One of the best things about travelling in Himachal Pradesh is discovering what people eat there.
You may go there for the mountains, the weather and the views, but after a long day outside, sitting down for a hot local meal feels just as good. Manali, Kasol and Kullu all have something different on the menu. You will find traditional Himachali dishes, Tibetan favourites, café food and a few flavours that you might not expect to find in the hills.
If you are visiting this side of Himachal, here are a few things that are worth ordering.
If you want to taste something local, start with Siddu.
It is a soft steamed wheat dish with a filling inside and is usually eaten with ghee, chutney or a savoury side. It is simple, warm and quite filling.
You will find it in local eateries around the Kullu-Manali region, and it is particularly nice when the weather is cold.
Dham is a traditional Himachali feast that you may come across during special occasions.
It is not just one dish. Several preparations are served together, giving you a chance to taste different flavours in the same meal.
If you get the opportunity to have a proper Himachali Dham, don’t miss it. It is one of those meals that tells you a little about the food culture of the region.
Cold weather and a hot bowl of thukpa go surprisingly well together.
This noodle soup usually comes with vegetables, It is light enough to enjoy without feeling too heavy, but filling enough for a proper meal.
Momos hardly need an introduction.
You will find them in small cafés, food stalls and restaurants around Manali. Steamed or fried, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, they are an easy choice when you want something quick.
A plate of hot momos after spending a few hours outside is hard to say no to.
Kasol is where things get a little more interesting.
The food scene here has been influenced by travellers from different parts of the world, so along with local Himachali dishes, you will see plenty of Israeli-inspired food, Tibetan options and small café menus.
You will see falafel and hummus on the menus of many cafés around Kasol.
The combination is simple — crispy falafel with smooth hummus — but it makes for a satisfying meal. It is also a nice option when you want something lighter.
Yes, momos make another appearance here too.
They are one of those foods you can find almost everywhere in the hills. Kasol has plenty of small cafés and eateries serving different versions, so it is easy to grab a plate while walking around.
Kasol is also a good place to stop for something sweet.
Small cafés and bakeries serve cakes, breads, cookies and other baked treats. Sometimes, sitting down with a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake is all you need after a long day.
Kullu has a strong local food tradition, and some of the dishes here are closely connected with Himachali cooking.
Chana Madra is a traditional Himachali preparation made with chickpeas and yoghurt.
It has a rich, creamy gravy and is usually eaten with rice. If you prefer vegetarian food, this is one dish worth adding to your list.
After a meal, you can try Mittha.
It is a sweet rice preparation made with ingredients such as raisins and dry fruits. It is traditionally prepared during festivals and special occasions.
It is simple, mildly sweet and quite different from the desserts you usually find in restaurants
If you are looking for something that is easy to find, momos and thukpa are probably among the safest choices in Manali and Kasol.
But if you want to try the local side of Himachal, go for Siddu, Dham or Chana Madra.
And when you are in Kasol, the café menus give you a chance to try something different with shakshuka, falafel and hummus.
You don’t have to try everything. Pick a few dishes that sound interesting and see what you like.
There is something nice about trying local food while travelling.
Maybe it is a plate of Siddu at a small local place in Manali, a bowl of thukpa on a cold evening, or breakfast at a café in Kasol. These small moments often become part of the memories you take home.
So, when you visit Manali, Kasol or Kullu, don’t just eat what you already know. Try something local, ask what people recommend and leave a little space for one more dish.
You might just find your new favourite.
Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh from Ahmedabad?
Trekomania Adventures helps travellers plan trips to destinations such as Manali and Kasol, making it easier to explore the region and enjoy everything it has to offer.
To know more about upcoming trips and Himachal travel experiences:
Trekomania Adventures
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