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Rain always brings a sense of calm, but it also makes you crave food that’s warm, filling, and soothing. In Himachal, the food is simple but full of flavour because it is prepared using local spices and seasonal ingredients. Most dishes are prepared slowly, with care, and eaten hot, just the kind of food you need when it’s drizzling outside and you want to stay in. Whether you're in the mood for something light and healthy or rich and satisfying, Himachali recipes offer both. This list brings together a few popular dishes from the region that work well for rainy days. Try one or two, and your home will smell like a pahadi kitchen in no time.
Video Credits: Rekha Sen Kitchen/ YouTube
Siddu
Siddu is one of the most loved steamed snacks from Himachal. It's made with a wheat flour dough that is left to rise naturally, making it soft and airy. The filling can vary; some prefer crushed peanuts, while others use spiced urad dal. Once stuffed, the dough is sealed and steamed for around 20–30 minutes until fully cooked. The texture is soft and chewy, and it’s usually served with ghee or a light chutney. Since it’s steamed, it doesn’t feel heavy, making it perfect for damp evenings when you want something warm but not oily. It also keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers the next morning.
Image Credits: Freepik
Babbru
Babbru is a deep-fried dish that feels like a special treat, especially on cool, rainy evenings. It's similar to a stuffed puri, made using wheat flour and filled with soaked and ground black gram (urad dal) that’s lightly spiced with salt, chilli, and a bit of ajwain. The dough is rolled out, filled, sealed, and fried until golden and crisp. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft inside, with a strong, savoury flavour from the lentils. Though fried, it pairs well with a light chutney or even a spoonful of curd, balancing the richness. It’s best eaten hot off the pan with a hot cup of chai nearby.
Auriya Kaddu
If you’ve never tried pumpkin in a tangy curry before, this one might surprise you. Auriya kaddu is made using ripe yellow pumpkin, cooked with mustard seeds, dry mango powder (amchur), turmeric, and a bit of jaggery for sweetness. The result is a warm, slightly sweet and sour dish that tastes refreshing and comforting at the same time. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for something light but full of contrasting sweet and tangy notes. Pumpkin is high in fibre and vitamin A, so it’s also good for your health. You can serve it with plain roti or even rice.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Tudkiya Bhath
This is more than the usual rice dish. Tudkiya bhath is a traditional Himachali preparation made by slow-cooking rice with lentils, curd, and spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, and cardamom. Sometimes, even potatoes are added for extra texture. It’s mildly spiced and has a tangy twist from the curd, which gives it a unique taste. Unlike biryani or pulao, this is more rustic and homely, like a comforting khichdi, but with deeper flavour. You can eat it plain or with a small bowl of chutney or curd on the side. It’s especially satisfying when eaten warm while listening to the rain outside.
Image Credits: Freepik
Kullu Trout
If you enjoy fish, kullu trout is a dish worth trying at home. It’s made using fresh river trout, marinated in a blend of lemon juice, salt, and local spices, and then pan-fried until the skin is crisp and the inside stays soft. It doesn’t need heavy masalas or sauces. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavour of the fish to stand out. It’s rich in protein and omega-3 fats, making it both tasty and nutritious. Serve it with a light salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. It’s perfect for a clean, satisfying meal after a rainy-day nap.
