Himachal Pradesh, the ‘abode of snow’ is one of the most popular hill stations among tourists.  The unparalleled beauty of this pristine hill has visitors from across the Indian borders.  The majestic Himalayan ranges are overlooking the verdant valley with ever-flowing stream attract domestic tourists as well as international globetrotters.  The façade of being an adventure destination offering activities like white water rafting, trekking, hiking, mountaineering, camping, paragliding, skiing, etc. tempt vacationers to book their tickets to Himachal Pradesh.  It is needless to say that Himachal Pradesh has already made a strong foothold and gained popularity in the international tourism market.  However, it has been revealed that more than natural view or adventure trips, people from all over the world travel to Himachal Pradesh just to taste the authentic blend of its traditional food.  The sensational flavour of Himachali food has an unforgettable taste.  Himachali cuisines are also popularly known as ‘Pahadi food’ which means foods of the mountains.  The most mouth-watering delicacies of Himachal Pradesh are Dham, Madra, TudkiyaBhath, etc.

Dham

If you visit Himachal Pradesh, you can’t return without tasting Dham, the traditional festive feast of the state.  For outsiders, Himachali Dham can be termed as Himachali thali which comprises of complete meal of all local dishes.  It constitutes of authentic rice, mashed dal, madra, salad, chutney, curd, kadi and seasonal vegetables.  The Dham is cooked generously in ghee and yogurt particularly in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi.  Dham is incomplete without a dessert which happens to be sweet rice loaded with dry fruits and raisins.

Madra

The lip smacking delicacy is the original cuisine of Chamba, Mandi and Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh.  The soaked chick peas are boiled with aromatic herbs and spices to tingle your taste buds.  The chick peas are flavoured with cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cumin seeds or powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder.  It is complemented with flat bread or rice.  Madra is the basic dish which is part and parcel of every occasion and celebration.

TudkiyaBhath

The Himachali style rice cooked with minced vegetables and spices is also called pahadi rice.  This authentic rice is loaded with lentils, yogurt, potatoes, onion and tomatoes to make it palatable.  The unique dish is blended with flavourful spices like garlic, cinnamon and cardamom to enhance the taste.  It is served hot with mashed dal and sprinkled with drops of lemon.  You can’t leave Himachal Pradesh without the savoury TudkiyaBhath.

Mittha

Wait a minute!  You are not done, until you’ve had something sweet.  The cherry on the top of a feast is none other than pure Himachali bliss.  The popular local dessert of Himachal Pradesh is Mittha.  It is infused with plump raisins and blended with chunks of dry fruits.  ‘Mittha’ aptly named as the sugary rice is sweet to taste.  Savour the dinkum taste of Himachal that relaxes the senses.

What are you waiting for?   If you still didn’t have the opportunity to taste these exotic delicacies of Himachal Pradesh, zoom into one of the local restaurants of Himachal Pradesh and indulge into moreish food.

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