However, Shimla is not only about the foggy hills, old-world charm architecture, and walking on the Mall Road; rather, it is also a hill station that offers an exciting culinary culture. Himachali cuisine is all about simple and wholesome food that uses the products available locally, such as wheat, lentils, dairy products, and mountain spices.
In case you are planning to visit Shimla soon or would like to know about the foods enjoyed by the local population, then here are 10 Himachali foods that should be on your must-eat list.
1. Himachali Dham
Dham is the most prestigious festival dish in Himachal Pradesh that you have to taste at least once while visiting the region. Usually, it is prepared and served during festivals and weddings; this is an entire vegetarian dish, which typically consists of rice, rajma/madra, dal, curd, boor ki kadi (curry made out of gram flour) and sweet rice. The dish is usually served on leaf plates and cooked by the chefs called ‘botis’ in the region.
Where to try: Traditional Himachali restaurants in Shimla, like Himachali Rasoi, offer the Dham dishes throughout the year.
2. Siddu
Siddu is Shimla’s version of comfort food; it is soft, steamed bread made of wheat flour and yeast and usually filled with various stuffings like walnuts, poppy seeds or lentils. In the wintertime, it is usually accompanied by butter (ghee) or lentil curry.
If you are in the mood for tasting Himachali breads, then try Siddu; it is very tasty and filling and the real Himachali food, not the tourist’s one.
Where to try: Local dhabas in Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar prepare some of the best Siddu.
3. Madra (Chana Madra)
Madra is one of the most iconic Himachali dishes, and you’ll find it on nearly every local menu in Shimla. It’s a rich, yoghurt-based curry made with soaked chickpeas (chana) and a blend of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cumin. The dish actually originated in the Chamba district but has become popular across the state, and it’s often served during ceremonies and celebrations.
Pair it with steamed rice or hot chapati for the full experience.
Where to try it: You’ll find good Madra at almost any local eatery in Shimla, including Baljees and Himachali Rasoi.
4. Chha Gosht
For meat lovers, Chha Gosht is one of Shimla’s most talked-about non-vegetarian dishes. It’s a slow-cooked mutton curry made with yoghurt, gram flour, and a mix of warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender while the gravy turns thick and deeply flavorful.
Where to try it: Full-meal restaurants around Shimla, including spots near Lower Bazaar, are known for serving authentic Chha Gosht.
5. Babru
The Babru can be viewed as Himachal’s own kachori. This dish consists of stuffing the urad dal paste in dough, flattening it and frying in oil till it gets crispy. The babru can be enjoyed with tamarind chutney, giving it a tangy taste. It is popularly served as street food and as an accompaniment in the state of Himachal.
Where to try it: Babru can be found at the street food stalls located in the Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road area of Shimla.
6. Tudkiya Bhath
This one-pot meal consists of rice, lentils, potatoes, curd and various whole spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, and it is usually eaten during festive days. As it is a one-pot dish, it can be eaten for its filling properties.
Where to try it: It can be found at the authentic Himachali restaurant located in the areas of Mall Road and Lower Bazaar.
7. Aktori
Aktori is a lesser-known but distinctly Shimla dish — a traditional Himachali pancake, often made using buckwheat flour along with local spices. It has a unique texture and flavor compared to regular pancakes, and it’s worth trying if you want something outside the usual curry-and-rice format.
Where to try it: Traditional Himachali restaurants like Himachali Rasoi occasionally feature Aktori, especially during the colder months.
8. Anardana Chicken (Chicken Anardana)
If you like tangy, bold flavours, Anardana Chicken is for you. This Himachali chicken dish is marinated and cooked with dried pomegranate seeds (anardana), giving it a distinctive sweet-and-sour taste along with a reddish-pink colour. It’s a popular non-vegetarian pick at Shimla’s street food stalls and local restaurants alike.
Where to try it: Street food vendors near Mall Road and full-service Himachali restaurants both serve a good version of this dish.
9. Mash Daal
Mash Daal is prepared using split black lentils (ma ki daal) and is an excellent example of simple and rustic Himachali-style cooking. The preparation involves soaking the lentils and cooking them under pressure, followed by boiling them with onion, ginger, garlic and other spices; it is usually tempered in mustard oil. The preparation is so versatile that you will find it in almost all dhabas in the area and complements well with rice and rotis.
Where to have it: It can be found in any dhaba in Shimla in a home-style Mash Daal preparation.
10. Mittha
No Himachali meal can be considered complete without having something sweet to eat, and this traditional sweet dish made with sweet rice, dry fruits and saffron makes an excellent end to your Himachali meal; it is usually served as the last dish in a Dham feast.
Where to have it: Mittha is usually served with Dham in local restaurants such as Baljees and Himachali Rasoi.
Tibetan Influence in Shimla’s Food
Shimla’s food scene isn’t limited to Himachali dishes alone. Thanks to a strong Tibetan community in the region, dishes like momos and Thukpa (a warm noodle soup) are hugely popular, especially around Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar. If you’re visiting Shimla during the colder months, a bowl of hot Thukpa or a plate of steamed momos is worth adding to your food list.
Where to Eat Local Food in Shimla
- Lakkar Bazaar and Lower Bazaar – for street food, chaat, and quick bites
- Mall Road area – for a mix of local restaurants and cafes serving Himachali thalis
- Local dhabas – often the most authentic and budget-friendly option for Siddu, Dham, and Mash Daal
Final Thoughts
Shimla has a cuisine of its own. Its cuisine is conceived from simple ingredients, mountain spices, age-old recipes and love. Whether it’s Siddu to get you through a cold morning or a loud Dham feast at a local Baisakh, the ten dishes mentioned below will give you a true taste of Himachali food. On your next visit to Shimla, don’t forget to skip tourist cafes at least once and have a hearty meal at a local dhaba.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular food in Shimla?
The most popular food in Shimla would be Himachali Dham, Madra, Siddu, and Chha Gosht if you wish to taste both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Is the food of Shimla spicy?
Generally speaking, the food of Himachali people is mildly spiced. It makes extensive use of aromatic whole spices rather than spicy ingredients.
What can vegetarians try in Shimla?
The best vegetarian dishes that vegetarians could try while in Shimla are Himachali Dham, Madra, Siddu, Babru, and Aktori.
What is Dham in Himachali cuisine?
Dham is the name of a special festive food that is served as a complete vegetarian platter including rice, lentils, curries, and sweets that are traditionally served during weddings.
Where could one taste authentic Himachali food in Shimla?
One can enjoy authentic Himachali food in Shimla in traditional restaurants and dhabas located in Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar.
