Dalhousie Food Guide: Colonial Charm Meets Himalayan Flavors

Dalhousie, established as a hill station by the British in 1854, has a food scene that beautifully blends colonial-era influences with authentic Chamba cuisine. Named after Lord Dalhousie, this quiet hill town at 1,970m offers dining experiences ranging from British-style bakeries to traditional Gaddi shepherd kitchens.

Chamba Chukh — The Famous Red Chili Chutney

No Dalhousie food guide is complete without Chamba Chukh, a sun-dried red chili chutney that's become the town's most famous export. Made from local red chilies ground with mustard oil, lemon juice, and a secret blend of spices, this fiery condiment has a complex heat that builds slowly. Buy it from the Tibetan Market on Subhash Chowk — the handmade versions are far superior to packaged ones.

Madra — Chickpeas in Yogurt Gravy

This ceremonial dish from the Chamba region is cooked during weddings, festivals, and important occasions. Chickpeas (or rajma) are simmered in a thick yogurt gravy with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and generous amounts of ghee. The slow-cooking technique — often 3-4 hours on low flame — results in a dish that's both rich and surprisingly light. Every family in Dalhousie has a signature madra recipe.

Patande — Himachali Crepes

These thin buckwheat or wheat crepes are Dalhousie's answer to the French crêpe. Served for breakfast with honey, jaggery, or fresh fruit, patande are cooked on a cast-iron tawa (griddle) and rolled up while still warm. The best patande are found at the small dhabas along the Kalatop Forest road.

Tudkiya Bhath — Dalhousie's Signature Rice

This aromatic rice dish is the Chamba Valley's version of a pilaf — cooked with lentils, potatoes, onions, and a tempering of cumin, mustard, and dried red chilies. Unlike biryani, tudkiya bhath is simple and homely, designed to be a complete one-pot meal. It's particularly satisfying on cold Dalhousie evenings.

Kwality Restaurant & Bakery

A Dalhousie institution since 1952, Kwality on Mall Road serves excellent Tibetan momos, British-style pastries, and North Indian comfort food. Their chocolate walnut cake and chicken momos are legendary. The restaurant's wooden interiors and fireplace make it the perfect cold-evening refuge.

Mongas Cafe

Located near Gandhi Chowk, this modern cafe serves specialty coffee, freshly baked sourdough, and fusion dishes that blend Himachali ingredients with contemporary techniques. Try their Chamba-spiced latte and walnut brownie.

*Don't leave without: A box of Chamba Chukh, local walnut fudge from the bakeries, and dried wild apricots from Tibetan vendors.*