Famous Street Food in Shimla | The Orchid Hotel Shimla

Famous Street Food in Shimla

Delectable Indian buffet at The Orchid Shimla

Shimla, the charming capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pleasant weather but also its delectable street food. Exploring the bustling streets of Shimla reveals a vibrant street food scene, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes. In this blog, we will embark on a culinary journey to discover and savour some of the famous street foods of Shimla, including Madra, Chicken Anardana, Dham/Dhaam, Chha Gosht and Babru.

1. Madra


A Creamy Delight: One of the most iconic dishes in Shimla is Madra. This traditional Himachali dish features soaked and boiled chickpeas cooked in a rich, creamy gravy made from yoghurt and an assortment of aromatic spices. The dish is further enhanced with the addition of ghee, fried onions and dry fruits, which impart a delightful richness to the flavours.

Madra with Rice, authentic dish of Shimla
Chicken Ananrdana served in copper utensil

2. Chicken Anardana


Tangy and Tantalising: For meat lovers, Chicken Anardana is a must-try Shimla street food delicacy. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy blend of pomegranate seeds, yoghurt and spices, creating a burst of flavour. The marinated chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in succulent and aromatic bites.

3. Dham/Dhaam


A Feast for the Senses: Dham, also known as Dhaam, is a traditional Himachali feast that offers a wholesome culinary experience. This vegetarian platter comprises a delightful assortment of dishes, including dal, rice, curries and desserts. Shimla is dotted with local restaurants and street food stalls where you can partake in the cultural and gastronomic extravaganza of Dham and immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Himachali cuisine.

A traditional Shimla dish known as Dham
Chha Gosht on a bowl ready to be served

4. Chha Gosht


Robust and Flavorful: Shimla's street food scene is incomplete without Chha Gosht, a popular mutton dish that boasts robust flavours. The tender mutton pieces are slow-cooked in a thick and aromatic gravy infused with fragrant spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Indulge in the tantalising Chha Gosht served with piping hot naan or rice available at various street food stalls across the city.

5. Babru


A Crispy Delight: To satisfy your cravings for a crispy and flavorful snack, Babru, also known as Himachali Kachori, is a perfect choice. This deep-fried bread is stuffed with a spiced lentil filling that entices the taste buds. Shimla's street food vendors offer Babru in abundance, allowing you to enjoy its crispy goodness during your culinary explorations.

Babra served in plates

The Orchid Hotel Shimla is the ideal place to stay for people looking to explore the food scene in Shimla. Its convenient location allows easy access to the best street food in Shimla, where you can indulge in the famous culinary delights. After a day of gastronomic adventures, the hotel provides a comfortable retreat to relax and recharge. Whether you're seeking traditional Himachali dishes or other local delicacies, The Orchid Hotel offers a perfect base for your food exploration in Shimla!