Cuisine

Manali food largely owes itself to the crops that are widely grown in the surrounding valley. The main crops are paddy, maize, kodra and salyara that make up the main dishes of the Manali people. A large number of vegetables and fruits also dominate food of Manali. Vada, bhatora and patrodu are served during celebrations and festivities.

An abundance of milk and milk based recipes dominate the food habit of Manali people. Hot milk, curd, butter, ghee or clarified butter, lassi or a curd drink and tea with lots of milk are popular drinks among the Manali people. Home made wine from barley and red rice, known as Chakti and Lugri, make the the local variety.

A traditional spread of Manali food includes an array of rice, a curry or cooked beaten curd, a curd based dish madra, pulses, raita which is a mustard based digestive food made of dry fruits, and sweet rice. This conventional fare is now served usually during marriages and special occasions and is prepared in the way called 'Dham' preferably by a 'Boti' or a Brahmin cook. They are traditionally served on leaf plates or pattal.

For the tourists, there are several restaurants and eating joints catering to a wide range in budget and taste. To get a taste of local Manali food try the Club House of old Manali on Saturdays. This apart, Manali restaurants serve various Indian and international cuisine. Both vegetarian and non - vegetarian food is available in the numerous eating houses of Manali. Varied choices are also available for those preferring the vegan menus and fast food. Bakeries and ice cream parlors of Manali are sure to please the sweet toothed.

Dham

On your trip to Manali don’t miss out on the traditional elaborate fare called Dham, which is usually cooked during wedding ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh. It often includes rice, curry, curd and sweetened rice among other things. Often served as a special lunch, you will find it at many local food joints.

Red Rice

Grown locally, the red rice available at restaurants and dhabas in Manali has a unique nutty flavour. Generally served with a local variety of kidney beans, and saag (a green leafy vegetable dish), it makes for a simple and hearty meal.

River Trout

There is no way you can visit Manali and not feast on the local favourite--river trout preparations made with local flavours. Generally served along with rice, the flavours are both spicy and tangy. You can try out a tandoori take on this dish at the Khyber Restaurant.

Masala Omelette

Whether you’re enjoying a nice time leisurely strolling on the roads or travelling to the scenic Rohtang Pass, the one thing that you will find everywhere to eat in Manali is a special masala omlette, usually served with two slices of bread. This is the ultimate comfort food, specially on chilly mornings or evenings!

Omlette (by stu_spivack)

Tea

Like most cold places, people of Manali love to have lots of tea to keep them warm and accompany conversations. From plain tea to masala tea with heaps of ginger and cinnamon flavour, you are sure to find a tea stall at every nook and corner of the hill station. And every Indian knows that nothing beats the awesome combination of spectacular mountain views and a steaming cup of chai!

Kadhi Chawal

Famous for its mouthwatering kadhi chawal (a spicy gram flour curry and rice dish), no matter where you have this dish in Himachal, you will always come back for more. While on the way to Manali don't forget to stop over at the Manikaran Gurudwara around which you will find many small food shacks selling this delicacy!

Apart from this there are also many popular north Indian as well as Chinese and Tibetan restaurants in Manali that combine local flavours with the original cuisine. There may not be too many local dishes in Manali, but they are definitely lip smacking and worth a try!