1. Dhaam

Packed with flavours and nutrients, dhaam is a complete meal. It is more like what you call ‘thali’ in some states in India. The dish is composed of a spicy curry of red kidney beans, fried dal, aromatic rice, boor ki kadi, curd, sweets, salad and some jaggery. This wholesome and delicious cuisine of Himachal Pradesh is usually savoured by locals on festivals, marriages and other important occasions. What’s more, the restaurants in Himachal have special chefs called botis who prepare the most flavourful dhaam for customers. So, when you are in Himachal Pradesh next, make sure you try this scrumptious meal at least once.

  • Quick Tip: Visit Himachal Pradesh, especially Manali or Chamba, during festivities, to enjoy the best dhaam.

2. Madra

 A delicacy in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, madra or chana madra is a special dish that showcases the state’s unique food culture. It is prepared with soaked chickpeas or vegetables, with a range of spices like cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder and turmeric powder, adding a rich flavour to it. Visit any restaurant in Himachal and you can find this lip-smacking dish there. Yes, it’s that popular! Like dhaam, this famous food of Himachal Pradesh is commonly cooked by locals during festivals and other special occasions. 

  • Quick Tip: Madra tastes best with chapatis, rice and another traditional Himachali dish called babru.

3. Babru

Babru

Although it looks like the kachoris available in North India, babru is prepared differently and has a unique flavour. This lip-smacking dish of Himachal Pradesh is a flattened bread or puri made of wheat flour. It has a flavourful stuffing of black gram paste and is served with sweet tamarind chutney in most local eateries around the state. You can also relish it with chana madra; it tastes equally amazing that way. Once you taste babru, you will forget about regular kachoris.

  • Quick Tip: Babru is best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, especially during the cold winter months.

4. Siddu

Counted among the most-loved traditional foods of Himachal Pradesh, siddu is a must-have for anyone visiting the state. It is basically a local bun with a special filling. Siddu is prepared with a dough of wheat flour and yeast that is filled with fat before cooking. The way it is cooked is what makes it more special and delectable. The dough is first placed on direct flame and roasted for a while. The same dough is then steamed until fully cooked. This special cooking method is used by locals to keep the taste and nutrients intact. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? 

  • Quick Tip: You can try siddu with a Himachali main course dish like vegetables or mutton.

5. Kaale Channe Ka Khatta

 Prepared with boiled black chickpeas, kaale channe ka khatta is a sour and spicy delicacy native to the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. The dish is prepared by boiling black chickpeas and then cooking them in a variety of spices, such as cumin seeds, asafoetida, fennel seeds, coriander powder, mint powder, and salt. Green chillies, tamarind, and wheat flour or rice flour are also added to the dish for better flavour and consistency. This traditional food of Himachal Pradesh is commonly relished with madra by locals. 

  • Quick Tip: Kaale channe ka khatta can be spicy for little kids, so keep that in mind.

6. Mittha Bhaat

When you find yourself craving something sweet, a bowl of mittha is all that you need. Mittha is a popular sweet dish made with sweetened rice, saffron, raisins and dry fruits. The people in Himachal usually make this scrumptious sweet dish to celebrate special occasions and ceremonies. It is easily available throughout Himachal Pradesh, so you can easily relish some whenever you get a chance. 

  • Quick Tip: If you like to end your meals on a sweet note, mittha is the best option.

7. Aloo Palda

A famous food of Himachal Pradesh, aloo palda is one such delicacy that every foodie will vouch for. To make some delicious aloo palda, soft-boiled potatoes are cooked in a thick gravy of either yoghurt or buttermilk. The dish is flavoured with ginger-garlic paste and some spices like cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder and chilli powder. Aloo palda tastes best with makki ki roti and rice. Try it once and you will surely come back for more. 

  • Quick Tip: The eateries in Hamirpur and Kangra serve the best aloo palda in Himachal Pradesh.