A GUIDE TO 10 TRADITIONAL DISHES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Mountain view from Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh by Shruti Sona is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Himachal Pradesh has a lot of craze among people for its alluring views , vibrant culture and mouth watering food. Himachal Pradesh might be one single state but has 12 different districts with their own specialities and something different to offer. Each district is beautiful in its own way. Like its people, the state and its food is also very welcoming. The vibrant flavours of Punjabi and Tibetan food beautifully influences the taste and traditions of this state. In this blog, we are going to talk about 10 traditional dishes of Himachal Pradesh.

TRADITIONAL FOOD OF HIMACHAL PRADESH: 

•  Siddu
•  Dhaam
•  Madra
•  Khatta
•  Meetha
•  Redu
•  Babru
•  Aktori
• Patrodu
•  Kullu trout fish

1. SIDDU –  Siddu most probably holds the core of the heart of every Himachali. One of the most popular foods of Himachal Pradesh and mainly a dish of the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh. It is made from wheat flour and usually takes a lot of time and effort to make it. But all the time invested is paid off when you get to eat it. Also known as the big momos of Himachal Pradesh, Siddus are the must-haves for when you visit this state. 

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Best tastes with : Ghee

Best served : Kullu 

2. DHAAM – It is a full package of nutrients which mainly includes rice, Madra, Khatta, Meetha, Matar Paneer, Sepu Badi ,etc. It can be found in every district of Himachal Pradesh with a few additions and subtractions . It is mainly made during festivals or to celebrate something. The people who make Dhaam are known as ‘botis’ and it is eaten on leaf plates called ‘pattals’.

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Best served : Kangra

3. MADRA – It is primarily made with chana (chickpeas) but in some areas it is also made with ‘rongi’ , ‘rajma’, or other vegetables. Like Dhaam, it is also a celebratory dish and  holds a very special place in every Himachali’s heart. It is the authentic Himachali food that you can even die for. 

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Best tastes with : Rice 

Best served : Chamba

4. KHATTA – Also known as ‘kaale chane ka khatta’, this dish has a sour and tangy taste and  goes well with cooked rice. It is more like a side dish that enhances the flavor and taste of your food. A finger lickering dish that you must taste at least once in a lifetime.

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Best tastes with : Maa chane ki daal and rice

Best served : Kangra

5. MEETHA – This dish is also mainly served during festivities or celebrations. Every district has their own variations and distinctions of meetha . It is best enjoyed after meals as a sweet dish. It is also served in Dhaam and if you ask any 10 Locals their favourite dish or for which dish they wait the most for in a dhaam? Majority of them would answer  with “meetha”. 

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 Best served : All over the state

6. REDU – Also known as palda, it is widely eaten by the locals and has a very delectable taste. It  is easy to make and is best when you have to cook something urgently or for your ‘chhoti chhoti bhookh’. It is cooked in yoghurt .

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Best tastes with : Makki ki roti

Best served : All over H.P.

7. BABRU – They are sweet in taste and may contain saunf which adds a flavor to the dish. Those who do not know this dish may also say that it is kachori with a sweet taste. But there is more to this dish, it is a flatbread with a black gram paste which is added to the kneaded dough. 

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Best tastes with : Chai

Best served : Shimla

8. AKTORI – Originated from the areas of Lahaul- Spiti Valley, it is made from buckwheat leaves and then cooked with flour. Basically a pancake, it is usually made during celebrations.  It is nutritious, healthy, and gluten-free to fill your tummy without leaving any regrets behind.

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Best tastes with : Ghee, Honey

Best served : Lahaul- Spiti

9. PATRODU – A seasonal dish of Himachal Pradesh, it is found mainly in the rainy season and made with ‘Kachalu ke Patte’ (Arbi leaves). A batter is prepared with besan/ makki ka atta, pudina, salt, chilies, and other greeneries and then applied on the leaves. You can even serve them as a snack or eat with chapati.

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Best tastes with : Lassi / Chai

10. KULLU TROUT FISH – If you are a non-vegetarian and looking for something exciting in this blog, here comes an end to your wait. Kullu trout fish is marinated and cooked with minimal spices. It is most usually served with fresh and healthy vegetables that make the dish more health-giving.

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Best tastes with : Lemon and Rice 

Best served : Kullu

CONCLUSION:

You don’t have to worry if you are planning to visit the astonishing beauty of Himachal Pradesh without any prior knowledge of the state’s popular cuisines and dishes. This blog pretty much sums up the traditional food of Himachal Pradesh list and gives you the gist of each delicacy. The authentic traditional dishes of Himachal Pradesh are fully organic, nutritious, and healthy. In an attempt to serve nourishing food, the taste of the food should not be compromised. Both the flavors and diet are kept intact in Himachali delicacies.