Other than the serene mountains, what comes to your mind when you think of a trip to the mountains? Well, for me it is the traditional food of a particular place. Whether Himachal or Uttarakhand, every hill station has its own traditional food. Most of their dishes are slow-cooked leaving a unique flavor and aroma into the dish and a lot of their preparations are also fermented. The cuisine is homely yet rich and intense. There is a variety of non-vegetarian dishes and the use of lentils, rice, and pulses. Here is a list of Pahadi (Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand) dishes that you must not miss next time to visit the place:
Himachal Pradesh:
- Sidu- the local bread
Sidu is a local bread made from wheat flour. The dough is directly put on a flame of the bonfire to be par-cooked and then later steamed to complete the cooking.
- Tudkiya bhath
It is the authentic pulao of Himachal Pradesh that people cook in their own style. The unique thing about it is the dish is not only cooked with Indian spices but an extra add up to the lentils, potatoes, and yogurt along with onion, tomatoes, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom provides this dish such a great taste that will make you want it again.
- Chha Ghost
If you are a non-veg lover you are going to love Chha Gosht. It is a traditional Himachal dish, it is made with the marinated lamb which is further cooked in the gravy of gram flour and yogurt. The taste of the dish is enhanced with Indian spices.
- Bhey
Bhey is lotus stem, it is usually eaten in pahadi households. The dish is made in ginger-garlic and onion paste with gram flour.
- Dhaam
Dhaam is a thali that consists of dal, rajma, rice, curd, boor ki Kadi and jaggery.The distinctive feature about this dish is that it is prepared by special chefs known as ‘botis’. This dish is most popularly served during festivals.
- Kullu trout fish
This is a famous dish of Kullu region. The fish is marinated with minimal spices to keep the nutrients and original taste of trout intact. The dish is best served with boiled vegetables and is a healthy delicacy of Himachal Pradesh.
- Mittha
Mittha is the sweet dish of Himachal Pradesh. It is basically sweetened rice mixed with dry fruits and raisins.
Uttarakhand:
- Kafuli
It is a famous dish of Uttarakhand that locals swear by. It is made using Spinach and fenugreek leaves. It is cooked in iron kadhai and is complemented with steamed rice. It is healthy and good for diet conscious people as well.
- Phaanu
Phaanu is famous in Garhwal region. It is cooked using mixed lentils of different varieties that are soaked in water overnight. It is a soupy dish and is served mostly with rice.
- Baadi
Baadi is a famous Uttarakhand food that is loved by locals and tourists for its aroma and tangy taste. It is made with kwada atta and is best eaten with gahat ki dal. The dish is rich in Vitamin B12 and A.
- Gulgula
It is another sweet dish of Uttarakhand, it is a sweet local snack made of jaggery. It is made using very simple ingredients.
- Kandaale ka saag
This dish is highly popular in Uttarakhand. It is a green leafy vegetable prepared in a normal way, but the vegetable called Bicchu ghas makes it different. It is very rich in nutrients.
- Kumaoni Raita
This dish accompanies every cuisine of Uttrakhand. It is made with curd, turmeric, cucumber, and tomatoes. The freshness of cucumber gives it a great taste.
- Bhang ki chutney
This chutney is seriously made in Uttarakhand. It enhances the taste of every other cuisine and you will love its fresh aroma and tangy taste.
 dishes that you must not miss next time to visit the place:){kind=link}