The snow-clad mountains, the lush green valleys, the freshness in the air, tranquility in the environment, these are few things that describe Himachal Pradesh at its best. Himachali cuisines has a unique aroma as well as flavor to it due to the use of a lot of yoghurt and cardamom and cooking on slow flame. From the road vendors to the authentic cafes and restaurant, the Himachali people will pour their heart out in their dishes. The food culture here is defined by an amalgamation of different kinds of cuisines from across India.So come let’s know about some of the best, delicious, and finger-licking food of Himachal Pradesh.
1. Siddu
Made from wheat flour, Sidu is a local side- dish of Himachal Pradesh which greatly complements the main course of mutton or some vegetables. The preparation of Sidu is difficult and time-consuming, but for the taste that it renders, every minute of preparation is worth it. The wheat flour is kept for 4-5 hours for the yeast to settle down. Later, the dough is filled with fat and put on the direct flame to get the half-cooked dough. This partly cooked dough is then steamed to keep the taste and nutrients of the ingredients intact. Sidu can easily be found in the local restaurants of Himachal Pradesh to give tourists a flavour of Himachali cuisine.
2. Babru
The Kachoris are found in various parts of North India. But in this state they have given a new twist to this popular snack. Black gram paste is stuffed into the dough to get a special flat bread called Babru. The delectable crispy bite is served with tamarind chutney and generally served alongside the Chana Madra dish and makes a very healthy snack. This is one of the tourists’ favorite that is found in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
3. Dham
No festivities of Himachal are considered complete without Dham. It is a meal prepared by the Brahmins of the regions of Chamba by cooking red kidney beans (rajma), green lentils (moong daal) as well as rice in curd. It is offered teamed with mash daal, boor ki kari and sweet and sour sauce made from tamarind and jaggery (gur). It is traditionally served on plates made out of leaves.
4. Mittha
This sweet is served especially on the special festivals and occasions and ceremonies such as weddings, parties, etc. This traditional and authentic Himachali sweet dish is a mixture of rice soaked in sweet and filled with raisins and dry fruits. It is prepared all over the state of Himachal Pradesh.
5. Kaale Channe ka Khatta
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.
6. Aktori
Aktori is a festive dish which is very much enjoyed by the people of Himachal Pradesh during their festive time. Aktori is prepared in the form of a cake or pancake made with the buckwheat leaves which is further cooked in the wheat flour. Although, the dish originates in Spiti Valley but it is frequently prepared and fondly eaten all over Himachal Pradesh.
7. Chha Gosht
If you are wondering that all of the above dishes are only vegetarian then this one will surely make you happy. The delectable non-vegetarian dish is a traditional delicacy of Himachal Pradesh. It is made by lamb marinated in special way and the preparation is done in a unique way with yogurt, gram flour and different spices and masala. The thick gravy that is the curry in which the meat soaks and then it is consumed. It is one of the best non-vegetarian dishes of Himachal Pradesh. It is more found in the district of Chamba.
8. Kullu Trout
As the name suggests, this special non-vegetarian dish Kullu trout is made from trout fish and is prepared especially in Kullu region. That is how it has the name. At first, the fish is marinated, cooked soft in very less spice so that this way the taste and nutrition of the trout fish remains original. It is served with boiled potatoes or vegetables and is touted to be one of the healthiest and tastiest foods in Himachal Pradesh.
9. Tudkiya Bhath
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.
10. Madra
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.