Shimla has always remained a favourite travel spot for many people in India who wish to find some respite from their exhausting work routine, & spend quality time with their loved ones. The hilly capital of Himachal Pradesh has never ceased pulling tourist traffic with its enchanting natural beauty, snowfall, picturesque landscapes, colonial architecture, temples, tall pine trees, lofty Himalayas & fresh air. But apart from enjoying all these, you should also take advantage of your travel journey by feasting on the popular delicious foods of Shimla.
Among many of these food items, there are some popular ones which are a household feast in overall Himachal. Hence, if you wish to know about these food items, then join us in this blog, as we bring you a compiled list of delicacies that are commonly savoured by locals in Shimla.
Top delicious foods of Shimla you will enjoy feasting
When planning for your Shimla itinerary, check out the list of those top food items that locals love to feast on in Shimla.
- Thukpa
The list of Himachal cuisines in Shimla is complete, mentioning Tibetan cuisine, Thukpa. It is an ideal meal for both veg & non-veg eaters, made with different methods. The ingredients used to prepare it are spring onions, carrot, tomato, chopped cabbage, & string beans.
- Mash Daal
Coming on the next is Mash daal or Kali daal, made with black lentils. It is also one of the famous delicious foods of Shimla liked by people here. To prepare it, the locals soak it overnight. The next day, it is cooked in a pressure cooker. After that, they simmer it with chopped onion pieces, ginger, garlic paste, spices & tempered with mustard oil.
- Siddu
Siddu is a local food popularly consumed in all cities of Himachal, including Shimla. It is a steamed bread which is made from wheat flour. Locals eat it with black lentils, ghee, & green chutney. Its making takes a lot of time, hence, you must keep patience to savour it. Depending on the taste, this side dish is usually served with pan-fried vegetables or mutton.
- Aktori
When travelling to the most-visited tourist spots in Shimla, you should have the taste of Aktori. This famous Himachali pancake will tantalise your taste buds with its distinctive flavours. Locals prepare this dish by grating potatoes mixed with wheat flour, spices, & ghee to batter it. After that, they spread the battered portion on a hot grill. It is left to cook until it becomes crispy. It becomes a perfect breakfast meal served with chutney or dahi when finally prepared.
- Chicken Anardana
Have you ever thought of eating chicken with toppings of pomegranate seeds? If not, then you should try chicken anardana in Shimla. This flavoured recipe of Himachal Pradesh has been inspired by Persian cuisine. Now, coming to its preparation, the process starts from marinating the chicken with dried pomegranate seeds powder & yoghurt. It is then cooked in ghee with onions & spices, adding a pinkish-red colour to the dish. Afterwards, you can have it with parathas, rice, or chapatis.
- Dhaam
Next is Dhaam, a healthy-nutritious food to have in Shimla. The ingredients used to prepare this meal include mustard oil, lentils, buttermilk, yoghurt, garam masala, rice, sugar, & jaggery. Dhaam is a famous delicacy that is served on festive occasions. A term called ‘botis’ is given to special chefs who make it.
- Chha Gosht
Chha Gosht is a famous non-vegetarian meal in Shimla, which is made with seasoned lamb meat. It is prepared with ingredients including yoghurt, gram flour, & spices like cardamom, coriander powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, ginger-garlic paste, & bay fallen leaves.
- Gucchi Pulao
Gucchi Pulao is a delicacy filled with abundant flavours in the famous hill capital of Himachal. Before we brief you about how it is prepared, you should know the term ‘Gucchi’. It refers to morel mushrooms, known for their nutty & earthy flavour. Locals prepare this dish by cooking the mushrooms with sweet-smelling basmati rice, scented spices, & ghee, resulting in an aromatic dish served for its guests.
- Madra
Madra is a delicacy originally from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It features soaked chickpeas (chana) & is prepared with oil with other ingredients, including cumin, cardamom, coriander powder, cloves, cinnamon, & turmeric powder, to enhance the speciality of this meal. You will find it in every menu of the restaurants here.
- Sepu Vadi
Last on the list is Sepu Vadi, a traditional dish with diverse flavours to savour in Shimla. It comprises lentil dumplings made with spices, spinach, & ground lentils, which are then cooked in a zesty curry. The mixture of soft dumplings & flavoured curry results in a sweet blend of textures, enough to make you crave more.
Best staycation in Shimla to experience a memorable dining
If you plan to vacation in Shimla to explore the enchanting beauty of Shimla, & savouring the delicious foods, we suggest you book jüSTa Cliffend Resort & Spa. It is a 5-star luxury resort in Mashobra, a small hill town near Shimla. At this resort, you can expect all kinds of luxury amenities ranging from room categories to other. Whether you are a family vacationer or a lone traveller, you can experience a comfortable stay in one of the beautifully designed rooms with all world-class amenities. Besides these, you can indulge in rejuvenating sessions at its Sixth Sense spa, & dip into its infinity outdoor heated pool.
Now, coming to the dining part of this resort, there is Sabor (Multi Cuisine Restaurant) that serves its guests a wide range of Indian, Continental, & international cuisines. It is one of the best restaurants in Mashobra to consider for a memorable dining experience near Shimla. For beverages, you can visit its Kaafal Cafe (Cafe). Enjoy your evening by sipping coffee, tea, or any other hot or cold beverage. To indulge in an ultimate recreational experience, there is an AIR Bar (Rooftop Bar), where you can have your preferred mocktail or cocktail.
Conclusion
Shimla is a famous travel destination in Himachal Pradesh known for its gifted natural beauty & top attractions. Whether you are a family vacationer, adventure seeker, or honeymoon couple, in every manner, this hill station has something to offer for its travellers. Adding more excitement is savouring the delicious foods of Shimla that are very popular among the locals here. So, when visiting this hill station for your vacation, add these eateries to your Shimla itinerary list for a memorable journey.