Top 16 Traditional Food of Himachal You Must Try

Situated in the western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a scenic northern state in India famous for its handicrafts, beautiful but challenging terrain, natural beauty, and breath-taking sights of the mountains, rivers and valleys. 

Also popular is the Himachali food, which is an interesting mix of Punjabi and Tibetan cuisine. Lentils, rice, pulses, wheat bread and predominantly red meat constitute most of the food in Himachal.

Here are famous dishes of Himachal you must try during your family vacations in Himachal - 

• Thukpa

• Thenthuk

• Dham

• Sidu

• Madra

• Kullu Trout

• Chicken Anardana

• Babru

• Tudkiya Bhath

• Bhey

• Aktori

• Chha Gosht

• Mittha

• Aloo Palda

• Kadoo Ka Khatta

• Patande
   

• Thukpa

A noodle soup of Tibetan origin, Thukpa is popular in the Himachal food culture. It can be prepared in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian ways. A number of fresh vegetables, such as tomato, onions, spring onions, string beans, carrots, and chopped cabbage, can be added to the noodles, with or without meat or chicken. This is a spicy dish cooked with ginger garlic paste, chilli and sauces added as per preference.

• Thenthuk

A popular comfort dish of Himachal, especially to keep you warm in winter, Thenthuk is a form of Thukpa. The difference is that the noodles are handmade or rather hand-pulled from soft elastic dough, flattened and tossed in the broth with vegetables and meat.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Tourism: A detailed Guide for Family Trip To Himachal Pradesh

• Dham

One of the most popular Himachali food items, Dham, is usually prepared for celebrations using only lentils and dairy products. Rajma (red kidney beans) or chole (chickpeas) is cooked in yoghurt and served with accompaniments like Maash Dal topped with Khatta, a sweet and sour sauce made from tamarind and jaggery.

• Sidu

Sidu is a popular bread in the Himachali cuisine made out of wheat kneaded with yeast two hours before preparation, stuffed with mashed boiled green peas, roasted peanuts, walnuts, paneer (cottage cheese) and is usually paired with dal (lentils), ghee and green chutney.

• Madra

Madra, also known as Chana Madra is a popular yoghurt or curd-based gravy in Himachali cuisine. On oil or ghee sautéed assorted spices, the curd is brought to a boil and chickpeas (kabuli or white) soaked overnight are added and cooked until a thick gravy is formed. This is then served with roti or chapati garnished with dry fruits.

Also Read: 5 Rivers in Himachal Pradesh You Must Visit

• Kullu Trout

The icy-cold oxygenated water of Himachal makes an ideal breeding ground for the rainbow trout. This dish is prepared by marinating the fish in a variety of Indian spices, pan-frying it in mustard oil, garnishing it with a light lemon-onion sauce, and serving it hot on rice or with boiled veggies.

• Chicken Anardana

This is a Persian-influenced food of Himachal. To prepare this dish, chicken is marinated in garam masala and powdered, dried pomegranate seeds made into a sour-spicy yoghurt-based gravy, served with roti or rice.
Tender chicken gets a flavour boost from a spiced marinade with garam masala and tangy powdered pomegranate seeds. Chicken Anardana is cooked in a creamy yoghurt-based sauce for a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect with classic sides like roti or rice.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Tourism: A detailed Guide for Family Trip To Himachal Pradesh 

• Babru

Babru, a popular snack in Shimla, resembles North Indian kachoris. Made with wheat flour and black gram, this authentic Himachali food is readily available in local Shimla restaurants. Enjoy the crispy Babrus with a hot cup of tea, especially delightful in Shimla's chilly weather. Don't miss the chance to savour this Himachali kachori with tamarind chutney for an enhanced taste experience. 

• Tudkiya Bhath

Hailing from Chamba, Tudkiya Bhath stands out as a distinctive dish that transcends the ordinary realm of pulao. This food of Himachal is a flavourful mix of rice, ghee, lentils, potatoes, yoghurt, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, onions, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. It is rooted in Himachal Pradesh's culinary heritage and offers a rich and unforgettable taste. For the full experience, it's often served with mashed dal and a squeeze of lime juice. 

• Bhey or Spicy Lotus Stems

Among the many traditional foods of Himachal Pradesh, Bhey or spicy lotus stems is a beloved dish in Himachali households. The key ingredient is lotus stems, sliced and cooked with gram flour, ginger, garlic, onion, and spices like turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, and cayenne pepper, giving it a delicious flavour. Whether you're exploring different places in Himachal Pradesh, you'll find this authentic Himachali food enjoyed throughout the state. 

• Aktori

Very popular in Lahaul and Spiti, Aktori is a traditional dish of the Himachal cuisine. While it originated in Spiti Valley, people across the state love making and eating it. It's a festive dish enjoyed during celebrations. Making Aktori is quick and easy. It's like a cake or pancake, and its main ingredient is buckwheat leaves cooked with wheat flour, milk, sugar, water, and baking soda. If you try making it at home, the best way to enjoy it is by topping this sweet treat with honey or ghee. It's so delicious that you'll want to have it over and over again. 

• Chha Gosht

Chha Gosht, a traditional food of Himachal, is an instant favourite among hard-core non-vegetarian enthusiasts. For those who love meat, this dish is a fantastic choice. Chha Gosht features marinated lamb cooked in a flavourful gravy made from gram flour and yoghurt. With a mix of Indian spices like coriander powder, cinnamon, cardamom, asafoetida, bay leaves, cloves, and red chilli powder, along with ingredients like ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and onions, the dish offers a truly enriching taste. This culinary delight is a treat for your taste buds and a feast for your sense of smell and sight. While it originates in Chamba, you can find it served across the state. 

• Mittha

Mittha stands out as a delicious dish that you should definitely taste. This is one of the most loved dishes in Himachali cuisine. What's great about this Himachali treat is that you can find it all over the state. When it comes to making Mittha, this sweet dish is typically prepared on special occasions and includes rice, dry fruits, and raisins as its main ingredients. If you're someone who can't do without dessert, giving Mittha a try is a must. Its heavenly taste will leave you wanting more. 

• Aloo Palda

A well-known dish in Himachali cuisine, aloo palda is a delight that food enthusiasts highly recommend. In this tasty dish, tender potatoes are simmered in a hearty gravy made from either yoghurt or buttermilk. It's seasoned with ginger-garlic paste and spices like cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder, and chilli powder. Aloo palda is especially delicious when paired with makki ki roti and rice. Give it a try, and you'll likely find yourself craving more. 

• Kadoo Ka Khatta 

Kadoo ka khatta, an authentic Himachali food, is a sweet and sour pumpkin curry. It is prepared with tamarind, jaggery, and various spices. It's commonly served as a side dish with hot steamed rice during Mandayali Dham, a community midday meal with six to seven courses. In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, people also enjoy Kadoo ka khatta with Bhaturu (fermented wheat roti) and Kachori (fermented wheat roti stuffed with urad dal). The traditional method involves cooking it in an iron kadai (wok) using mustard oil and doesn't include onions, ginger, garlic, or tomatoes. 

• Patande

Patande is a breakfast dish originating from the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. This food of Himachal is often called the pancake of India. To make patande, a batter is created using wheat flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. This quick and simple dish doesn't require much time or complex preparations. With minimal spices, it's an ideal choice for both kids and adults.

The food of Himachal is heavily influenced by the availability of local ingredients. Also, traditional cooking methods contribute to the unique and rich flavours of Himachali cuisine. Hence, the best place to enjoy authentic Himachali food is indeed in Himachal.

Now that you are aware of the famous food items of Himachal Pradesh that pretty well reflect the rich food culture of the state, make sure you try most of them on your trip to this heavenly destination.

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