5 Himalayan mountain dishes you must savour

New Delhi: Mountains are not only about breathtaking views of golden sun rays shining on snow-capped peaks, valleys vibrant with green trees and blooming flowers, and translucent rivers flowing through them. Countless delicacies made by the tribals or mountain people are equally popular among the locals and tourists. The high altitude, harsh climate, foods cooked on firewood, organic vegetables, wild herbs and varieties of spices – everything brings a unique taste to these delicacies, utterly different from what we get to savour in other landscapes.

Apart from these, mountain people always emphasise warming foods and a simple cooking style. The food here is often influenced by Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepali cuisine, particularly in the Himalayan region. However, India’s mountain regions are not limited to the north. There are various options like the ancient Aravalli Range, the rugged Western and Eastern Ghats, the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges, and the Purvanchal Range. Thus offering unlimited options to savour mountain delicacies.

As there are multiple options to enjoy mountain cuisine, a food lover may get in dilemma over what to choose. Here, we have listed 5 top mountain dishes, particularly from the Himalayan region, one must try among so many options available.

1. Ladakhi pulao and thupka

No doubt, Ladhak is a beautiful city to remember once you visit it. But you will feel the pull towards it once you taste Ladakhi pulao and thupka. Ladakhi pulao, made from special seasoning, specific to Ladakh, caramelised carrots and onions along with nuts, will linger in your memory. Other dishes to go compliment it would be tigmo, phirni, cholak, and skyu. Thupka, the Tibetan noodle soup ideally consists of your favourite noodles, vegetables, meat and aromatic herbs. The dish will ensure you stay warm and cosy

2. Momos

Momos are omnipresent with its popularity almost in all the cafés and restaurants, streets and roads of India. But, taste from the mountain will surely provide a different experience. In India, Sikkim is the place of momos’ origin. If you want to visit Sikkim, you can go between March and May, and next between September and mid-December.

3. Red-yellow rajma and dham thali

If you are in Himachal Pradesh, you must try two dishes. Organically grown red and yellow rajma or kidney beans from Kinnaur are high in nutrients and known for its unique taste. You cannot step out of Kinaur without relishing special rajma chawal available in most homestays, hotels and restaurants. Dham thali, consisting moong dal, rice, and chickpeas cooked in yoghurt and other ingredients, is another food you won’t forget. You can even try the pahadi chicken, Chamba-style fried fish, Kullu trout, and channa madra.

4. Dum aloo

Kashmir is the best place to savour dum aloo, a dish rich with authentic vegetable, to be savoured during the cold nights. After enjoying adventurous activities like trekking, Shikara riding, snowboarding, or skiing, you would stomach will surely feel happy to have it.

5. Bhaang chutney

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Bhang chutney is the special side food in Uttarakhand’s Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. This Kumaoni speciality is of course made of roasted bhaang seeds or hemp seeds, which do not consist psychoactive properties of the leaves. Lemon juice is mixed for its sour taste.

Beautiful destinations are meaningless if you’re on an empty stomach. And many people on social media display a bowl of hot maggi to fill their stomach while travelling the mountains. But now you know, it is not the only option. There are many authentic, unique, delicious and healthy foods one must savour. So, try any of these during your next trip.