If you are looking for good quality food on your trip to the Himalayas, this post will cover 10 of the best restaurants in Dharamshala, India.
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One of the biggest aspects that people stress about when travelling to India is where to eat and how to know when the food is safe to eat to avoid getting sick on your trip.
I am sure that all of us have heard at least one story from someone who travelled to India and got food poisoning on their trip. Me included! So, I found it really helpful to learn from other travellers where are the best and most hygienic restaurants to eat at.
An aspect that I loved about living in the Himalayas, specifically Himachal Pradesh, was the variety of food options that are available there. Nowhere else I lived in India, besides North Goa, had the kind of healthy food options and variety of cuisines that Dharamshala has.
Although there are many restaurants to choose from in Dharamshala, these are 10 most delicious and quality ones I would highly recommend to eat at.
THE CUISINES IN DHARAMSHALA
Dharamshala is a beautiful mix of many different cultures which reflects in the variety of cuisines available here.
This region of the Himalayas is home to not only the Indian cultures, but also Tibetan and Nepali culture. As well as being a popular destination for western travellers. You can get anything from traditional Indian meals, mouth-watering Tibetan dishes, Japanese food, western cuisines (including vegan and vegetarian options) and even health-conscious restaurants (my favourite!).
Let’s look at 10 of the best restaurants you should not miss in Dharamshala.
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN DHARAMSHALA
1. BODHIGREENS (MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN ALL OF INDIA)
If you love eating healthy vegan, organic meals made with love, then Bodhi Greens is the number one restaurant in Dharamshala you need to eat at.
I literally ate one of my meals every single day here because I could not get enough of how delicious every single dish is.
Chef Varun has put together every dish with intention. Every recipe is the perfect combination of ingredients to serve your digestion and energy in the healthiest way.
On the menu you will find everything from nutritious breakfasts, Asian food, healthy salads, soups and tasty desserts.
Where: Main Street, Dharamkot, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Healthy Vegan
2. DUDU FALAFEL
Dudu Falafel is known to be the best falafel in all of India! You can enjoy falafel and hummus while enjoying the outside seating area and good vibes of Dudu Falafel.
The staff is also super friendly, and the ingredients are always tasty fresh. You can tell that they use quality ingredients for their meals.
Where: Near the German Bakery, Mcleod Backpackers, Bhagsu Nag Road, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Israeli, Vegetarian
3. TIBET KITCHEN
Eating warm and delicious Momos at Tibet Kitchen is one of my favourite memories from living in Dharamshala. Especially on those cold and rainy days. The Tibet Kitchen was the perfect comfort food. And I was always greeted by the friendliest staff when I walked into the restaurant.
I feel like you cannot go to Dharamshala and not experience the traditional Tibetan dishes. You should definitely try the Thupka Soup and Steamed Momos when you visit here.
Where: Jogiwara Road, House number 1, Main Square, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Tibetan, Thai and Chinese
4. CAFE FRIENDS CORNER
Cafe Friends Corner is one of the most popular restaurants in Dharamshala amongst tourists and locals.
It is the cutest cafe set up on the rocks, with seating overlooking the view of Dharamshala, and the absolute sweetest owners who always greet you with a smile.
You will always see people gathered around the cafe, drinking chai and enjoying the vibe together.
The whole experience of being at Cafe Friends Corner gives you a very homey feel. Plus, it is a very affordable restaurant to eat at often.
Where: 782J+989, Upper Dharamkot, Bhagsu Nag, Tehsil, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Indian
5. TREK AND DINE
The variety of dishes at Trek and Dine makes this restaurant perfect for all kinds of preferred diets. One of my favourite dishes I ate here was the Vegetable Lasagne.
Trek and Dine has a really lovely and comfortable sitting space to enjoy your meal and get into the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.
Where: Dharamkot, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free
6. LUNG TA
If I was not eating at Bodhi Greens, I would be eating at Lung Ta. I absolutely LOVED the amazing vegetarian Japanese food here and the owners of Lung Ta are so heartwarming.
There is a small area for dining inside and outside of the restaurant. The meals are well-presented, and they have a special set menu every day that is so delicious and so filling. I would highly recommend trying this.
All of the profits from the restaurant go to helping former Tibetan Political prisoners.
Where: Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Traditional Japanese, Vegan and Vegetarian
7. RAKUS PLACE
You will always find people chilling in the beautiful atmosphere of Rakus Place. It is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner because of all the different options on the menu.
Every dish that I ate here was really flavourful. When you come at night or over the weekend, the restaurant comes alive with live music, dancing and a social scene of fellow tourists.
Where: Upper Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Italian, Continental, Chinese, North Indian, Vegan and Vegetarian
8. JIMMY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen is a quaint and rustic restaurant where you can enjoy the flavours of Italy with a stunning view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
They are known for the amazing variety of sauces to add that extra oomph to your meals.
They specialise in pizzas and pastas so you can be sure to get a memorable meal with an unforgettable view from Jimmy’s.
Where: Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Italian, Continental and Desserts
9. JIMMY’S ASIAN KITCHEN
I do not think you can go wrong with ordering anything on the menu at Jimmy’s Asian Kitchen. Many people say that it is the best restaurant in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala.
It is really not so easy to find delicious and good quality sushi in India, but at Jimmy’s you can indulge in amazing sushi (both vegetarian and with fish).
You can enjoy the comfortable and peaceful atmosphere of the restaurant while treating your taste buds to a number of different cuisines that Jimmy’s offers on the menu.
Where: Ladies Venture, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Vietnamese
10. Cafe La Veda
The cutest coffee shop vibe cafe with a beautiful view for the ultimate relaxing ambiance.
Cafe La Veda is a cozy rooftop restaurant with tasteful decor and decent sized portions of food.
Where: Bhagsu Nag, in front of Meghavan Hotel, Dharamshala
Cuisine: Coffee Shop, Waffles, Pizza, Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian
A FEW OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BAKERIES IN DHARAMSHALA THAT ARE WORTH CHECKING OUT:
- Lama Bakery – A go-to bakery for fresh breads.
- Wild Flower – Wild Flower moves around India with the seasons. You will find a lovely community here with conscious meals that change every day.
- Tibetan Tea House – A really cute Tibetan cafe, very peaceful.
- Crepe Pancake Hut – Sweet and salty dishes.
- Once In Nature – A cozy arty vibe.
- Common Ground Cafe – Asian fusion restaurant.
I hope that this list of quality restaurants in Dharamshala has surprised you with how much food variety is available in this area of India. Not all of India is this diverse in cuisines or in quality food, which is such a benefit of visiting this part of the Himalayas.
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