The food of the Kullu Valley is simple, warming and made for mountain life. Many dishes are steamed, slow-cooked or fried in mustard oil, and they taste best on a cool evening with the hills outside. Here is a guide to what you should try during your stay around Naggar.
Dham: The Festive Meal
Dham is the traditional celebration meal, cooked by specialist cooks called botis and served on leaf plates. A typical spread includes rice, dal, red kidney beans (rajma), a yoghurt-based curry such as boor ki kadhi, curd and a sweet. Eating dham at a local festival or wedding is the best experience. Some local kitchens serve a smaller version on request.
Siddu
Siddu is a steamed wheat bun, often stuffed with poppy seeds, walnuts or lentil paste. It is served hot with ghee and a green chutney, and sometimes alongside dal. It is filling, so one or two is plenty. Look for it at small roadside eateries, especially in cooler months.
Babru
Babru is like a local kachori. A wheat dough is filled with a black gram paste and deep fried until puffy. Pair it with tamarind chutney for a perfect tea-time snack.
Madra
Madra is a slow-cooked dish of chickpeas in a yoghurt gravy, spiced with cumin, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. It is usually eaten with rice and is a staple at Himachali feasts.
Fresh Trout
The cold rivers of the valley, such as the Beas and its tributaries, support trout farms. Trout is usually marinated simply and pan fried or grilled, and it makes a good meal if you want a break from vegetarian fare. Ask for the freshest catch of the day.
Other Dishes to Look For
- Chha gosht: Lamb cooked in a spiced yoghurt marinade, associated with Chamba but found across the state.
- Aktori: Sweet buckwheat pancakes from Spiti.
- Thukpa and momos: Tibetan influences are easy to find in Manali and nearby towns.
- Seasonal apples: Fresh from the orchard in autumn, plus local apple products.
Eating Tips
- Order a few dishes to share, so you can taste more.
- Ask what is in season; winter and monsoon menus differ.
- Carry bottled or filtered water and avoid raw salads at roadside stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Carry cash, as small places may not accept cards.
- Vegetarian travellers will find plenty of choices, since most dishes have meatless versions.
If you're looking for a base in Naggar, Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay right in the village — book your stay to wake up to valley views.
Wander the lanes of Naggar and ask locals where they eat; the best meals are often found away from the main road. Come hungry and take your time.
Planning a food-focused trip to the Kullu Valley? Contact Ghar in the Hills and we will happily point you toward local flavours.