatering. This dish is generally served after a grand meal.
Himachal Pradesh is called the ‘food bowl of India’ because the state has abundance of fruits grown like apples, oranges, peaches, cherries, apricots, strawberries, kiwis, pears, plums, and more. Many of Himachals products have also received the GITag recognition for their uniqueness.
Some of the popular festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh are Losar in February, Doongri in May and Kullu Dussehra in October.
Siddu, Babru, Aktori and Bhey are a few of the many delicious breakfast foods of Himachal Pradesh.
