Picturesque hills, pine trees, fresh mountain air and flavorsome food to feed an appetite magnified by these surroundings – just the best combination we seek in hill stations. There is nothing that quite beats Shimla when it comes to delectable food delicacies of all varieties. From decades, old street food destinations to cozy cafes to fine dine restaurants, there is something about Shimla for visitors of every hue.
Street Food
Even sitting inside the poshest restaurants cannot be as savoring as when you stumble upon a street side kiosk that serves crispy golgappas filled with sweet and sour chilled pudina water.
- The Bhihari Lal Sharma Stall at Takka Bench, above The Ridge was the first fruit chat seller in the city that started operations in 1948. In rs. 30, beat the heat with healthy fruits in tangy chutneys.
- Next in line is British time tea stall that nestles in thick cover of forests on the thandisadak, ChawdaMaidan. The Verma tea stall, known famously as the KewalkaDhabba is always lively with the presence of University students, who come here to gorge on the wholesome delicacy of butter bun and tea.
- Coming to cold delicacies, how can we miss “Embassy ice Creams?” No matter if its winters or summers, this ice cream joint and bakery does a roaring business. You can choose from a wide range of softies, flavoured ice creams in cups, squashes, and shakes.
- Lying at the beginning of Lower Bazaar, climbing down a few steps from Sher-e-Punjab, a bunch of Tibetans youngsters prepare hundreds of momos, both fried and steamed every day. Served with hot chilli chutney, pudina chutney and white sauce, the momos are more than just perfect.
- At Rs.30 per plate you should not miss the best channabhatura of the town, sold at Sita Ram and Sons in Lakkar Bazaar. Perhaps it’s not bhatura its luchi, which Celebrities like AnupamKher, and PreetiZinta have savored through their years in the town.
Cafes and Restaurants
Café Sol, Hotel Combermere
One of Shimla’s most iconic landmarks, Combermere’s Café Sol boasts a well-stocked bar, and an ample choice of cuisine from Indian Chinese to Italian.
Honey Hut
Established in Shimla since 2007, this concept café chain features only honey-based products in an attempt to publicize the health benefits of honey.
The Devicos
When you see ‘seasonal’ written next to the prawn biryani, you know you’ve hit a fine dining restaurant – and Devicos at Mall Road is precisely that.
Goofa-Ashiana
This eclectic restaurant, divided into two (Goofa is the basement while Ashiana placed on top features a 360-degree view of the city) is situated on Shimla’s famous ridge. The restaurant features excellent reviews of its food that ranges from Indian to Chinese and Continental. It could pose as the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous.
Authentic Himachal Meals
The starters include khoru, yogurt soup with coriander, and cumin served with khussidoos.
The main course includes chaaghosht or lamb cooked in yogurt gravy or murgha anardana. Himachali dal channa, lentin flitters in spinach gravy and mathrichoware are for vegetarians.
For deserts, options are meethechawl with sweetened rice, red pumpkin pudding and baddanamithha with vanilla ice cream.
If you are planning your next holiday destination, it has to be Shimla. Book your flight tickets with great online offers and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the beautiful city of Shimla.
