Let’s be honest: we all pretend we’re hiking for “fitness,” but deep down, we’re just trying to earn that extra plate of rajma chawal without guilt. If you’ve ever reached the top of a Manali hill only to reward yourself with hot momos or butter-drenched parathas, you already understand the magic of food in Manali. This blog is your spirit animal – a delicious tribute to the hearty meals that make every trip worth it.
Because when it comes to food in Manali, the hills aren’t just alive with the sound of music – they’re sizzling, steaming, and spicing it up like nobody’s business.
Here’s your ultimate guide to must-try local dishes in Manali, complete with prices and the best places to eat in Manali:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Siddu – The Heartwarming Himalayan Bun
- Chha Gosht – Creamy Mutton Curry
- Madra – Star of the Dham Feast
- Babru – Stuffed Urad Dal Delight
- Tudkiya Bhath – Spicy Rice Surprise
- Aktori – Buckwheat Pancake from Lahaul
- Dham Thali – Feast Like a Local
- Mittha – Sweet Rice Heaven
- Auriya Kaddu – Tangy Pumpkin Curry
- Mall Road Veg Treats – The Street Food Paradise
- Tips for Eating in Manali
- Calories Don’t Count in the Mountains
- FAQS- Food in Manali: A Flavor-Packed Journey
- Akbar Travels Services
Siddu – The Heartwarming Himalayan Bun
Siddu is the crowned king of local food in Manali. A steamed wheat bun stuffed with poppy seeds or spiced lentils; this warm delight is served with ghee or chutney. It’s especially popular during winters due to its energy-boosting properties. With cheap flights to Manali now more accessible than ever, there’s no better time to visit and try this piping hot local delicacy straight from a traditional Himachali kitchen.
Where to eat: The Corner House, Old Manali
Price: ₹90–100 per piece
Also Read: Exploring the Best Cafes in Kochi: A Guide for Coffee Lovers and Foodies
Chha Gosht – Creamy Mutton Curry
This rich Himachali curry is made from slow-cooked mutton in a yogurt and gram flour gravy. Spiced with cardamom, bay leaves, and coriander, Chha Gosht is a comforting reward after a long trek and a staple in Authentic Himachali food in Manali.
Where to eat: Mount View Restaurant, Mall Road
Price: ₹280–350
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Madra – Star of the Dham Feast
Madra is a thick, tangy curry made from chickpeas or kidney beans, cooked in yogurt with aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves. It’s a traditional part of dham – Himachal’s ceremonial feast – and a must for vegetarians looking to try famous food in Manali.
Where to eat: Renaissance Manali
Price: ₹180–220
Babru – Stuffed Urad Dal Delight
Image Credit: arun uppadhyay/Shutterstock
A crispy, deep-fried snack stuffed with black gram paste, Babru is Himachal’s answer to the kachori. This street-side snack is best enjoyed hot with a tangy chutney and ranks high among famous street food in Manali.
Where to eat: Chawla’s Sweets, Mall Road
Price: ₹30–50 per piece
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Tudkiya Bhath – Spicy Rice Surprise
Unlike your usual pulao, Tudkiya Bhath is a punchy rice dish flavored with curd, lentils, garlic, and ghee. It’s a lesser-known but loved dish and is considered among the best food in Manali for its unique blend of comfort and spice.
Where to eat: Local eateries in New Manali
Price: ₹120–150
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Aktori – Buckwheat Pancake from Lahaul
A special treat made of buckwheat flour, ghee, and sugar, Aktori is a festival favorite in Lahaul and Spiti, now popular in Manali. Slightly dense and mildly sweet, it offers a healthier yet indulgent dessert option and is part of famous food in Manali.
Where to eat: Manali Café by Himachali Rasoi
Price: ₹70–90
Also Read: The 6 Best Homestays for Food Lovers in India
Dham Thali – Feast Like a Local
Want to taste everything? Order a Dham Thali. This full platter includes Madra, Chha Gosht, Boor ki Kari, rice, and sometimes Mittha. It’s the ultimate combo of famous veg food in Manali and non-veg flavors, served in a traditional way.
Where to eat: Himachali Rasoi, Manu Temple Road
Price: ₹300–400
Mittha – Sweet Rice Heaven
Made with saffron, dry fruits, and a light dose of ghee, Mittha is a sweet rice dish that adds a fragrant end to your Himachali meal. It’s a famous sweet dish in Manali, often served during festivals and special occasions.
Where to eat: Café Nirvana, Old Manali
Price: ₹80–100
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Bonus Tip: While you’re enjoying the must-try local dishes in Manali, don’t forget to sip on a cup of pahadi chai or buransh (rhododendron) juice – both are great accompaniments to these hearty dishes.
Auriya Kaddu – Tangy Pumpkin Curry
A hidden gem in local food in Manali, this spicy pumpkin curry is made with mustard seeds, dry mango powder, and mild spices. Its sweet-and-sour profile makes it a comforting and healthful choice.
Where to eat: Rasoi Dhaba near Manali Bus Stand
Price: ₹100–130
Mall Road Veg Treats – The Street Food Paradise
Craving snacks? Mall Road is loaded with famous food in Manali Mall Road, from spicy tikkis and buttery parathas to hot jalebis and samosas. This street is a heaven for budget foodies and vegetarians alike. And the best part? You’ll find some of the best hotels in Manali just steps away, making it easy to walk out of your room and dive straight into a flavorful street food trail.
Tips for Eating in Manali
- Start with Local Favorites – Dishes like Siddu and Madra are great introductions to Himachali cuisine.
- Eat Fresh & Hot – Always go for freshly prepared food, especially in winter.
- Carry Cash – Street vendors offering famous veg food in Manali often don’t take digital payments.
Calories Don’t Count in the Mountains
Image Credit: Dhruv Khichi/Pexels
Let’s face it – food in Manali is a vacation in itself. Whether you’re dipping Siddu in ghee, biting into Babru, or sipping buransh juice with jalebis, every bite is worth the trek. The best part? Eating well here doesn’t burn your wallet. For those looking to experience it all without the hassle, Manali tour packages often include local food trails, making it even easier to taste your way through the town.
So next time you’re stuffing your face with Maggi on a snowy ledge, just remember: calories don’t count above 6,000 feet!
FAQS- Food in Manali: A Flavor-Packed Journey
What is famous in Manali to eat?
Siddu is one of the most famous things to eat in Manali. It’s a steamed bun made with wheat flour and stuffed with lentils or poppy seeds. Other must-try local dishes include Chha Gosht, Madra, Babru, and Tudkiya Bhath. On the street food side, jalebi, momos, and aloo tikki are quite popular.
How much food cost per day in Manali?
On average, food expenses in Manali range between ₹400 to ₹800 per person per day. Local dhabas and budget cafes offer meals for around ₹100 to ₹150 per dish, while mid-range restaurants might cost ₹300 or more per meal.
What is the famous sweet dish in Manali?
Mittha is the most famous sweet dish in Manali. It is a traditional Himachali dish made of sweetened rice, dry fruits, and flavored with saffron. Aktori and hot jalebis are also loved for their rich, warm taste.
What is famous in Manali to buy?
Manali is famous for handmade woollens, Kullu shawls, Tibetan jewelry, wooden souvenirs, and local spices. Markets like Mall Road and Tibetan Monastery Market are great places to shop for these.
What is special in Manali?
Manali is special for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, adventure sports like skiing and paragliding, ancient temples, natural hot springs, and authentic Himachali cuisine. It’s also a top honeymoon and backpacking destination.
What food is Kullu famous for?
Kullu is famous for traditional Himachali dishes like Dham, which includes rice, Madra (chickpea curry), dal, and local vegetables. Trout fish, a local specialty, is also quite popular among non-vegetarians.
Which non-veg dish is famous in Manali?
Chha Gosht, a spiced mutton curry cooked in yogurt and gram flour gravy, is the most famous non-veg dish in Manali. Trout fish is another highlight, especially fresh from the rivers of nearby Kullu.
Which is the best sweet dish?
Mittha is considered the best sweet dish for its cultural value and rich taste. Jalebi and Aktori also stand out as top local desserts you shouldn’t miss during your Manali trip.
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