Eat in Manali

What to Eat in Manali Today?

Q: What food is Manali famous for?

Manali is famous for river trout, siddu, babru, Himachali dham and chha gosht, along with Tibetan food like momos and thukpa.

Search Manali dishes by craving — babru, chha gosht, himachali dham and more.

Manali has a food scene as varied as its visitors. Traditional Himachali dishes like siddu and dham sit alongside fresh trout from the Beas River, Tibetan momos and thukpa, and the international menus of Old Manali's cafés.

If you are wondering what to eat in Manali, start with the local specialities, especially trout and siddu, which are best enjoyed on a cold mountain evening.

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Diet

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5 Manali dishes found

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Mild

Babru

Veg

A Himachali stuffed fried bread filled with spiced black gram, eaten with tamarind chutney.

₹40–100

Best around: Old Manali

Medium spice

Chha Gosht

Non-veg

Lamb slow-cooked in a spiced gram-flour and yogurt gravy — a prized Himachali non-veg dish.

₹250–500

Mild

Himachali Dham

Veg

A traditional festive vegetarian feast — rice, madra, dal and a sweet — cooked by botis and served on a leaf plate.

₹150–350

Mild

River Trout Fry

Non-veg

Fresh Himalayan trout, lightly spiced and pan-fried — a prized catch from the Beas and its cold streams.

₹350–650

Best around: Circuit House Road

Mild

Siddu

Veg

A steamed wheat bun stuffed with spiced walnuts or poppy seeds, served hot with ghee or dal — Himachali comfort food.

₹60–150

Best around: Old Manali

Famous Food to Eat in Manali

River Trout Fry

Fresh trout from the Beas River and nearby cold streams, lightly spiced and pan-fried. Trout is Manali's best-known local dish and a must-try for non-vegetarians.

Siddu

A steamed wheat bun stuffed with spiced walnuts or poppy seeds and served hot with ghee or dal. It is warm, filling and perfect for cold weather.

Himachali Dham

A traditional festive meal of rice, dal, madra and a sweet dish, cooked by botis and served on leaf plates.

Babru

A stuffed fried bread filled with spiced black gram and usually served with tamarind chutney.

Chha Gosht

Lamb cooked in a spiced gravy of gram flour and yogurt, a rich dish from Himachali home cooking.

Tibetan Food and Cafés

Manali has a large Tibetan community, so momos, thukpa and other Tibetan dishes are easy to find around town. Old Manali is known for its relaxed cafés, which serve everything from wood-fired pizza to Israeli and continental food, often with river or mountain views.

Food Tips for Travellers in Manali

Try trout at least once while you are in Manali.
Eat hot, freshly cooked food, especially in cold weather.
Stay hydrated, as the altitude and dry air can dehydrate you.
Some Old Manali cafés close or keep shorter hours in winter.
Carry cash for smaller eateries and stalls.

Questions

Manali — FAQ

What food is Manali famous for?

Manali is famous for river trout, siddu, babru, Himachali dham and chha gosht, along with Tibetan food like momos and thukpa.

Where can I try trout in Manali?

Trout is served in many restaurants across Manali, especially around Old Manali and the town centre. Ask for it fried or grilled.

Is vegetarian food easy to find in Manali?

Yes. Siddu, babru, dham, momos and many café dishes are vegetarian, and most restaurants have plenty of vegetarian options.

What should I eat in Old Manali?

Old Manali is best for its cafés, which serve trout, pizzas, pasta, Israeli food, momos and warm drinks in a relaxed setting.