Siddu To Tibetan Thukpa, 6 Best Traditional Foods To Try In Manali

Manali, nestled in the beautiful Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty, adventure sports, and traditional cuisine. The local cuisine of Manali is a blend of flavors from Tibet, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. The dishes are prepared using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, which gives them a unique taste. From tasty dishes to spicy soups, Manali has something for every food lover. Here are some must-try traditional dishes that will tantalise your taste buds:

1. Siddu

You must have heard about this popular Himachali dish called Siddu. This steamed bread, a Himachali staple, is the classic Manali comfort food. Made with fermented wheat flour dough stuffed with a savory mix of potatoes, peas, or walnuts. The resulting fluffy bread, often served with dollops of ghee or chutney, is a heartwarming breakfast or snack.

2. Kaale Chane Ka Khatta

This sweet and sour street food is a delightful explosion of flavours. Black chickpeas are boiled, and spiced with cumin seeds, coriander powder, green chilies, salt, and tamarind, resulting in a tangy and refreshing dish. Kaale Chane Ka Khatta is perfect for a quick bite or as a side to a larger meal.

3. Chha Gosht

This is a unique dish made with slow-cooked marinated mutton chunks in a tasty mixture of yoghurt, gram flour, and fragrant spices. It is believed that the Gaddi tribe from the Dhauladhar mountain range introduced this dish. The dish was inspired by Mughlai and Dogri cuisines as trade routes opened, and it changed into a curdled brilliant yellow sauce with the inclusion of spices.

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4. Aktori

Another dish that you can try is Aktori. Buckwheat leaves are cooked with wheat flour to make the dish. Despite being a Spiti specialty, people throughout the state eat it on special occasions and big festivals. The buckwheat leaves are combined with wheat flour and other ingredients in a special cooking procedure to form a dough that is grilled until it becomes crispy. It's a traditional dish that tastes like pancakes. It is a good snack option as well.

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5. Dham

Dham is a type of traditional feast that is typically offered during festivals and weddings. It features cooked rice, lentils, and kidney beans with curd and spices. It is a staple food here and is served on a leaf. The sheer variety and vibrant flavors of Dhaam make it a must-try for anyone seeking a true cultural immersion.

6. Tibetan Thukpa

Tibetan Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup that originated in Tibet. It is made with a clear soup of noodles cooked in the Tibetan way with vegetables or chicken stew. The soup is flavoured with garlic, ginger, and chilli paste. Thukpa is a perfect dish to warm you up in the chilly weather of Manali.