Best Things to Eat in Mcleod Ganj, Triund, and Bir Billing: An Ultimate Foodie Guide
If you're planning a visit to the Dhauladhar mountain range, you are probably thinking about paragliding or hiking the Triund trek, but for the traveller in you, the heart of these mountains lies in the kitchen! The McLeod Ganj, Triund, and Bir Billing area has an amazing culinary offering that is just as diverse as the surrounding landscape, from Tibetan soups to deliciously crafted Italian pizzas.
If you are going to be part of the next Voyagers' Beat trip of 3N/4D to McLeodganj and Bir Billing, make sure you have this list of suggested items on hand to ensure that your body gets the proper fuel for your adventure.
1. Mcleodganj – The Heart of the Tibetan Experience
Mcleodganj (or little Lhasa) brings together lovers of food and culture by providing an atmosphere rich in traditional Himalayan flavours through all the senses. You can smell the fragrant steam from dumplings cooking on the street, as well as the various teas and herbs used by local vendors.
Tibetan Momos & Thukpa
You haven’t fully experienced Mcleodganj until you’ve eaten some momos from one of the many small food stalls lining the narrow streets near the main square. Although restaurants like the Tibet Kitchen provide a more dining experience than food stalls, the momos served from street vendor stalls are much more authentic than what either has to offer. Also order a delicious bowl of thukpa (a nutritious noodle soup made from vegetables, meat, or tomatoes) to keep you warm on those cold winter nights!
Bhagsu Cake Is an Iconic Dessert Touted as a Local Favourite
This is the most popular dessert of Bhagsu Village (the village has created many good versions of this dessert). The Bhagsu cake consists of three parts, a crunchy bottom (the biscuit), gooey caramel in the middle, and dark chocolate on top. The best place to find a good Bhagsu cake is at Singh Corner or one of the bakeries or cafes in Dharamkot.
Cafes to Visit in Mcleodganj
Illiterati: A coffee and book café with a lovely view.
Jimmy's Italian Kitchen: Famous for their baked potatoes and thin-crust pizza.
Woeser Bakery: A hidden treasure for gluten-free creations and cappuccinos hand-crafted by the bakery owner.
2. Triund: The Comfort Food that's worth the Climb of 2850m
For any mountain enthusiast, Triund is an iconic hike that everyone should experience! Even though the hike may stretch your lungs to their limit, what you'll receive for your efforts is a unique view of the Dhauladhar Mountains plus a down-to-earth meal from “Pahadi”.
The Magic of 'Pahadi' Maggi
There is an unwritten rule in the Himalayas – "Maggi tastes 100% better at a shack at a high altitude." And eating a steaming bowl of spicy Maggi accompanied by hot lemon and ginger tea outside of a rustic stone shack is now a tradition.
Dal Chawal – Daal Fry:
If you are camping on the top of the hill for the night, then every campsite will provide you with a simple yet heartwarming meal of dal chawal or rajma chawal. Maybe it's due to the
water from the mountains and the freshness of the air, but when you eat basic lentils at Triund, they taste as if you are at a 5-star restaurant.
3. Bir Billing: An All-In-One Destination
Bir was once a place to land but had transformed into a cool place. The food is a mix of all the cultures found in Himachal.
Himachali Siddu
If you want to experience the local culture, try this: Siddu (traditional steamed bread made of wheat flour, filled with a mix of poppy seeds, walnuts and various spices). Siddu is generally served with lots of ghee and green chutney. You can find authentic Siddu at the Northern Cafe, which also offers an amazing view of the paragliders as they land.
Landing Site Offering
After having landed to paraglide, go to the landing site and enjoy Ram Bahadur's momos. Locals claim the best is his "Devil Momos", which are deep-fried dumplings coated in a spicy and garlic-laced sauce.
Bir's Artisanal Treats
Avva’s Cafe: One of the top places in northern India for authentic South Indian food, particularly their Podi Idlis and Dosas.
Silver Linings Cafe: A cafe famous for its banoffee pie and mud-house-style interior.
June 16 Cafe: The premier cafe for the digital nomad crowd with delicious coffee and a productive work environment.
Tips for the Thirsty Traveler
Drink Butter Tea: If you are looking for the most authentic experience possible, try some butter tea (po cha) in Tibet. The butter tea is salty instead of sweet, which can help with altitude sickness.
Eat Early: Most of the cafes in McLeod Ganj and Bir close by 8:30 PM, so plan to eat early enough to be able to eat at the best restaurants.
Sustainable Travel/Food: Bring your own reusable water bottle when travelling to help reduce waste while hiking to Triund. Do not leave plastic wrappers on the Triund trail.
Embark on a fantastic journey together!
Dining in the company of others always makes food taste better. Voyagers’ Beat brings you experiences that combine the fun of trekking with the pleasure of finding local treasures. So whether you want to relax while sipping coffee in Mcleodganj or enjoy a traditional meal in Bir, we can help you create those memories.
