Himachal Pradesh has a rich culinary tradition. Here are some delicacies that are a must-try.
What really is travel without some delicious food? Well, no travel itinerary is complete without a selection of curated meals that tell you more about a place. At Bookmark Resort Manali, we have ensured you have your fair share of culinary escapades that will leave your hearts and stomachs full.
They say there is unity in diversity, and India is a shining example of this. Like every other state, Himachal Pradesh also prides itself in its culinary richness that can be attributed to specific traditions and rituals that ancestors have practised. The cuisine here has influences of Punjabi and Tibetan food and is packed with a generous mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Here are 6 of the most popular Himachali dishes that you must taste:
Babru: This regional dish may look like a kachori at first glance but it is certainly different. It is a type of flattened bread prepared using wheat, which is then filled with black gram paste. It is eaten with a tangy-sweet tamarind chutney and serves as a great snacking option.
Dhaam: If you are in Himachal Pradesh, you can’t leave the state without the dhaam which is a good representation of the state on a plate. Some may call it the close cousin of a thali since it has red kidney beans, fried dal, rice, boor ki kadi, yoghurt and a side of jaggery. Since it’s an elaborate meal, the locals generally consume it to commemorate special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Kullu trout fish: Come to the state and savour the Kullu trout fish that will leave you wanting more because of its freshness. The preparation doesn’t use too much spice, so you can savour its true flavours. It’s generally lightly fried in mustard oil and then garnished with a tangy lemon-onion sauce. What does it taste best with? We say boiled vegetables and aromatic rice. Don’t feel guilty about indulging in it, because this dish is super nutritious too!
Siddu: It’s highly unlikely that you may have not heard of Siddu, one of the state’s most popular foods. Made from wheat flour and yeast (that contains fat), this bun is filled with peas, potato, walnut and sometimes, rajma or kidney beans. It tastes different from any other bun since the dough is first roasted and then steamed.
Chha Ghost: It’s time to spotlight Himachal Pradesh’s favourite non-vegetarian dish, Chha Ghost which is prepared with lamb. After marinating the meat, it is then cooked in the form of a gravy that is laden with aromatic spices like asafoetida, cardamom, coriander, cumin and red chilli powder. Trust us, this delectable meat is one of the most flavourful and can be enjoyed in generous quantities with steamed rice.
Mittha: Last but not least, end your meal with nothing else but the mittha which is prepared with sweetened rice and topped with dry fruits like almonds and raisins. A pinch of saffron adds a kick too! This dessert is really popular but is generally available during special occasions or celebrations.
Conclusion
You can relish all these delicacies at the best luxury resort in Manali, Bookmark Resort Manali. The all-day restaurant here is the perfect place to savour a delicious local Himachali meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
The gourmet heaven with space for 60 covers offers a range of cuisines – from soulful Himalayan fare to Asian and Italian delicacies, so take your pick and revel in the thoughtful preparation of these creations.
