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Travellers of today go places not just to see the top tourist spots, but to experience the area, its social and cultural life, mingle with the lifestyle of the locals, and explore the terrains. They don’t want to bring back memories and educate themselves about a new place and its people. One exciting way to explore a new place is exploring the local food and cuisine because that tells a lot about the terrains, culture, and lifestyle of the people living there.
Manali is one such unique place that has existed for centuries and is mentioned in the ancient law text called Manusmriti. Besides, the ancient Silk Route has its starting point in Manali. This translates into the fact that Manali has always been a centre for regular inflow and outflow of people from various countries. This is aptly reflected in the food available in Manali. So come with me on this exciting food trail to explore Manali uniquely!
The culinary experience in Manali can be twofold. One is, of course, the food that locals eat, which is grown locally and has been cooked in a particular way. Another is the cuisine foreigners brought to this little town, as they chose to settle down here. These include Chinese and European Cuisines that you will find in the thriving café culture of Manali. Apart from the cuisine, Manali is also known for its fresh fruits. Let’s explore what are these foods in Manali that every tourist should try.
Some must-try food that is favourites among the local in Manali are:
This is a commonly available food in local food shops in Manali and a delicacy for the locals. Cooked with locally grown pumpkin and some dry raw mango powder or amchoor and topped with some boondi or tiny fried lentil balls. This will surely come back as one of your quick dishes at your dinner table.
Siddu is a half-moon shaped steamed bread locally eaten with milk, tea, or just dipped in clarified butter or ghee as it is commonly known in India. Siddu is believed to help keep the body warm during winters and is widely eaten in every household in Manali.
Quiet like the bhatura of north India, the babru is a sweet and savoury deep-fried flatbread or puri. The stuffing of the puris is made with urad dal or lentil and jaggery syrup. It is a much-loved dish by children and the grown-ups alike and is a must for special occasions.
Like a pancake, this dish is made of buckwheat and wheat flour and is a must in every celebration or festivity. Aktori is served as a sweet dish during festivals or special occasions.
If you love to fish, then the trout fish in Manali is not to be missed. One of the leading food attractions in Manali is the Himalayan trout fish. You have it fried, baked or as a curry. This sweet water fish will never let you down.
This is a very traditional Himachali dish cooked with mutton. Marinated in curd and spices and slow-cooked with ginger, garlic and gram flour, this local dish gives a feel of celebration. A must-try indeed!
This is a quintessential rice dish of Himachal, cooked with veggies and spices. On a rainy day, when nothing seems to satisfy your palate, this dish will remain in your memory of Manali and its local cuisine.
Wood Oven Pizzas: Manali is known for its authentic wood oven pizzas. There are numerous cafes run by Europeans who have brought their cuisine to these cafes in Manali. The taste of these pizzas is the closest you can find in India to their original ones. Most of these cafés are the best places to spend the cold evenings in Manali, where you can enjoy the warmth of the wood oven and the authentic pizzas freshly made and served piping hot. The taste is so true to the cuisine that you will long for it when not in Manali.
Manali has been traditionally a trade route that goes up to China. Hence the inflow of Chinese travellers is reflected in the availability of moms and Chinese dishes in every nook and corner of Manali. The café doesn’t miss to add the sumptuous momos, noodles, and soups. You have to try the momos in Manali to understand the closest taste to this popular dish in India as it would be in China. The ingredients and cooking methods are as authentic as they must be in China. Do try these when in Manali!
Himachal is also called the apple basket of India. Apart from that, there is widespread cultivation of pears, plums, and apricots in the hills of Himachal. Manali is a major town, is the place where you can easily get all this produce in abundance. The market has these fruits for sale any time of the year. The freshness and sweet taste of these fruits are unique to this place. You may find them while down in the plains, but the freshness would have gone by the time it is transported.
Not just as raw fruits, you will get to taste a lot of by-products of these fruits, such as jams and jellies, dried fruits, juices, fruit concentrates, and wines. These must be some of your takeaways during your trip to Manali.
While on a trip, we make memories. We generally miss out on, as we focus more on tourist spots, the local food. In these food outlets, a lot of history is stored, told, and retold. Next time you travel to Manali, you may choose to focus more on food. I am sure you will come back with memories of a new Manali this time.
Manali offers all kinds of cuisines, both local and international. The local roadside food outlets are the best places to have local food. There are many cafes in Manali that offer authentic European food.
Apples, pears, plums and apricots are widely ground across Himachal and easily found in local markets in Manali. You can also try the jams, juices and wine made out of these fruits and made locally in Manali.
Manali, a popular tourist place in India, is frequented by domestic and international tourists. Hence all kinds of cuisines are easily found in Manali, including Indian, Chinese and European, apart from the local delicacies.
Fruits are the most easily found food in Manali in any shop or market. Apart from that, Momos are sold in every nook and corner of the town.
European food such as pizza and pasta are found in the wood oven cafes in Manali. These places serve the most authentic pizzas made in an original style in a wood oven.
