Eat Like a Local: A Foodie's Guide to Hidden Eateries in Shimla
They say, “Travel thoda zyada tasty ho jaye, toh yaadon ka flavour aur gehra hota hai!” In mall road in Shimla, tourists queue up at flashy restaurants, but if you truly want to taste the soul of Shimla town, skip the obvious. Let’s take a detour to those cozy joints where locals go for their chai and chhole bhature — the real pahadi zaika lives here.
What’s cooking in Shimla? Well, you can’t leave without trying Madra (a creamy curd-based chickpea dish), Siddu (a steamed stuffed bread), Tudkiya Bhat (masala rice with lentils), and the winter-favourite Chha Gosht (spiced mutton curry). Don't forget to try the local breads served with desi ghee — kadak aur swaadisht! Whether you’re a vegetarian or a hardcore meat lover, best places in Shimla will make your taste buds do the Bhangra.
Now the real fun — khaane ki jagah. Skip your hotel buffet and head to Meena Bagh Shimla lane for Mahajan’s Bhojanalaya, where students swear by the parathas. Craving momos? Take a cab to Sanjauli and visit Raju Bhai’s Stall — steamed perfection with a secret chutney that’ll make you say “yeh toh dil le gaya!”. And for a sweet tooth? The Old Bakery near Ridge has been baking cakes since your nana’s college days! These places in Shimla are easy to miss unless you're in the loop — now you are.
Tips from one foodie to another? Go during the off-hours — before 1 PM or after 3 PM — to avoid the rush. Carry cash (some gems don’t do UPI), and don’t judge a place by its facade — Shimla ki asli yaari milti hai chhoti dukaan mein. Hygiene? Most of these places are local-approved — but trust your eyes and nose. Oh, and eat light — there’s always one more dish waiting at the next stop.
To wrap it up — a DIY local food tour through mall road in Shimla and nearby Shimla town can be the best part of your hill escape. Start your morning with jalebi at Lakkar Bazaar and end your evening with a butter-loaded Siddu in Sanjauli. And remember, Shimla ka swaad, sirf taste buds nahi, dil bhi jeet leta hai!
