Tasting the Hills

From Rishikesh and Lansdowne to Mussoorie and Shimla, the hills are well-loved for treks, rafting, and bungee jumps.

- ADITHI REENA AJITH

But there's another adventure waiting in the mountains that often goes overlooked: the food. This monsoon, Delhiite Anubhav Sapra—best known for pioneering the food walk culture in the capital through his company, Delhi Food Walks—is hiking through the hilly terrains of Kasol and Manali for his ongoing YouTube series, following unusual and iconic flavours and stories nestled in the hills of Himachal.

Mountain food is far more diverse than the usual momo, thukpa, or Maggi. Over the years, dining spots in Kasol and Manali have introduced Israeli and Mediterranean flavours like shakshuka, falafel, and schnitzel into the mix. Alongside these global influences, traditional Himachali staples still hold their ground—like siddu, a steamed bread stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings such as lentils, walnuts, or poppy seeds, and Himachali dham, a rare-to-find all-vegetarian feast typically reserved for special occasions.

Joined by local entrepreneur Khushboo Barry, Sapra hops across iconic and lesser-known spots in the mountains. "It's always good to go with someone who knows the place—someone who can take you around, tell you where to eat, what to avoid, and give you a deeper understanding of the place," says Sapra—a principle reflected in much of his work outside Delhi, where he often collaborates with locals.