Eat in Shimla

What to Eat in Shimla Today?

Q: What food is Shimla famous for?

Shimla is known for Himachali dishes such as siddu, madra, babru, chha gosht and the traditional Himachali dham.

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

Shimla is a great place to try Himachali food, a hearty mountain cuisine built on local grains, lentils, yogurt-based gravies and warming spices. Alongside the local dishes, the town has a long café culture along Mall Road, where hot snacks and tea are part of an evening walk.

If you are wondering what to eat in Shimla, start with the dishes you will not easily find anywhere else, like siddu, madra and a traditional dham meal.

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5 Shimla dishes found

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Mild

Babru

Veg

A Himachali stuffed fried bread (a hill cousin of kachori) filled with spiced black gram, eaten with tamarind chutney.

₹40–100

Best around: Mall Road

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

Best around: Middle Bazaar

Mild

Himachali Dham

Veg

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

₹150–350

Best around: The Ridge and Middle Bazaar

Mild

Madra

Veg

Chickpeas (or beans) slow-cooked in a spiced yogurt gravy — a signature dish of the Himachali dham feast.

₹120–280

Best around: The Ridge

Mild

Siddu

Veg

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

₹60–150

Best around: Mall Road and Middle Bazaar

Famous Food to Eat in Shimla

Himachali food is simple, filling and made for cold weather. Try these local specialities during your visit.

Siddu

A steamed wheat bun stuffed with spiced walnuts, poppy seeds or lentils, usually served hot with ghee or dal. It is one of the most loved comfort foods in Himachal Pradesh.

Madra

Chickpeas or beans slow-cooked in a spiced yogurt gravy. Madra is one of the signature dishes of the Himachali dham.

Himachali Dham

A traditional festive meal of rice, dal, madra, rajma and a sweet dish, cooked by cooks called botis and served on leaf plates. It is the best way to taste several Himachali dishes at once.

Babru

A Himachali stuffed fried bread filled with spiced black gram and usually eaten with tamarind chutney. It makes a filling snack.

Chha Gosht

Lamb cooked in a spiced gravy of gram flour and yogurt. It is a rich and prized non-vegetarian dish in Himachali cooking.

Snacks and Cafés in Shimla

Mall Road and the Ridge are lined with cafés, bakeries and snack stalls. A cup of hot tea or coffee with a warm snack is a classic way to enjoy the evening views. In season, look out for fresh Himachali apples and apple products sold across town.

Food Tips for Travellers in Shimla

Try a Himachali dham at least once for a proper local meal.
Eat hot, freshly cooked food, especially in winter.
Mall Road restaurants can be busy at dinner time during peak season.
Many local dishes are vegetarian, so vegetarians will find plenty to eat.
Carry some cash for smaller eateries and snack stalls.

Questions

Shimla — FAQ

What food is Shimla famous for?

Shimla is known for Himachali dishes such as siddu, madra, babru, chha gosht and the traditional Himachali dham.

What is Himachali dham?

Dham is a traditional festive meal from Himachal Pradesh, with rice, dal, madra, rajma and a sweet dish, served on leaf plates.

Is vegetarian food easy to find in Shimla?

Yes. Many Himachali dishes, including siddu, madra, babru and dham, are vegetarian, and most restaurants have plenty of vegetarian options.

Is Shimla food spicy?

Himachali food is usually mild to medium in spice and focuses on warming, comforting flavours. Most restaurants can adjust the spice level if you ask.