Traditional Foods of Himachal Pradesh that You Must Try

Himachal Pradesh is a captivating synthesis of the natural world's splendour and man-made wonders, tucked away cosily in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. Whatever your interests as a tourist are, it is without a doubt one of the top destinations to visit in India. After taking in the state's breathtaking sights, Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer, for instance, if superb food is constantly on your mind. Therefore, be sure to sample its delectable selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine on your next trip. Lentils, pulses, rice, and red meat make up the majority of the meals of Himachali, also known as pahadi cuisine, which is an intriguing fusion of Tibetan and Punjabi cuisine. The meals are flavorful and enticing since they are prepared using the finest spices.

1. Dhaam

Dhaam is a full supper that is bursting with tastes and minerals. In other Indian states, it is more akin to what is known as 'thali'. Red kidney beans are cooked in a hot curry together with fried dal, fragrant rice, boor ki kadi, curd, desserts, salad, and some jaggery. Locals typically enjoy this healthful and delectable cuisine of Himachal Pradesh during holidays, weddings, and other significant occasions. Additionally, expert chefs known as "botis" cook the most flavorful dhaam for clients at the restaurants in Himachal. So be sure to sample this delectable dish at least once the next time you are in Himachal Pradesh.

 2. Madra

Madra, also known as chana madra, is a specific dish that is a delicacy in the Himachal Pradesh area and highlights the region's distinctive culinary tradition. It is made using chickpeas or vegetables that have been soaked, as well as a variety of spices that give it a deep flavour, including cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. This mouthwatering dish may be found in any restaurant in Himachal. Yes, it is that well-liked! Similar to dhaam, residents frequently prepare this popular dish from Himachal Pradesh at festivals and other special occasions. 

3. Babru

Although babru has a similar appearance to the kachoris sold in North India, it is made differently and has a distinctive flavour. This mouthwatering Himachal Pradeshi cuisine is a flattened wheat flour puri. Most regional restaurants in the state serve it with sweet tamarind chutney and a flavorful black gramme paste stuffing. You may also eat it with chana madra; the flavour is just as fantastic. Once you've had babru, you won't want to eat conventional kachoris again.

4. Kullu Trout Fish

This non-vegetarian delicacy in Himachal Pradesh is a must-try if you enjoy eating fish. To preserve the flavour and nutrients of the trout, Kullu trout is prepared in a unique method by marinating the fish and frying it with few spices. A little lemon-onion sauce is drizzled on top after the fish has been pan-fried in mustard oil to enhance flavour. This well-known Himachal Pradesh dish is typically served with rice and boiled veggies, making it a delicious and healthful alternative for lunch or dinner. 

 5. Siddu

Siddu is a must-try for everyone visiting Himachal Pradesh as it is one of the state's most adored traditional dishes. Essentially, it is a local bun with a unique filling. Wheat flour and yeast are used to make the dough for siddu, which is then filled with fat and baked. It is the way it is prepared that makes it more unique and delicious. First, direct flame is used to roast the dough for a bit. The same dough is then steam-cooked to completion. Locals employ this unique cooking technique to preserve the minerals and flavour of their food. It sounds incredible, doesn't it? 

 6. Aktori

Aktori is a unique cake or pancake that the people of Himachal Pradesh enjoy, made from buckwheat leaves. This delicious cuisine, which comes from the stunning Spiti Valley, is now prized throughout the entire state. Buckwheat leaves are boiled in wheat flour along with additional ingredients such as milk, water, sugar, and baking soda to make aktori. Aktori, a tasty festival feast that's simple to make, is one of Himachal Pradesh's best cuisines. It will taste much better if you drizzle some ghee or honey on top. 

7. Bhey

One of the most well-known dishes you must taste on your upcoming vacation is this Himachal Pradeshi traditional food. Lotus stems are chopped into pieces and fried with ginger, garlic, onion, gramme flour, and a variety of spices to make bhey, which has a mouthwatering flavour. You can simply taste some whenever the mood strikes you because the meal is readily available at numerous restaurants throughout the state. 

 8. Chha Gosht

If you enjoy eating new non-vegetarian meals, Chha Gosht in Himachal Pradesh is a must-try. Small slices of lamb are marinated for a while to make this delicious dish. After being marinated, the meat is cooked in a flavorful gravy made with ginger-garlic paste, yoghurt, gramme flour, and a few Indian spices including bay leaf, asafoetida, cardamom powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. One of the well-known dishes of Himachal Pradesh is chha gosht, which is enjoyed by both residents and visitors. 

9. Kaale Channe Ka Khatta

The Himachal Pradesh region of Kangra is home to the sour and spicy dish known as kaale channe ka khatta, which is made using black chickpeas that have been boiled. Black chickpeas are cooked in the recipe by first being boiled, followed by the addition of salt, cumin seeds, asafoetida, fennel seeds, coriander powder, and mint powder. For improved flavour and consistency, green chilies, tamarind, and wheat or rice flour are also added to the dish. Locals frequently enjoy this Himachal Pradesh traditional dish with madra. 

10. Tibetan Thukpa

Numerous Tibetan Buddhists live in Himachal, and the northern region of the state is heavily Tibetan-influenced. So you may get a variety of delicious Tibetan meals in the restaurants that are all around Himachal Pradesh. One such delicacy that connoisseurs just must experience is Tibetan thukpa. Essentially, it is a type of noodle soup that can be made with or without meat. Along with boiling noodles, the vegetarian option includes a variety of fresh veggies like carrots, onions, tomatoes, and cabbage.

Chicken or meat is cooked with vegetables in non-vegetarian thukpa. This wonderful noodle soup is a must-try because of the sauces, chilies, and ginger-garlic paste that boost its flavour.