‘Queen of Hills’ has long been India’s most loved hill station. Apart from scenic beauty, colonial architecture and pleasant weather, Shimla offers rich culinary culture. Its bustling streets, especially along Mall Road,Lakkar Bazaar and surrounding areas are home to iconic eateries that have been serving locals and tourists for years. Some of these places are small but their food is iconic. Let’s explore six of Shmila’s iconic food joints, Sita Ram and Sons, Mehrus,Tripti, Krishna Bakery, Trishool Bakery and the street food hubs of Navbahar and Takka Bench.
1-Sita Ram & Sons
Located near Lakkar Bazaar, this small eatery has been around for decades and has consistently delighted the people for generations with its signature dish Channa Bhatura. The simplicity of its food and the undying love of locals for the delicious channa Bhatura has gained loyalty.The Bhaturas are light, fully, perfectly golden brown, Channa (Chickpea curry) is mildly spiced and flavourful. Sita Ram has been part of Shimla’s food culture for so long that it feels like an inseparable part of the town.
2-Mehrus
This little gems offer a variety of sweets and chaat at Lower Bazar Shimla. Sweet at Mehrus are simple yet flavourful, they offer popular options like gulab jamun, jalebi, Mehsu local sweet made of besan and barfis, all made out of fresh ingredients and focus on quality. Mehrus dahi bhalla is hard to miss, tangy, spicy and cold fresh curd, its classic aloo tikki and papad chaat are a delight to the palate. The diverse menu from chai to chaat make Mehrus a go-to-spot for both quick snacks and indulgent sweets.
3-Tripti
Anyone with a sweet tooth, Tripti is a must-visit in Shimla. The shop has been serving a variety of breads, cakes,cupcakes, pastries and serving a variety of fast food for years and the reputation has only grown stronger over time. Tripti has two popular food joints one in Lakkar bazar and another one in Sanjauli. What sets Tripti apart is its attention to quality. Their tagline just-baked does justice to the food served.
4-Krishna Bakery
Krishna bakery is one of the oldest bakeries in Shimla, serving freshly baked goods for generations,which are sold out almost as soon as they are baked . This small shop at Mall road Shimla gives a sense of Nostalgia, wooden shelves stacked with assortments of biscuits, cake, rusk.
The bakery is famous for its patties,kurkez and momo but no matter what you choose it will satisfy your soul. Their biscuits,rusk are perfect to pair with tea and coffee. Krishna Bakery remains one of those spots that will transfer you back in time, offering a taste of old shimla.
5-Trishool Bakery
Priety Zinta swear by their pastries, located in the heart of Mall Road, Trishool Bakery is another iconic name in Shimla’s food scene. The inviting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, it’s hard to pass by withouting stopping in for a treat. Bakery’s most popular items include their cream roll, eclairs and fruit cake, all of which have a dedicated fanbase. Apart from sweets Trishool also offers a range of snacks like patties and sandwiches,making it a great place for a quick snack.
6-Navbahar Chowk
Navbahar chowk is a hub for street food lovers offering an array of-mouth watering treats hot dog, chana kulcha, golgappa and papdi chaat.The vibrant spot is a go to destination for both locals and tourists looking to indulge in Shimla’s street food. The vendor start selling after 11am mark your presence with finger licking street food.
7-Takka Bench
Takka bench is not only famous for its Mehndi artists but street food too. It is another hotspot for street food lovers in Shimla, particularly for those who enjoy chaat and golgappa. Located near Ridge, Takka bench has a number of small vendors offering a variety of chaat, from aloo tikki to papdi chaat, each packed with unique texture and flavor.
These food joints, each with their own legacy and charm, offer more than just a meal; they provide a glimpse into the soul of Shimla. The aesthetically pleasing view and food filled with unique flavors is all you want.
