Mcleodganj, the oasis of delicious food in northern India

The unmistakable charm of Mcleodganj, a region in the northern state Himachal Pradesh, is seductive. Situated some 483 km from India’s capital city Delhi, Mcleodganj is quite different from other places in surrounding areas. One can find a certain sense of serenity and assurance in the air of Mcleodganj, which is both refreshing and comforting. Even if you are visiting this region for the very first time, there is a sense of ease in the unknown here, making it so attractive to travellers. There are plenty of trains, flights, and private and government-run buses that can be accessed to reach Mcleodganj and enjoy its lovely offerings. This region is no less than an oasis of delicious food in northern India, with exquisite local culinary options.  

Once here, one can find ample of low-budget to high-budget hotels and lodges, which one can pick depending on the stay duration and personal preference. All roads and alleys of Mcleodganj are well connected to the main city bazaar (market) and provide both novice and seasoned travellers a unique experience to devour, long after reaching their home countries. 

A culinary haven 

Mcleodganj is popular amongst both Indians and foreigners owing to the diverse experiences that it offers. The quaint region is widely famous for its culinary delights. The cuisines such as Tibetan, Italian, Israeli, Japanese, and Korean are quite popular here. One can also find Indian cuisine here, but the flavours are far from the authentic. Hence, it is advisable to choose your palate carefully here. 

Wisely choose your meal

A meal ordered experimentally can also be totally different from your expectations and taste. So it’s best to ask your chef about the specific ingredients of the meal if you want to be experimental yet cautious about food choices. One interesting trivia: many times a restaurant's owner and its chef are the same person, and sometimes one whole family is involved in running a restaurant. So, if you have ordered a meal, please be patient as the order preparation can take some time. 

Since the area is primarily Tibetan, you will find several popular Tibetan dishes such as momos, thukpas, thenthuk, shapta, tingmo, and bhaklabs. Other popular dishes here are pizza, pasta, tortillas, torrijas, miso soup, sushi, crepes, smoothies, brownies, pies etc. My personal favourite has always been a carrot cake, which you must not miss if you are visiting Mcleodganj. There is also one old bakery in the main market area, where you can gorge on yummy freshly-made bread, cookies, brownies, and other desserts. 

Cafes with books 

The cafes and restaurants around are cosy and welcoming, with delightful interiors. Some even have bookshelves with a wide variety of books, novels, and magazines. You can enjoy your favourite food while reading your favourite author, a win-win situation for the foodies who are also the book lovers. Here, food options are available for vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and vegans. 

Interestingly, for food connoisseurs, Tibetan food courses are also available - where you can wholeheartedly relish the recipe that you prepare yourself. One can even find street vendors selling authentic Tibetan cuisine and other snacks, which are very reasonable and also high on taste. In other words, Mcleodganj, in the heart of northern India, is an oasis of delicious food for all foodies out there. Visit it to relax and devour your heart out amidst the cool valleys and warm palates. 

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India