A trip to Himachal is on the bucket list of every travel seeker. And why not? The place is famous for its lush green mountains, vast expanses, natural lakes, temples, monasteries, and much more.
Broadly, it is an absolute package for travel enthusiasts. Yet apart from its natural and cultural heritage, Himachal is (also known) for its delectable cuisine. If you visit Himachal, you cannot leave without trying the appetizing delicacies of the state.
Each dish you taste in the region is loaded with fragrant spices, prepared in traditional ways - giving you a unique culinary experience. Himachal offers something for every palate, so let us look at the top 10 conventional dishes of Himachal you should definitely try on your next trip.
Madra originates from the Chamba district in Himachal. Madra (is made) from soaked chickpeas (also the main ingredient). It is cooked well in oil with aromatic spices such as cumin, cardamom, turmeric powder, cinnamon, cloves, yogurt, potatoes, etc.
There is a peculiar taste in Madra, which you will enjoy as a food lover. In fact, Madra is the main dish of Himachal, making it a significant part of the state's cuisine. The best part is that it is not too spicy and it (can be savored) by people of all ages. When in Himachal, make sure you don’t miss Madra.
Have you heard about Siddu? If you are a true food lover, then you might have heard about this delectable dish. It is one of the most loved foods of Himachal, made from walnuts and wheat flour.
You can have Siddu in Shimla, Manali, and Chamba. Though the taste of Siddu is wholesome, preparing the dish can be time-consuming. It takes about 5 hours for the yeast to settle down (for the dough).
After which, the dough is filled with walnut filings and (is steamed) for 20 minutes. Traditionally, you can have siddu as a main course dish. Also, most restaurants in Himachal offer this delectable dish on their menu.
The next traditional food you must have in Himachal is Dhaam. It is a (customary) thali of Himachal, which takes you on a splendid culinary ride. Along with taste, the thali is also high in nutrient content.
Dhaam thali includes rajma, rice, boor ki curry, curd, and jaggery. Dhaam is prevalent in Chamba and Manali and (is savored) by tourists who visit Himachal.
And you know the best part? The dishes of Dhaam (are prepared) by botis (special cooks of the region). Also, you can savor the thali during Himachali festivals. Make sure - you have this delightful treat on your next Himachal trip.
Aktori is a popular dish of the Lahaul and Spiti region. It is prepared during significant festivals and savored by locals of Himachal. Aktori is much like - a pancake prepared from buckwheat leaves and wheat flour. Ideally, the flour (is cooled) in milk, water, sugar, and baking soda.
If you have a sweet tooth, you will definitely enjoy this traditional Himachali food. To enhance the taste of the dish, you can top it with Himachali honey or ghee. Most tourists prefer adding ghee on top for taste.
Mittha is again a dish for sweet lovers. With its distinctive sweet taste, it will surely melt your heart. Though rice is the main ingredient of Mittha, raisins and other dry fruits enhance the flavor of this delectable dish.
In Himachal, Mittha (is prepared) on special occasions. But if you happen to opt for a homestay, you can request the owner (to make) this delectable dish for you.
After all, who would miss the best dish of Himachal, right? Also, a traditional Himachali thali is incomplete without Mittha. You’ve got to taste this one on your trip!
Babru is a famous food of Shimla and looks like a Kachori. In Himachal, it is served as a snack - a perfect partner with tea. Traditionally, Babru is made from black gram and wheat flour, though there are other variations available.
Most tourists love to savor Babru with spicy chutney. If you love street food, you must definitely try this tasty traditional snack dish in Himachal. Perfectly crispy, the dish will give you a warm feeling - in the chilly winter season. Ideally, most restaurants also serve Babru, and you can savor its taste locally.
Your Himachal trip will be incomplete without Spicy lotus stems or Bhey. This one (is prepared) in almost all the regions of Himachal. Though it has a distinctive taste of its own, adding different spices to it makes it more delicious.
Traditional spicy lotus stems (are cooked) with spices such as turmeric, coriander, and chilli powder. Also, garlic, ginger, and onions (are added) to enhance the flavors.
If you love spicy food, you can also ask for cutsomization by adding some pepper powder. Alternatively, you can also have this in curry form, available in many regions.
Tudkiya Bhaath originates from Chamba and is a traditional dish of Himachal. Much similar to pulao, the Bhaath (is made) from veggies and authentic spices.
This dish draws its rich flavors from garlic, ginger, bay leaves, yogurt, lentils, and, of course, ghee. The taste of the Bhaath is so mouth-watering that you will ask for more.
Aslo, as it (is served) with lime juice and mashed dal, you can experience a burst of flavors. What sets this apart is the simple flavors and traditional taste. Do have this dish on your next trip to Himachal.
When in Himachal, you simply can’t miss this classic dish. It is often served with Madra and other Himachali dishes. Traditionally, it is (prepared) with boiled black chickpeas, spices, mint powder, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and other aromatic spices.
Also, as it's quite prevalent in the Kangra district, you can taste the dish in the region for authentic flavors. Locals in Himachal relish the dish with rice and Siddu. Though it's a complementary dish in the Himachali thali, you will love its flavors (for sure). Try this dish to relish its flavors in the region.
Your culinary delight is incomplete without Tibetan dishes. Of course, Himachal has a dominance of Tibetan culture, which is why you can see many dishes prepared in Tibetan style.
One of the most popular dishes - you can taste is Thukpa. The dish (is prepared) with onions, carrots, veggies, and hand-pulled noodles with seasoned ginger and garlic paste.
It is simple, warm, and comforting. A bowl of Thukpa on a chilly winter night is something you will cherish in Himachal. The flavors are simple, yet the taste is delectable. Also, most Himachali restaurants serve this traditional Tibetan dish.
Wrapping up,
Himachali cuisine is nutrient-dense despite being simple. If you are a food lover, you will surely enjoy this culinary experience. As the ingredients (are sourced) naturally, they offer unmatched flavors to the dishes.
Now you know - what you should have on your next trip. Every dish you taste will take you on a different culinary ride. After all, Himachal offers nothing but the best to travel seekers, so why should food be left behind?
On your next trip, make a list of all the mouth-watering dishes you are going to taste. Every dish will leave a lasting impact for sure!