Let’s be honest. When we think of a Shimla-Manali trip, we surely imagine misty mountains, pine-scented air, and postcard-perfect views, right? But here’s something most travellers don’t actually realise: Himachal Pradesh also has a food culture that is just as breathtaking as its landscapes!
And if you are booking a Shimla or Manali tour package, especially with Travassa, you have got the perfect excuse to eat your heart out. From piping hot Siddu to tangy Madra and sweet Mittha, Himachali cuisine is warm, wholesome, and full of soul.
Whether you are planning for a honeymoon in Manali, heading with your group, or simply planning a cosy family vacation, this food guide is all you need to spice things up. Let’s dig in!
If there’s one meal you must try in Himachal, it has to be the Dham! Served during weddings and festivals. Steaming rice, chana madra (chickpeas in a yoghurt-based gravy), moong dal, khatta (a tangy sauce made with tamarind or amchoor), and sweet rice, all served on a traditional leaf plate. And the best part? It is all vegetarian but bursting with bold flavours!
Pro tip: Ask your local host or guide if there is a fair or wedding happening nearby. Locals love sharing Dham with guests. It is truly a community affair!
You will easily find Siddu mostly in the Shimla and Kullu regions. It is a soft bread made from wheat flour and yeast, steamed to perfection and often filled with poppy seeds, walnuts, or even spicy mutton.
Pair it with ghee or spicy chutney, and you have the perfect winter snack! It is super comforting, especially after a long day of exploring old Manali lanes or catching snowfall in Kufri.
Madra is one of those dishes that lingers in your memory long after you have left Himachal. Made with soaked chickpeas or kidney beans and cooked in a spiced yoghurt gravy, it is so tangy, rich, and ridiculously satisfying! Try it with rice in a traditional dhaba or homestay. If you are doing the Manali-Kasol tour route, don’t miss out on this.
If you’re strolling through the bustling lanes of Shimla’s Lakkar Bazaar or Mandi’s old markets, look out for Babru. It is like a stuffed puri made with black gram paste and deep-fried till golden.
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside! And always served hot with tamarind chutney. It is surely the kind of snack you will dream about later.
Non-veg fans, rejoice. Chha Gosht is lamb cooked in a creamy, spicy gravy made with yoghurt and gram flour. It is slow-cooked, so the meat is always tender and full of flavour.
You probably won’t find this in big restaurants, but ask at small dhabas or your homestay in Kullu or Naggar. It’s authentic, rich, and perfect with a hot tandoori roti!
Not just your regular pulao. Tudkiya Bhaat is cooked with lentils, onions, potatoes, and spiced yoghurt. Served with lime and ghee, it is the kind of comfort food that warms your belly after a chilly trek.
Great for families on a Shimla-Manali tour package, especially if you are travelling with kids or elders who prefer lighter meals.
Mittha is a Himachali dessert made of sweetened rice and dry fruits. Think ghee, sugar, raisins, and nuts, all simmered together to create a simple yet heartwarming dish.
You won’t find this in restaurants often, but if you’re lucky enough to stay with a local family, ask them to make it for you. It is homestyle sweetness at its best.
Feeling adventurous? Try Lugdi, a local rice beer from the Lahaul and Manali region. It is fermented, fizzy, and slightly tangy. Not into alcohol? Go for seabuckthorn tea! A citrusy, vitamin-packed brew popular in Spiti!
A Himachali trip isn’t just about the places you visit. It is also about the people you meet, the traditions you experience, and yes, the food you taste. Whether you are calculating your Manali tour package cost, picking the perfect Shimla trip for couples, or booking a full-blown group tour from Delhi, make sure food is always a part of your itinerary.
And here’s where Travassa comes in.
We don’t just take you to the mountains. We help you experience them. Our Shimla-Manali tour packages are packed with local flavours, community connections, and real stories. From sipping chai in old mountain cafés to sharing a meal at a village home. We always make sure your journey is delicious from start to finish!
Explore Travassa’s handpicked tour packages today. Let’s go beyond the usual. Let’s actually taste the flavours of Himachal!
