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Manali is a picturesque hill station in the middle of Himachal Pradesh and a natural paradise for gourmands. Street food in Manali will surely delight the foodies and give travellers a taste of the traditional Himachali food. Manali’s alleys are full of vendors and shacks preparing and selling different local and Tibetan delicacies. To make visitors experience Manali’s street cuisine, Thukpa is warm, while Siddu is mouth-watering and savoury. Not only this, there are other lip-smacking food options that every tourist must try on their visit to Manali.
10 Street Food In Manali
Enjoy street food in Manali with must-try street snacks. It has different flavours, each delivering a unique sense of the region’s cuisine.
1. Siddu
Photo: Vsigamany / Wikimedia Commons
Siddu is a typical Himachali dish that is particularly popular in the chilly areas of Manali. This steamed bread is created from wheat flour and packed with a savoury filling that usually includes ground poppy seeds, walnuts, and spices. Siddu’s delicate, fluffy texture is achieved by fermenting the dough. Once steamed, it is served hot, frequently with ghee or chutney, making it a warm and filling meal. Siddu is not only popular among locals, but it is also a must-try for visitors wishing to sample the authentic flavours of Himachali cuisine in Manali.
Price/Piece: ₹50 – ₹80
2. Chana Madra
Photo: Sanjay Acharya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chana Madra is a traditional Himachali dish uniquely positioned in Manali’s culinary scene. This rich and flavourful curry is created with white chickpeas (chana) simmered in a thick yoghurt-based stew and seasoned with fragrant spices, including cumin, coriander, and cloves. The yoghurt lends a creamy texture and a faint tang, while the spices give the dish warmth and depth. Chana Madra, often eaten with rice or roti, is a popular dish during local feasts and festivities, providing a filling and satisfying dinner.
Price/Serving: ₹100 – ₹150
3. Dham
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Dham is a traditional Himachali feast commonly served during festivals and other occasions in Manali. This distinctive dinner comprises a variety of foods, including rice, dal, rajma, curd, and, on occasion, a sweet dish, all served with a particular Himachali flavour. Dham, prepared by specialised chefs known as “botis,” is often served on leaf platters and is entirely vegetarian. The flavours are light but deep, reflecting the region’s culinary tradition.
Price/Meal: ₹300 – ₹500
4. Babru
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Babru is a typical Himachali snack that resembles a filled variant of puri and is a famous street food in Manali. This deep-fried delicacy is produced from wheat flour dough, filled with a savoury black gramme (urad dal) paste before being rolled out and cooked till golden brown. The crispy skin and delicious stuffing make Babru a delectable delicacy. Babru is often served with tamarind chutney or chana madra and tastes authentically flavoured with Himachali flavours.
Price/Piece: ₹30 – ₹60
5. Thukpa
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Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup that originated in Tibetan cuisine and is popular in Manali. This flavourful meal blends wheat noodles with a savoury broth prepared from vegetables, pork, or chicken, commonly seasoned with garlic, ginger, and chilli. Thukpa, made with fresh, local ingredients, provides a warm, comfortable dinner ideal for the frigid mountain climate. Its rich, fragrant broth and nutritious ingredients make it a favourite street food choice in Manali for residents and visitors.
Price/Bowl: ₹150 – ₹200
6. Momos
Photo: AmaliaGonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Momos are a famous Tibetan-inspired street food in Manali, known for their delicate, doughy texture and flavourful filling. These steamed dumplings are often loaded with various ingredients, such as vegetables, poultry, or pork, and seasoned with garlic, ginger, and herbs. Momos served hot with spicy dipping sauces, are a pleasant and convenient snack for on-the-go consumption. Whether steamed or fried, Momos are a Manali cuisine staple reflecting the region’s cultural variety and culinary influences.
Price/Plate: ₹80 – ₹150 (6 pieces)
7. Trout Fish
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Trout fish is a culinary highlight in Manali, known for its fresh and delicate flavour. This fish is sourced from Himachal Pradesh’s clean rivers and is frequently grilled, fried, or cooked in a simple marinade to maintain its natural flavour. Trout fish is popular among residents and visitors, especially with vegetables, herbs, or a light sauce. The mild, soft flesh of the trout, mixed with the region’s customary spices, results in a healthy and tasty meal.
Price/Serving: ₹300 – ₹500
8. Sausage Bun
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The sausage bun is a popular street food in Manali, providing a substantial and fulfilling snack for tourists visiting the hill resort. This simple yet wonderful delight is a juicy sausage wrapped in soft, freshly baked bread. The banger, often served warm, mixes savoury flavours with a comforting texture, making it popular with residents and visitors. The combination of seasoned sausage and soft bread creates a delicious contrast, ideal for fuelling your travels in this region.
Price/Bun: ₹80 – ₹120
9. Aloo Tikki
Photo: Sonia Goyal Jaipur / Wikimedia Commons
Aloo Tikki is a flavourful and famous street food in Manali, known for its crispy crust and spicy potato inside. These spherical, shallow-fried patties are made with mashed potatoes blended with herbs, spices, and occasionally peas. They are golden and crispy on the exterior and soft and flavourful on the inside. Aloo Tikki is typically served with tangy chutneys and cold yoghurt, providing a delicious contrast of flavours and textures. It’s a popular snack among tourists wandering Manali’s streets, offering a fast, delightful nibble that’s savoury.
Price/Piece: ₹30 – ₹60
10. Khatta Meat
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Khatta Meat is a unique Himachali dish recognised for its acidic and spicy flavour. This meal is made with soft chunks of meat, usually lamb or goat, and is cooked in a thick stew that includes yoghurt, tomatoes, and a variety of traditional spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric. The yoghurt adds a delicious acidity, while the spices provide depth and warmth to the meal. Khatta Meat, one of the best non-veg street food in Manali, is often served with steaming rice or flatbreads for dinner.
Price/Serving: ₹300 – ₹500
Street food in Manali is a delicious combination of traditional Himachali and Tibetan flavours, ideal for any foodie. From savoury Siddu to fiery Khatta Meat, each dish represents a distinct aspect of the region’s culinary tradition. Explore these local treasures for a memorable culinary experience. Plan a vacation to Manali with TripXL to ensure a smooth travel experience!
Cover Photo: Enric Cruz Lo’pez / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
