From Siddus to bakery classics: The flavours that define Shimla
When I think about Shimla now, food comes to mind just as quickly as the mountain views. I expected to find cafés and bakeries, but I did not realise how many traditional Himachali dishes I would come across as well. Some recipes have been prepared in the region for generations, while others reflect the town’s long bakery tradition that continues to draw both locals and visitors.
The best part is that you do not need an elaborate food plan. A warm local breakfast, a traditional Himachali lunch, an afternoon stop at a bakery, and a simple evening meal are enough to experience the flavours that make Shimla memorable. If you enjoy vegetarian food, these are the dishes and food traditions that I think define the city.
Siddu is the dish everyone talks about for a reason
Siddu was the first local speciality I wanted to try, and it turned out to be one of the most satisfying meals of the trip. This steamed wheat bun is traditionally filled with crushed walnuts, poppy seeds, or lentils, then served with ghee, green chutney, or a mild curry.
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It has a soft texture and a comforting flavour that suits Shimla’s cool weather. Many local restaurants and Himachali eateries serve Siddu, especially at lunch, and it is one of the easiest ways to explore the region’s traditional cuisine.
Madra and Dham bring Himachali cooking to the table
In case you want to experience a true Himachali dish, you will have to look out for Madra. Basically, Chana Madra is among the most famous vegetarian recipes made from chickpeas in gravy containing yoghurt that has been carefully seasoned with spices. The other most popular version is Rajma Madra.
These dishes are part of the Himachali Dham, an elaborate meal featuring rice, dal, vegetables, and local cuisine. I enjoyed how exciting the food could be without the excess of spices used.
Babru and small local snacks are perfect between meals
When you stroll through Shimla, you’ll have ample opportunity to stop for snacks, and Babru is one of the food discoveries I was happy to make. It resembles a kachori but is stuffed with a paste made from black gram and is typically paired with spicy tamarind chutney.
I also experienced the delights of fresh aloo tikki, crunchy pakoras, and roasted corn during chilly weather as well as cups of steaming chai from humble local stalls. These comforting snacks are perfect additions to long meals and help to make exploring the town more rewarding.
Shimla’s bakery tradition is still going strong
No visit to Shimla feels complete without spending some time at one of its old bakeries. Walking along Mall Road, it is easy to find shelves filled with butter biscuits, cream rolls, fresh bread, plum cake, fruit cake, patties, and flaky puffs that have remained favourites for years.
I enjoyed stopping for a cup of tea with a freshly baked pastry before continuing my walk. Places such as Trishool Bakers and Wake & Bake Café are popular choices if you want to experience this side of Shimla’s food culture. The bakery tradition here is simple, welcoming, and just as much a part of the city as its local dishes.
Sweet endings are easy to find in Shimla
Vegetarian travellers with a sweet tooth will have plenty to choose from. Mittha, a traditional Himachali sweet rice dish prepared with dry fruits, is often served during celebrations and festive meals. I also found warm jalebis, soft gulab jamuns, and freshly made barfi at sweet shops around the town.
It was nice to finish the day with something sweet before heading back to the hotel. These small stops added another layer to the food experience without needing a long plan or a special occasion.
Staying nearby made exploring the food scene much easier
Choosing a hotel close to Mall Road made the whole food trail much easier to enjoy. I could walk between cafés, bakeries, sweet shops, and local restaurants without spending too much time arranging transport. After comparing a few hotels in Shimla, staying in a central location felt like the best choice because everything I wanted to try was within easy reach.
Final thoughts
Shimla’s food is a mix of old family recipes, local ingredients, and a bakery culture that has been part of the town for generations. From a warm plate of Siddu and a traditional serving of Madra to a cream roll from a neighbourhood bakery and a helping of Mittha, every meal introduced me to a different side of the city. If you enjoy discovering a place through its food, Shimla offers plenty to look forward to.
