Tucked into the hills, Shimla has been a popular tourist destination for many years. Aesthetically planned, the hill station stands like a former beauty queen whose charm still lingers. The capital is always alive and always awake. Buzzing with a flow of tourists from India and other countries. One side are the colonial buildings, true to its past and the other is the historic temples, both coming together in a way that leaves very person amazed. Shimla is not only an architectural hotpot. It is the mix of two cultures and stories. It is living history. Shimla Holidays are filled with this wonder, but what about the food? Here are the Famous places to eat in Shimla:
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant has a cult like following. Inspired by the regions European past, the menu is a mix of Indian and continental food. It’s one of the oldest resultants in the city and is known to serve the hottest and softest Gulab Jamuns that exist. Picture sitting on a chilly rainy day, gobbling them down alongside some tea. Many locals even grab a mutton cutlet of a creamy chocolate éclair on their way while shopping or walking around since it is surrounded by bookstores, restaurants and clothing stores.
Goofa Ashiana is a landmark in Shimla for its giant gazebo-like shape. They offer a 360 degree view with the snow-capped mountains on one side and the busy town of Shimla on the other. Handled by Himachal Pradesh tourism department, this place promises the real thing. It serves authentic Himachali food that attracts thousands of tourists every year. One of the drinks served here known as Chaang is highly recommended since it is a local rice wine. It’ very common that people show up for a late lunch and spend rest of the day rubbing their tummies in gratitude. It is also pocket friendly – so win win!
Way ahead of its time, Wake and bake café brings together bohemian, rustic and quirky. Its signature yellow and blue exterior (and interior) make it impossible to miss. While they can’t literally give you the wake and bake experience, they come pretty close to it with their food. Serving French crêpes, Lebanese hummus, and Dosas, the café is a popular joint for the younger crowd. They have cute windows overlooking one of the busiest streets in Shimla. Sip your coffee as you watch the world go by.
In Shimla with your better half? Head to Seventh heaven to fall in love again. It’s rustic yet modern interiors are very welcoming and make for the perfect setting on your first date. Located on the seventh floor of the highly-rated Hotel Combermere in the heart of Shimla, the view from here will be very distracting when your food arrives. You can choose to be seated inside or outside but it is recommended to make the most of Shimla’s scenic beauty and pick a spot outside. Don’t worry about it being cold, they’ll set up a fire to keep you both warm. The menu is a multi-cuisine and despite looking very fancy, it is still light on the pocket.
Started in the 1970’s, Devicos still holds its old-time charm. During the day, it is a family restaurant, offering a menu consisting of Indian as well as continental but by night time this swanky place turns into a bar with a fine selection of whiskeys and vodkas. There is a very young energy in the crowd as this place is very popular among college students. The drinks and food are all the basic classics, so you can’t really go wrong with anything you order. As odd as it sounds, a lot of people speak highly of the grilled prawns swerved here.
What’s the mountains without momos? Tucked away in the middle bazaar area of Shimla is China Town restaurant, serving local Chinese snacks like momos. They have paintings of tigers and dragons to make the whole experience more authentic. Rice, noodles, different kinds of soups and flavours, the list does not end. It’s often tough to get a seat here, many locals pack the food and eat elsewhere. That being said, the food here is of large variety and super cheap which makes it very popular among locals and tourists alike.
What’s the point of a holiday if you don’t pamper yourself silly? Cecil restaurant at the Oberoi has just the luxury one needs to feel royal. A restored ball room now serves as a restaurant that’s interiors take you back in time. Their menu consists of international, pan-Indian and local Himachali dishes, add to that the polite staff and five star service and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening. They even serve Kullu Valley Trout but it is advised to book a table beforehand.
Located in mall road, this café has a truly global menu. It always has events such as live music that will surely keep you entertained. While not on the menu, the café has a separate cake corner where one could go pick cakes and pastries, in case you have a sweet tooth. Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Grilled Fish, Vienna Espresso and Tandoori Mushrooms are the most popular dishes, so be sure to try them if you head there. They also serve some really interesting cocktails witch can take all day to experiment, so plan your day accordingly.
Established in 2007, Honey Hut is on a mission to publicize the health benefits of honey. Everything on the menu here has honey in it, so you’re guaranteed to have a ‘sweet’ time! The café offers an excellent view and is absolute value for money. So take a chilly Shimla evening, add to that some green tea and a warm apple pie and you’ll experience Shimla at its simplest and finest.
Not to be mistaken with the chain, Indian Coffee House is a popular café among locals in Mall road. While the food is decent and nothing to write home about, it is the ambience that makes this place iconic. The walls here have character and have seen countless regulars and tourists come and go. They are known to serve the best coffee in town. Super light on the pocket and on the must do Shimla list!
