It doesn’t matter where in India you go, you will undoubtedly be taken aback by the diverse array of foods and eating customs that are practiced not only by the natives but also by tourists. Here in this blog, we’ll be looking at the famous Shimla food that you shouldn’t miss out on!
The lovely and bustling town of Shimla features winding lanes among pine trees, roofs designed in the Elizabethan style, and a delightful gastronomic culture that contributes to the creation of fairytale-like settings. It also offers stunning views of the snow-covered Mountains.
Shimla continues to be a well-liked option among the general population because it not only provides visitors with breathtaking scenery but also with a delectable opportunity to enjoy Shimla food that also attracts visitors, besides the scenic mountains.
Shimla Famous Food tour: Top 10 mouthwatering Shimla cuisine!
Siddu
One of the well-known Shimla famous food specialty, Siddu, is cooked with wheat flour and bears the name of the state. The cooking process for this recipe takes a little bit of time, but the end result is a delectable meal that is well worth the effort.
The wheat flour is stored for a minimum of four to five hours until the yeasts have had a chance to settle down. After being placed on the heat, the dough will be partially cooked at this point before being steamed and served.
While strolling around Shimla, experiencing the Shimla food culture through Siddu becomes a must for visitors, especially those who are foodies!
Thukpa
The winter weather of the northern Indo-Tibetan border region is perfectly complemented by this piping hot noodle soup, which may be produced by combining a variety of veggies and/or poultry.
The eastern region of Tibet is the place of origin for the traditional noodle soup known as thukpa. The Tibetan people and the Himalayan inhabitants of Nepal are known for their distinctive version of Amdo thukpa, which they call thenthuk.
Before you read ahead? Did you know PM Modi visited this coffee house in Shimla? To know about it, read here!
Kukrej/Kukrez
While fishing about the famous foods in Shimla Mall Road, you definitely can’t afford to skip Kukrej! To describe to you exactly what it is, you could call it fish fingers or seekh kebab, but in reality, it is a food that is entirely vegetarian. Mayonnaise, green chutney, and red chutney are the accompaniments that come with them. If you ever find yourself in Shimla, you should unquestionably give it a shot.
Mash daal
Don’t worry, by mentioning this we don’t intend to make you go through the monotonous lentil cooked in our homes, though it tastes like heaven right?
Talking about Mash Daal, it is perfect for people who are either bored of the fast Shimla food or are missing their home-cooked meal.
Split black lentils are used in the preparation of mash daal, also known more widely as askali dal. After soaking the beans for an entire night, cooking them under pressure, and finally simmering them in a pot with a heavy bottom while adding a saute of finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic that has been shallow fried in warm mustard oil, this particular dal will warm your heart
Quick Tip? To experience the tastiest Dal-Roti combo, make sure to combine it with either Naan or Siddu.
Chha Gosht
Chha gosht, which is also known as khatta gosht in the area, is a mutton curry that is prepared with an exquisite combination of besan, buttermilk, and a wide variety of flavorful whole spices and has become a must to try this Shimla famous food for tourists who prefer non-veg.
This curry is tangy, tantalizing, and unique in its own right. When it is served with a plate of rice that is piping hot, its rich and decadent gravy is sure to make you want to slobber all over it. A serving of rice accompanied by the meat and the sauce, which is rich and decadent, feels like heaven. The buttermilk, also known as chaas, contributes to both the sour taste.
Planning a tour to Shimla? Don’t miss out on booking your hotel in advance to avoid hiked tariffs and overbooked rooms.
Read here about the best budget-friendly hotels in Shimla!
Anardana Chicken
Anardana Chicken Himachali Style, also known as Pomegranate Chicken, is a chicken dish that is full of flavor and originates in Himachal Pradesh.
Cooking the chicken in fragrant spices and dried pomegranate seeds gives the dish a one-of-a-kind flavour profile that is uniquely acidic and tangy, as well as a colour that is pinkish-reddish is a must non-veg Shimla food that you shouldn’t skip!
Himachali Babru
The bhatura, which is common throughout North India, is quite comparable to the Himachali babru, which is popular in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba. There is a sweet and savoury variant of this deep-fried puri. The sweet version is loaded with jaggery syrup, and the savoury one is stuffed with soaked urad dal. It is a well-liked and delectable snack that is traditional to the cuisine of Himachal.
Kaale Channe ka Khatta
The pahadi meal known as Kaale Channe ka Khatta is typically eaten with rice and Madra across the state of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the cities of Shimla and Manali.
The meal has a sour flavour, and it is cooked with a variety of spices in order to appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. During your time in Shimla, you just must make time to indulge in this mouthwatering Shimla food speciality.
Trout Fish
One of the delicacies that everyone should taste, especially those who are into fish, is the Kullu Trout Fish. This amazing dish is the most well-known dish to come out of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is served in the Kullu region and is made with only a small number of spices in order to highlight the flavour of the trout. The dish tastes the finest when it is eaten with vegetables that have been boiled, and as a result, it is also considered to be one of the healthiest cuisines that can be found in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachali Dhaam
Together with its delicious flavour, Himachali Dhaam is a complete cuisine that claims to deliver a healthy amount of various nutrients. The meal consists of dal, rajma, rice, curd, boor ki Kadi, and may or may not have gur as an accompaniment (jaggery). Dhaam is a platter piled high with mouthwatering foods that are traditionally served at all of the festivities and celebrations.
Conclusion:
The diverse array of food and eating customs in India, specifically focusing on the Shimla famous food that visitors should not miss. Shimla offers a gastronomic culture that contributes to the creation of fairytale-like settings, making it a well-liked option for visitors.
The top 10 Shimla cuisines discussed in the article are Siddu, Thukpa, Kukrej/Kukrez, Mash daal, Chha Gosht, Anardana Chicken, Himachali Babru, and Kaale Channe ka Khatta.
The article also provides quick tips and recommendations for tourists, such as visiting Shimla’s famous coffee house and booking hotels in advance to avoid hiked tariffs and overbooked rooms.
People Also Ask About Shimla Food
What food is famous in Shimla?
The famous food in Shimla includes Siddu, Thukpa, and Kukrej for the starters, and Chha Gosht, Mash Dal, and Anardana chicken.
What is special in Shimla?
Besides mountainous regions such as Kufri and Mall Road, Shimla is special for food items such as Siddu, Babru, and Kukrej.