Siddu with Desi Ghee or Mutton Curry: Himachal’s Signature Steamed Bun
Siddu is one of the most iconic Himachali street foods, especially popular in regions like Shimla, Kullu, and Rohru. This slow-steamed bun made from fermented wheat dough is filled with spicy lentils or poppy seeds. Traditionally served with homemade ghee, many street vendors now offer siddu with flavorful mutton curry, turning it into a hearty roadside meal perfect for chilly mountain evenings.
Where to try: Mall Road in Shimla and roadside stalls in Rohru and Kullu.
Crispy Babru: The Mountain-Style Kachori
Babru is a deep-fried snack similar to kachori but filled with a unique black gram paste that gives it a distinct earthy flavor. Often served with tangy tamarind chutney or spicy aloo sabzi, this crispy delight is a local favorite in Mandi and Solan.
Where to try: Street vendors and sweet shops in Mandi and Solan’s main markets.
Chana Madra: A Traditional Yogurt Curry on the Go
Chana Madra, a creamy chickpea curry made with yogurt and local spices, has made its way from festive kitchens to street-side stalls. Served with puri or rice, this mildly spicy yet rich dish is a convenient and delicious meal option found in towns like Chamba and Kangra.
Where to try: Small eateries near Chamba town and Kangra Valley roadsides.
Tudkiya Bhath: Chamba’s Spicy Rice Dish
Tudkiya Bhath is Himachal’s answer to comfort food. Cooked with rice, lentils, curd, and potatoes, this tangy and flavorful dish is seasoned with ghee, garlic, and whole spices. It’s slow-cooked over a wood fire, which gives it a distinctive smoky aroma.
Where to try: Roadside vendors and stalls in Chamba and rural areas of Mandi.
Mittha: Sweet Rice to End Your Food Trail
Mittha is a Himachali sweet dish made of saffron-flavored rice garnished with raisins, cashews, and almonds. Though traditionally reserved for special occasions, it’s also sold in small portions by vendors, especially during festivals or local fairs.
Where to try: Food stalls in Kullu during Dussehra and in Manali’s tourist zones.
Chha Gosht: Yogurt-Based Mutton Curry for Meat Lovers
Chha Gosht is a rich mutton curry from the Kangra region, cooked in a yogurt and gram flour base. While originally a home-style dish, it’s now served in small dhabas and roadside stalls, often accompanied by hot rice or chapati.
Where to try: Local eateries around Palampur, Kangra, and Baijnath.
Bhutte Ka Kees: Spiced Corn with Himachali Flavors
Although it originated in Madhya Pradesh, Bhutte Ka Kees has been adapted in Himachal’s hill towns like Dalhousie. Grated corn is sautéed in ghee with mustard seeds, green chili, and turmeric, making it a light and spicy snack, especially in monsoon.
Where to try: Street corners in Dalhousie and Manali during rainy and winter seasons.
Aloo Palda: Himachali Potato Curry for the Road
Aloo Palda is a creamy potato curry cooked in a tangy yogurt gravy with subtle spices. Though a traditional home dish, it’s commonly served at roadside dhabas in regions like Shimla, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur as part of a veg thali.
Where to try: Highway-side dhabas near Theog and Solan.
Gahat (Kulthi) Ka Soup: Warm Lentil Street Sipper
Popular in Spiti and Kinnaur, this horse gram soup is known for its warming properties. Seasoned with local herbs, it’s served in paper cups as a light but nutritious roadside snack, especially in winter.
Where to try: Small stalls in Keylong, Reckong Peo, and Sangla.
Thukpa: Tibetan Noodle Soup with a Himachali Twist
Found commonly in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Thukpa is a noodle soup influenced by Tibetan cuisine. Roadside versions include Himachali vegetables and spices, making it heartier and spicier than its Tibetan counterpart.
Where to try: Local stalls in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, and Bir.
Momos with Spicy Pahadi Chutney: A Hilltown Classic
Momos are a favorite in Himachal’s hill towns, especially in tourist spots. The twist? They’re served with a fiery red Pahadi chutney made from local chillies and garlic. Both steamed and fried versions are available, with fillings like cheese, spinach, and keema.
Where to try: Roadside momo stalls in Shimla Ridge, Manali Mall Road, and Dharamshala’s main square.
Explore Himachal’s Culinary Trails One Bite at a Time
Whether you’re exploring quaint villages or bustling tourist towns, Himachal’s street food scene offers more than just snacks it offers a cultural experience. From piping hot siddu to spicy momos and warming soups, each dish tells a tale of the mountains and the people who call them home.