Foodies Guide to Shimla and Manali: What to Eat & Where to Get It

Planning a Shimla Manali tour this summer? While the snow might be gone, the mountains come alive with lush greenery, clear skies, and a whole new seasonal food experience. For travelers who love to explore through their taste buds, Himachal Pradesh in summer offers a blend of refreshing beverages, local fruits, traditional Pahadi dishes, and cozy hilltop cafés that reflect the region's vibrant culture.

Whether you're on a Shimla Kullu Manali tour or just hopping between Shimla and Manali, this foodie guide will walk you through the most delicious summer flavors and must-visit eateries.

1. Traditional Himachali Delicacies You Must Try

A Shimla and Manali tour is incomplete without indulging in the traditional Himachali cuisine. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy lighter regional dishes packed with local spices and seasonal produce.

a. Siddu

A steamed bread made of wheat flour, usually stuffed with a mixture of green peas, walnuts, and spices. Best enjoyed with ghee or chutney, Siddu is a year-round favorite, particularly delightful in cool summer evenings.

Where to Try:

• Himachali Rasoi (Shimla)
• Café Simla Times (Shimla)

b. Chana Madra

This is a rich, yogurt-based curry made with chickpeas and aromatic spices. A staple in Himachali feasts (called Dham), it's hearty yet balanced for the summer appetite.

Where to Try:

• Wake & Bake Café (Shimla)
• Local dhabas in Old Manali

c. Dham

A traditional festive meal served during summer weddings and festivals. It includes rice, rajma, madra, kadi, sweet rice, and more — all served on pattal (leaf plates).

Where to Try:

• Available during local fairs or at homestays that offer traditional meals.

d. Khatta

A tangy side dish made from pumpkin or boondi and amchoor (dry mango powder), perfect for the summer palate.

Where to Try:

• Local Himachali kitchens or homestays

2. Best Cafés to Experience the Summer Mountain Vibe

In summer, cafés in Shimla and Manali offer open terraces, garden seating, and a relaxed mountain vibe. Perfect for sipping cool drinks and enjoying fresh meals.

a. Café 1947 (Manali)

Located by the riverside in Old Manali, Café 1947 is known for its Italian dishes and outdoor seating with a breeze of Beas River.
Must-Try: Pizza, summer salad, iced teas

b. Drifters’ Café (Manali)

Popular among backpackers and digital nomads, this café has a laid-back vibe and live acoustic evenings.
Must-Try: Iced coffee, wraps, fruit smoothies

c. Wake & Bake Café (Shimla)

With large windows and a breezy summer menu, this café is perfect for a sunny brunch.
Must-Try: Crepes, Himachali thali, cold brew

d. The Brew Estate (Shimla)

A microbrewery that’s ideal for summer hangouts with freshly brewed beer and chilled snacks.
Must-Try: Craft beer, summer platters, grilled chicken

3. Street Food Heaven: Where to Snack on the Go

If your Shimla Kullu Manali tour includes walking through bustling summer markets and scenic viewpoints, don’t forget to indulge in these light, spicy, and tangy street food delights:

a. Fruit Chaat

Fresh summer fruits like mangoes, apples, and melons sprinkled with chaat masala — a cooling street-side snack.

Best Spots:

• Ridge Market (Shimla)
• Mall Road (Manali)

b. Aloo Tikki

Crispy potato patties served with cool curd and mint chutney — spicy yet refreshing!
Best Spot: Lakkar Bazaar (Shimla)

c. Golgappas

Crisp, hollow puris filled with tangy water — perfect for the summer heat.
Best Spot: Tibetan Market (Manali)

d. Momos

Steamed or tandoori, these dumplings remain a staple even in summer.

Best Spots:

• Old Manali street stalls
• Lakkar Bazaar (Shimla)

4. Sweet Treats & Summer Desserts

Shimla and Manali’s bakeries and dessert spots step up their game in summer with light pastries, fruit tarts, and seasonal delicacies.

a. Trishool Bakers (Shimla)

One of the oldest bakeries in Shimla, offering fresh fruit cakes and chilled desserts.
Must-Try: Mango pastry, fruit cream

b. German Bakery (Old Manali)

A haven for summer desserts and refreshing drinks.
Must-Try: Lemon cake, iced lattes, mango smoothie

c. Loveena Café & Bakery (Kullu)

A great pit stop with mountain views and cool refreshments.
Must-Try: Cold coffee, fruit tart, apple juice

5. Summer Coolers: Best Drinks to Beat the Heat

In the hills, summer calls for refreshing and energizing drinks. Here are local favorites:

• Buranas (Rhododendron Juice): A sweet-sour drink made from rhododendron flowers. Seasonal and incredibly refreshing.
• Kullu Apple Juice: Freshly pressed and naturally sweet.
• Chhaas (Buttermilk): Served with cumin and mint, a natural coolant.
• Ginger-Lemon-Honey Iced Tea: A staple in mountain cafés, served chilled.

6. Food Tips for Your Shimla Manali Tour in Summer

Make the most of your summer culinary adventure with these seasonal tips:

• Opt for Open-Air Cafés: Enjoy your meals with mountain breeze and scenic views.
• Stay Hydrated: Try fresh juices and local drinks.
• Eat Local & Seasonal: Summer fruits like apricots, cherries, and apples are must-tries.
• Explore Day Markets: Many local food vendors set up stalls during summer festivals and village fairs.
• Pack Light Snacks: Carry some dried fruits, nuts, and water while hiking or sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

A Shimla Manali tour in summer is a sensory delight — lush landscapes, vibrant markets, and fresh seasonal flavors. From fruit chaat on the streets to Dham feasts at a homestay, every bite tells a story. Whether you're on a luxurious Shimla Kullu Manali tour or a relaxed backpacking escape, savor the lighter, fresher, and more colorful side of Himachal’s culinary scene.
So, on your next Shimla and Manali tour, don't just look for views — look for flavors!