-680x1024.jpg)
-1024x684.jpg)
-689x1024.jpg)
When in the mountains, eat like the mountain people do. But you know, experiencing food in Dharamshala is much more delicious than that. The town has a very strong and deeply rooted Tibetan heritage. It goes without saying that the Tibetan roots have influenced the cuisine in Dharamshala. Apart from that, Dharamshala becoming a popular tourist destination over the years has also opened up doors for a variety of cuisine.
If you’re a foodie, this mountain town is just perfect! Dharamshala has a good mix of both local and global cuisine which you can try. What’s really great is that you can find everything from vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and even vegan food here. You could go on an organized food tasting tour as well, but if you’d rather do it at your own pace, here’s a list of some really mouth-watering dishes you must try!
This is a very traditional Tibetan dish that’s famous here. Thukpa is basically soupy noodles which generally includes meat and some veggies. The noodles are usually springy and the soup can sometimes have a stock-like consistency. Thukpa is really flavorful and is easily available here.
Don’t worry, there are vegetarian variations to thukpa also. You’ll most commonly find chicken, mutton, and veg thukpa. Egg and tofu thukpa is also fairly common. When you’re up in the cold Dhauladhar Ranges, this dish becomes all the more comforting!
You know just as well as us how popular this dish is in India. Then again, eating momos in Dharamshala is not the same as trying it elsewhere. Here you will discover the Tibetan taste of momos. The filling is different but by God, it’s good! Once again, you’ll most commonly get chicken, mutton, and vegetarian options.
Then there will be variations which include cheese, paneer, and even something like a spinach momo soup. You can also choose between the traditional steamed momos or even the fried ones if that’s what you prefer. From street food stalls to cafes, momos will always be just around the corner for you in Dharamshala.
Also Read: 6 Of The Best Hostels In McLeodganj For The Backpacker
One of those non-traditional dishes which folks in Dharamshala have absolutely nailed. Just like us, you will be surprised at how amazing pizzas in Dharamshala can be. Even beyond the famous restaurants like Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen and Nick’s Italian Kitchen, there are multiple places that serve delicious wood-fired pizzas. In some cases, you’ll even get pizzas made in clay ovens. These get a unique earthy flavor which is worth trying.
As a popular tourist destination, Dharamshala attracts travelers from all over the world. This is why there are so many multi-cuisine restaurants. You’ll also find the usual pizza chain restaurants here, but we’d recommend you avoid them to enjoy the authentic pizza experience in Dharamshala.
Also read: Traveling To Dharamshala - The Dharamshala Travel Guide
There’s a reason we have added this to the list. Burgers in Dharamshala can be authentic and unusual at the same time. You’ll find them in fancy restaurants and cafes but also in street food stalls. If you miss burgers, there are definitely a lot of good places to try yummy burgers.
Keep in mind that unless it’s a very authentic cafe or restaurant, the burgers can be more like sliders. Not in terms of the bun. More like what’s between. Seekh kebab and sausages burgers are some unusual types of street food burgers here. And then there are some other types also both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. So burgers in Dharamshala are definitely worth trying, both the regular and unconventional kind.
This is a famous street food snack in certain parts of India. It’s available in Dharamshala too. We’ve added this to the list simply because this is a quick hot snack that really complements the mountain weather and vibes. Fresh hot potato tikki removed from the frying pan, stuffed between a pav with spicy green chutney and some chaat masala. What’s not to like about this savory and spicy snack?
Also Read: Relishing The Street Food In Delhi
This is one of those dishes on the list which is not common in Dharamshala but definitely worth trying. Lung Ta is a famous Japanese restaurant that serves Sushi. This restaurant is vegetarian and serves amazing sushi. There are a couple of other places too if you would prefer the original version with fish in it. You could also try kimbap in Dharamshala. It’s basically a Korean version of the dish and slightly different.
-1024x683.jpg)
This one is for those with a sweet tooth. Actually, everyone should try this three-layered tasty delight. Bhagsu Cake is a very local and regional dessert that originated in the little village Bhagsu Nag. The cake is made of a layer of chocolate on the top, caramel in the middle, and then a layer of crumbly cookies at the bottom. Bhagsu Cake is creamy, buttery, and supremely tasty. No matter what, do not miss out on trying this amazing dessert.
There are a number of cafes and bakeries that serve some pretty amazing pancakes. And they’re all freshly made. You get all sorts of options too. From maple syrup and honey to chocolate-dressed pancakes, you get everything. Even ones topped with fresh fruits. We get if you’re surprised to see pancakes in a list about food in Dharamshala as they’re always available in touristy places. But there’s something amazing about having fluffy and chocolatey pancakes in Dharamshala.
Planning a trip to Dharamshala? Here’s a curated list of hotels!
Not the most commonly available item on the list, but one that is worth trying nonetheless. There are a few bakeries and cafes which serve carrot cakes. But they’re excellent!. Most places that offer carrot cake bake it really well. It’s moist, sweet, and has that tinge of spice from cinnamon. The best part is there are places which make it from freshly plucked carrots from gardens nearby. It’s especially a great companion for your evening coffee.
Summing Up
Like we said earlier, getting good food in Dharamshala is not a problem. And you get all kinds of cuisine that’s native to different countries. The list we shared is purely because they’re either really great in Dharamshala or because they make for an interesting culinary experience. Do you have a particular type of cuisine or dish that you prefer in Dharamshala? Let us know!
What Is Special In Dharamshala?
Dharamshala is the perfect blend of Himachali and Tibetan culture and cuisine (especially in McLeodganj), and you’ll be blessed with splendid views of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the Kangra Valley.
What Is Famous In Dharamshala For Shopping?
Buddhist And Tibetan Handicrafts - Buddhist and Tibetan culture is prominent in Dharamshala, so you can purchase sculptures of Gautama Buddha and Tibetan handicrafts as well.
Singing Bowls - These souvenirs also have the unique ability to create a soothing sound when a stick is rubbed along their rims.
Books - You can buy a lot of books about Tibetan history and culture when in Dharamshala. The most prominent is the Namgyal Book Shop within the Namgyal Monastery.
Which Is More Beautiful Dalhousie Or Dharamshala?
Dharamshala is a bigger city than Dalhousie, which means it has more things to do, and a thriving Tibetan Buddhist culture. On the other hand, Dalhousie is more ideal for those looking for a lazy and quieter holiday.
How Far Is Dalhousie From Dharamshala?
Dalhousie is about 119 km away from Dharamshala. This journey would take you about 4 hours.
Which Is Better Shimla Or Dharamshala?
Shimla has beautiful colonial buildings and the major attractions are close to the city, but the rampant commercialization of Shimla makes it a little less appealing. Dharamshala is a smaller town with a thriving Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Is Dharamsala Safe?
Yes! Dharamshala is a safe place to visit, and is beautiful too! But all the same, take all the necessary precautions when traveling.
Is One Day Enough For Dharamshala?
We’d recommend keeping aside at least 2-3 days when you’re visiting Dharamshala. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Dharamshala proper and the pretty towns of McLeodganj and Dharamkot.
What Should I Wear In Dharamshala?
In the summer months, you can wear light clothes, and in the cold winters, you’ll obviously need thick winter wear. But no matter the time of the year you’re visiting Dharamshala, pack some warm clothes for the evenings and early mornings.
Is There Any Snowfall In Dharamshala?
Yes! Especially in the winter months of December to February, Dharamshala experiences snowfall.
How Far Is Khajjiar From Dharamshala?
The hill station of Khajjiar is about 120 km away from Dharamshala. The journey would take you about 4 hours.
