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Shimla is one of the prime places in Himachal Pradesh, coated in natural beauty along with the construction of buildings from the colonial period. Besides being picturesque, the delicious street food in Shimla can be consumed while strolling in streets full of people. From food items like chole bhature, if you love spicy Indian food to tandoori momos if you love authentic Chinese food, there are a lot of options. Make sure you try each of them on your trip to Shimla and satiate your tastebuds.
10 Street Food In Shimla
Explore the famous street food in Shimla with these top ten must-try delights that exemplify the rich culinary legacy of these picturesque hills.
1. Chole Bhature
Photo: Sutapa Pal / Wikimedia Commons
Chole Bhature is among the best veg street food in Shimla, mixing the bold flavours of spicy chickpeas with the luxury of deep-fried bread. The recipe includes a generous helping of chole—tender chickpeas cooked in a thick, tangy sauce with various fragrant spices. The chole is served with bhature, a fluffy golden-brown bread that is crunchy on the exterior yet soft on the inside. This delectable mixture is frequently topped with fresh onions, green chillies, and sour pickles, resulting in a gratifying and flavourful experience.
Best Location: Mall Road, Shimla
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM
Price/Plate: ₹80 – ₹120
2. Samosas
Photo: Kspoddar / Wikimedia Commons
Samosas are Shimla’s iconic street dish, known for its crispy shell and savoury inside. These golden-brown pastries are filled with a spicy mixture of potatoes, peas, and sometimes lentils, resulting in a pleasant contrast between the crunchy exterior and the flavourful within. Samosas are commonly seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala and served with chutneys, such as mint or tamarind, to offer an added layer of flavour. They are fast and tasty snacks that exemplify Shimla’s colourful and diversified street food culture.
Best Location: Lower Bazaar, Shimla
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price/Piece: ₹10 – ₹30
3. Tandoori Momos
Photo: Rishu.verkey / Wikimedia Commons
Tandoori Momos are a creative take on the traditional momo, a popular street snack in Shimla. These steamed dumplings are marinated in a spicy yoghurt-based concoction before being grilled in a tandoor, resulting in a smokey flavour and crispy appearance. The fragrant spices and the intense heat of the tandoor create a compelling contrast between the soft, flavourful inside and the charred, crispy surface. Tandoori Momos are popular street food items, served with sour chutneys and sometimes a side salad.
Best Location: Lakkar Bazaar, Shimla
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Price/Plate: ₹70 – ₹100
4. Chana Chaat
Photo: Vinit Jain / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Chana Chaat is a classic and refreshing street food in Shimla, ideal for those seeking a tangy and spicy snack. This meal has a foundation of delicate chickpeas combined with fresh vegetables such as chopped tomatoes, onions, and cucumber. It’s spiced with cumin and chaat masala and served with tangy tamarind and lemon chutneys. The end product is a flavourful, crispy, and delicious mixture that combines spicy, acidic, and sweet flavours. Chana Chaat is sometimes served with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of sev (crunchy chickpea noodles).
Best Location: Ridge Road, Shimla
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Price/Plate: ₹40 – ₹60
5. Aloo Tikki
Photo: Sonia Goyal Jaipur / Wikimedia Commons
Aloo Tikki is a popular street food in Shimla, famed for its crispy, golden skin and flavourful potato inside. These spicy potato patties are produced with mashed potatoes and fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. They are shaped into small, round discs and shallow-fried until they have a pleasant crunch. Aloo Tikki is commonly served with various accompaniments, such as chilled yoghurt, tangy tamarind chutney, and spicy green chutney.
Best Location: Lakkar Bazaar, Shimla
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Price/Plate: ₹30 – ₹60
6. Pahari Paneer Tikka
Photo: SuVaM Epicure / Wikimedia Commons
Pahari Paneer Tikka is a flavourful and fragrant Shimla street food celebrating the region’s love of grilled foods. This meal includes slices of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a combination of traditional spices and yoghurt, which gives the cheese a rich, tangy flavour. The marinated paneer is then grilled or baked until it has a smoky char and a crispy outside. Pahari Paneer Tikka, served with mint chutney and fresh onion rings, is popular among vegetarians and meat eaters.
Best Location: Mall Road, Shimla
Timings: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price/Plate: ₹80 – ₹120
7. Kachoris
Photo: PJ.wikilovesfood / Wikimedia Commons
Kachoris are a famous and delicious street snack in Shimla, known for its crispy texture and spicy fillings. These deep-fried pastries are filled with a savoury mixture of spicy lentils, peas, or potatoes and seasoned with fragrant cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. Roll out the dough into tiny circles, fill with the spice mixture, seal, and fry until golden brown. Kachoris served hot with acidic tamarind chutney or chilled yoghurt, provide a delightful crunch and a rush of flavour with each bite.
Best Location: Lower Bazaar, Shimla
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price/Piece: ₹20 – ₹40
8. Pav Bhaji
Photo: Shakti Rajpurohit / unsplash
Pav Bhaji is a popular street meal in Shimla, known for its rich, spicy flavour and hearty appeal. This meal has a colourful vegetable mash cooked with various spices, including cumin, coriander, and pav bhaji masala. Pav, gently toasted bread rolls, are served alongside the bhaji. Pav Bhaji, often served with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon, provides a delicious blend of textures and flavours. Its spicy, acidic taste and cosy character make it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying roadside food.
Best Location: Mall Road, Shimla
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM
Price/Plate: ₹60 – ₹90
9. Pakoras
Photo: Amitsu12 / Wikimedia Commons
Pakoras are a famous Shimla street food known for its crispy golden skin and savoury flavour. These deep-fried cakes are cooked with veggies, paneer, or potatoes and covered in a spicy gram flour batter. The batter is spiced with cumin and coriander for a flavourful kick. When paired with chutneys such as mint or tamarind, Pakoras provide a pleasant crunch and a lovely texture contrast. They make an excellent snack or appetiser, encapsulating the flavour of Shimla’s colourful street food culture.
Best Location: Ridge Road, Shimla
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Price/Plate: ₹40 – ₹70
10. Bhutte Ka Kees
Photo: Namitakhaire / Wikimedia Commons
Bhutte ka Kees is a delicious dish from Shimla known for its distinct flavour. This savoury delicacy includes grated corn cooked with fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander turmeric, ginger, green chillies, and fresh coriander. A dash of cream or milk improves the dish’s texture, making it rich and creamy. Bhutte ka Kees, commonly served as a side or main course, has a delicious combination of sweet corn and spicy, acidic ingredients, making it a warm and flavourful choice for a substantial lunch.
Best Location: Jakhoo Temple Road, Shimla
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price/Plate: ₹60 – ₹100
Street food in Shimla provides a delectable variety of flavours, from fiery Chole Bhature to tangy Chana Chaat. Each dish showcases the city’s diverse culture and culinary diversity, making it a must-visit for foodies. Plan your next vacation to Shimla with TripXL and try the best street cuisine that gives you a flavourful taste in every bite.
Cover Photo: Agamani Saha / Wikimedia Commons
