Famous Food Of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is not only known for its snow-clad mountains, adventure, lush green valleys, the tranquil atmosphere but yes it is also renowned for its mouth-watering dishes that one cannot afford to miss. The food culture represents a lot about the lifestyle of the locals of the place. There is nothing better than enjoying the picturesque beauty of Himachal Pradesh while having scrumptious food during a Himachal Pradesh tour. So on your next Himachal trip try some of the authentic and appetizing food that will surely make your day-

1. Madra

Madra is one of the famous dishes of Chamba and Kangra. Madra consists of soaked chana or Chickpeas. The chana is cooked in oil and spices like- cloves, cinnamon, cardamom cumin, coriander powder and turmeric powder. The spices enhance the taste of this dish. This dish goes best with both rice and chapatis. Madra is one of the dishes that represent the food culture of Himachal Pradesh. One can find this dish in every restaurant, at every festival or on every occasion.

2. Dhaam

On your next visit to Manali and Chamba do not miss to try Dhaam, a dish that includes dal, rajma, rice, cured, boor ki kadi and jaggery. Dhaam is a plate full of delicacies that are prepared on all occasions and festivals and are served on leafy plates, called "Pattal". The interesting thing about this dish is that it is prepared by special chefs known as Botis.  Make sure to visit Himachal during festivals to grab the best taste of Dhaam.

3. Tudkiya Bhath

Head towards the beautiful Chamba for this authentic mouth-watering pulao of Himachal Pradesh. This dish is prepared with lentils, spices, yogurt, potatoes with onions & tomatoes and is spiced with bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, red chili powder. Try this dish with mashed dal and lime juice that truly enhances the taste of this dish.

4. Bhey

Try this famous household dish of Himachal Pradesh that is prepared with lotus stems, ginger, garlic, gram flour and onions. Bhey is one of the most preferred dishes of Himachal and is enjoyed by people across the state.

5. Chha Gosht

Try one of the famous dishes of Himachal, Chha Gosht that is prepared with marinated lamb and is then cooked in the gravy of yogurt and gram flour. You can try this dish in Chamba. Spices like coriander powder, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger-garlic powder are added to enhance the taste of this dish.

6. Siddu

On your trip to Himachal do not miss to try Siddu, one of the famous Himachal Pradesh food found in Shimla, Kullu and Manali, prepared using wheat flour. The wheat flour is preserved for almost 5 hours until the yeasts settle down. The dough is filled with mutton and vegetables and then it is roasted directly on the flame to get it half cooked, then it is steamed for some minutes to keep the taste and nutrients of the dish to stay intact and nutritious.

7. Babru

The perfect evening snack, Babru is one of the famous Himachali food found in Shimla. It is a version of the popular kachoris of North India. It is prepared by stuffing soaked black gram daal into a whole wheat dough added with salt and baking powder. The patties are then rolled and deep-fried. This crispy kachori of Himachal, Babru, goes best along with tamarind chutney and a hot cup of tea. So on your next vacation to Shimla make sure to have Babru for a heavenly taste.

8. Aktori

Aktori, a festive dish, is prepared with Buckwheat leaves and wheat flour and is cooked in the form of a cake. Aktori is one of the most cherished dishes and is a famous food of Himachal Pradesh. This dish originated in Spiti valley and is enjoyed by people all over the state.

9. Kullu Trout Fish

For fish lovers, Kullu Trout fish is one of the must-try dishes. This amazing dish is served in the Kullu region and is prepared using minimal spices to bring out the natural taste of trout. This dish goes best with boiled vegetables and thus is considered one of the healthiest dishes of Himachal Pradesh.

10. Mittha

Try the sweetened rice, Mittha, one of the most favored cuisines of Himachal. Mittha is the most loved sweet dish of Himachal Pradesh and is prepared with rice cooked in sugar or jaggery and then it is garnished with raisins and dry fruits and is offered and prepared on special occasions.

11. Kaale Channe Ka Khatta

A Pahadi dish, Kaale Channe ka Khatta is usually served with rice and Madra in Kangra. This dish is sour and is prepared using a combination of different spices which makes this dish the most scrumptious one. Do not forget to try this dish on your next trip to Himachal Pradesh.

12. Tibetan Dishes

Tibetan dishes have gained much-much popularity in the state of Himachal Pradesh. On your next vacation to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala make sure to try some Tibetan dishes- LuchiPoti, Thukpa, momos, Thentuk and Tingmo that will surely be going to make your day.

13. Anardana Chicken

A must-try chicken dish is heavily loaded with spices and oil. The bronze colour is from hours of marination in-ground Anaardana or dry pomegranate seeds and chilies. Dry Anaardana seeds are used for the tangy taste. So make sure to try this scrumptious dish on your trip to Himachal Pradesh.

14. Auriya Kaddoo

Auriya Kaddoo or Kadoo Ka Khatta is surely a mouth-watering food prepared with pumpkin, spicy and tangy madra sauce and mango powder along with other spices. Try this Auriya Kaddoo on your next visit to Himachal Pradesh.

15. Patrode

One of the most famous dishes, Patrode is happily and fondly eaten in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This dish is prepared with the leaves of Arbi. The besan or gram flour paste is prepared with the spices and then this paste is spread all over the Arbi leaves. The Arbi leaves are then rolled and steamed for about 30 minutes. The steaming makes it half-cooked. After the steaming is done these rolled Arbi leaves are cut into slices and fried in oil. Patrode is eaten like a snack and best goes with a hot cup of tea and with chapatis.