Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is known for its spectacular beauty and wonderful local cuisine. It is popularly referred to as ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and also known for its delicious food that is unique to this city. Shimla has a wide range of food options, with something to suit every taste.
One of the most famous foods in Shimla is Chaat. It is a street food that originated in North India and is extremely popular in Shimla. Chaat is made by combining boiled potatoes, onions, tomatoes and spices, topped with crunchy sev and served with chutney. It’s not just the taste but also the texture that makes Chaat so unique and tasty.
Another popular dish in Shimla is Dal Makhani, which is a rich lentil-based dish cooked with cream, butter and tomato puree.
The creamy texture combined with the rich spices makes it a dish that cannot be missed when visiting Shimla.
Chholey Bhaturey is another must-try when visiting Shimla. This dish consists of fried bhaturas served with spicy chickpeas cooked in tomato gravy and topped off with coriander leaves. The combination of the soft bhaturas and spicy chickpeas makes it an irresistible meal.
Momo is another popular snack found in Shimla. Momos are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or minced meat, served hot or cold accompanied by a spicy dip or chutney. Momos are usually eaten as an evening snack but can also be enjoyed as part of any meal.
Dhaam, which literally means ‘grand feast’, is a traditional Himachali delicacy that can be found in many restaurants across Shimla. It consists of dal (lentil curry), rice, yogurt raita, pickles and other accompaniments like papad or roti making it a complete meal.
Kullu Trout (locally called Gheshu) is one of the most famous dishes from Himachal Pradesh which can be found in many restaurants across Shimla. This dish consists of fresh trout cooked in a spicy masala gravy made from tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste and other spices.
Sharbat-E-Khus (sweet basil drink) can be found in many street side stalls during summer season when temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the day.
Conclusion: From Chaat to Sharbat-E-Khus, there are numerous local dishes that are unique to Shimla which make it an ideal destination for food lovers looking for something different than their usual fare. So if you’re ever planning to visit this beautiful hill station then don’t forget to try out these delicious local delicacies!