I spent 2 months in Dharamshala and after 40+ restaurants and 100+ meals in the region, I came up with this guide.
Dharamshala caters to all kinds of cuisines and dietary preferences ranging from Indian, Italian, Tibetan, Israeli, Korean, Chinese and Japanese.
- Mcleodganj is for meat eaters 🍗
- Dharamkot is for vegans 🥬
- Bhagsu Nag caters to both 🥩🥦
I am a vegetarian by choice & so my food recommendations will be vegetarian and vegan.
Click here 👉🏾 Map of eateries.
Dhabas
For a truly authentic local experience, a visit to a Dhaba is a must. It is the best money you will spend on food.
The Himachali Dham (Himachal’s version of a thali) consists of unlimited rice, rajma (beans), dal (lentils) and one vegetable for Rs. 60 (less than $1) 🤯🤯
It is simple home-style food. For the best Dham head over to this place diagonally opposite India Hotel. Pictured below 👇🏾
A few 100 metres away from the last place is another amazing place called Bishnu trekkers Tea.
Their Dham is priced at Rs. 61 but the taste is just a tad inferior to the last one. However, their seating is truly fun and unique with a beautiful street view. Truly India style!!
Indian
With so much to choose from, it was never going to be easy to eat at all the spots. However, I did end up eating at a fair few.
Some favourites were Chilly beans, Raku’s place, Old German Bakery and View cafe. All located in Bhagsu Nag.
Chilly beans were the only ones with a tandoor, Raku’s place had a modern twist to the food, Old German Bakery was the most consistent and View cafe was the cheapest with the best views.
Korean
Korean cuisine in Mcleodganj was a huge surprise. I was definitely not expecting to see it, let alone be good.
I could eat Korean everyday, it was so good 😋
If you are a foodie, you have to check out Seven Hills of Do-Kkae-Bi, you will love everything on their menu.
If you are looking for some Instagram worthy shots, head over to Cafe Ri, but be warned, the food is quite pedestrian.
Tibetan
Dharamshala is the largest colony of Tibetans in the world outside of Tibet. No wonder the variety and quality is so good.
Try Clay Oven at the main square. They will tickle your taste buds with some of the best Thentuk & Thupka.
Israeli
Israeli tourists throng certain parts of India & Dharamshala is filled with them. So much so that most places advertise in Hebrew.
Although I didn’t eat at a lot of Israeli establishments, my favourite was a Sabich sandwich at View Cafe.
Pizza
Just like Korean cuisine, I wasn’t expecting the pizzas in Dharamshala to wow me. But clay oven makes some incredible thin crust pizzas.
If you are in Bhagsu Nag, try Unity Bistro as their speciality is Italian food and they are delectable.
Vegan
I have never came across such a density of vegan restaurants as I saw in Dharamkot. The testimony was in the number of vegan desserts that I saw.
Try Space out, Bodhi Greens or Divine nature. Each with their own specialities and strengths.
Street food
Street food forms such a large part of India’s culture that it is synonymous and almost taken for granted. Dharamshala was no different.
You could find Maggi and tea stalls everywhere you went.
Try the momos. Or choose between Laphing a Tibetan noodle dish OR aloo tikkis in a bun (India’s version of the burger).
Pro tip: Keep a lookout for this person who sells fresh walnuts for Rs. 500 per kg. He sits on the junction going towards Bhagsu.
Desserts
The choice of dessert in Dharamshala was one of the most difficult decisions because there was so much to choose from.
Desserts would typically cost between $1 and $2 and everything about them was heavenly.
Must haves are desserts from Tibet Quality Bakery & Yak cafe in Mcleodganj. Bhagsu cake at Old German Bakery and hazelnut mousse at Bodhi Greens.
Best view/ambiance
For the best view/ambience head over to Once in Nature in Dharamkot or The Sunset Cafe near Gallu Devi Temple.
The whole valley can be seen from Once in Nature and it is a great place for experiencing full moons.
Whereas at The Sunset Cafe, you can experience the best sunsets.
Best wifi
View cafe in upper Bhagsu had the best WiFi and trust me for people looking to work, it was hard work to find WiFi that was reliable and fast.
Japanese
Since most of the exceeded my expectations, I was expecting the same from Japanese food but only to be disappointed.
Unfortunately, I tried 2 places Inari’s place and Lung Ta and I will not recommend either 😞
Last words
Dharamshala is a foodies paradise. In my opinion there aren’t as many tourist spots in India that prepare food which is so consistent and delicious across so many different cuisines.
If you liked this article, check out my favourite activities to do in Dharamshala here.
Have you been to Dharamshala? What do you think of my recommendations? Share in comments below 👇🏾
