Though the food may not be as varied and rich as other North Indian states, the food in Himachal Pradesh is surely unique. The cuisine here is influenced with Tibetan and Punjabi culture. The climatic and geographical conditions also have a major impact on the food and drinks. The daily food in Himachal Pradesh is similar to any other dish in North India. A typical meal in Himachal Pradesh is vegetarian, comprising of rice, lentil broth, bread and vegetables. Besides this, the non–vegetarian food is adored by the residents of Himachal Pradesh.
The usual food comprises of simple dishes such as rice with Maahni or Madra. Maahni is prepared from white lentils and dried mangoes. In the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, the Madra is prepared from rajmah, desi ghee, and yoghurt with an addition almost 20 spices. This aromatic spicy dish is loved all over the Himachal Pradesh. Even the non vegetarian dishes are cooked with lots of aromatic spices and desi ghee.
Tea is the most favorite drink in Himachal Pradesh. There are varieties of methods of preparation according to the Himachali people. Tea need not be a sweet drink here. Tea is also made with the addition of butter, milk and salt to provide warmth to the body in this hilly terrain.
During festivals, the delicacy called Dham is commonly prepared. The Dham is prepared by Brahmin chefs only. The utensils used are copper ones. The making of Dham starts a night before. Once it is prepared, Dham is served to the people who are seated on the floor. The food is served on leaf plates or Epattalsi plates. Dham is eaten along with rice, curry, raita with mustard base, sweets and pulses. Other festive dishes comprise of ankalos, aktori and Patande. Anklos is made up of rice flour, aktori is a cake made from wheat flour with buckwheat leaves. Patande is also a pancake type dish.
The Himachali people have also included a number of other cuisines in their daily diets. These include Thai, South Indian, Italian and Chinese. Dishes such as uttaphams, Dosa, pastas and momos are consumed with similar pleasure.
Himachal Pradesh Holidays Details |
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