Himachali food to try
- Siddu: a steamed wheat bun stuffed with walnut, poppy seed or lentil paste, eaten with ghee. A winter favourite across the state.
- Chana madra: chickpeas cooked in a spiced yoghurt gravy, a classic of Himachali cooking.
- Himachali dham: the festive meal served on leaf plates at weddings and festivals, with rice, dals, rajma, madra and a sweet rice.
- Babru and patande: local fried breads and pancakes.
- Fruit products: apple juice, jams, chutneys and dried fruit from the orchards around Shimla.
Where to eat
The Mall and the Ridge have long-established restaurants and bakeries, some dating back generations, serving North Indian, Chinese, continental and café food. They're busy in the evenings, so eat a little early in peak season. The lanes of the Middle and Lower Bazaar below the Mall have cheaper dhabas and sweet shops.
Himachali food is harder to find in restaurants than you'd expect; look for places advertising siddu or a dham, or ask your hotel. On day trips, dhabas on the highways serve simple, hearty meals. Restaurants open and close often, so check recent reviews rather than relying on old lists.
What to buy in Shimla
- Wooden crafts from Lakkar Bazaar: walking sticks, toys, boxes and carvings.
- Shawls: Kullu shawls with geometric borders and Kinnauri shawls with intricate patterns.
- Woollens: sweaters, caps, socks and gloves, useful if you've under-packed.
- Himachali caps (topi), with their coloured bands.
- Tibetan handicrafts and jewellery from the Tibetan market.
- Fruit products, local honey and herbal teas.
Where to shop
Mall Road is the main shopping street, with fixed-price shops and state emporiums alongside souvenir stores. Lakkar Bazaar, just beyond the Ridge, specialises in woodwork. The Middle and Lower Bazaar, reached by steps down from the Mall, are crowded, cheaper and good for bargaining. The Tibetan market sells clothes, jackets and accessories.
For shawls, government emporiums and cooperative outlets give clearer pricing and labelled materials. Be wary of very cheap 'pashmina', which is usually a blend or synthetic.
Tips
- Bargain politely in the bazaars; fixed-price shops won't move much.
- Many shops close one day a week; check before planning a shopping day.
- Carry cash as well as cards and UPI.
- Buy fruit and preserves at the end of your trip so they travel well.
- Steps down to the Lower Bazaar are steep; go light and keep hands free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the famous food of Shimla?+
Siddu, chana madra and the Himachali dham, plus the bakeries and long-established restaurants of the Mall.
What should I buy in Shimla?+
Woodwork from Lakkar Bazaar, Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, woollens, Himachali caps and fruit products.
Where is the best market in Shimla?+
Mall Road for fixed-price shops and emporiums, Lakkar Bazaar for woodwork, and the Lower Bazaar for bargains.
Why is capsicum called Shimla mirch?+
It's commonly said that capsicum was grown in the Shimla hills during British times and sold from there, giving it the name, though the exact origin isn't documented.
Is Shimla market open on Sunday?+
Most of the Mall is open on Sundays and busy. Some individual shops take a weekly day off, which varies.
Where can I eat Himachali food in Shimla?+
Look for restaurants advertising siddu or a dham, or ask your hotel; Himachali food is less common on menus than North Indian dishes.
