Mcleodganj – Ultimate Food Guide

Imagine 15 different cuisines within a radius of 3km, and all of them equally good and reasonably priced at about 200 per person. You must certainly be in Food Heaven. Look no further, and head to Mcleodganj for your next trip. From Indian to Tibetan to Israeli,  Italian, Japanese, Korean,  it has everything.  Here are the top 15 that you just cannot afford to miss. A trip to mcleodganj is justified even if you come here just to EAT.

 

THAI FOOD AND BHAGSU CAKES– Missing Thai Food after your last visit to Bangkok, or wondering what is in-store for you on your first visit to Thailand. Head to ‘Tom Yam’ restaurant in Upper Bhagsu, and treat yourself to some find Thai Food, almost at the same prices as what you pay in Thailand. Try their spicy chicken Salad, Pad Thai and pick one of the noodle soups. And they have a huge Dog called Dollar, make sure you get a picture with him. Their ‘BHAGSU CAKES’ are certainly the best in town; we went in for two and ended up eating six.

THIN-CRUST PIZZA – This tiny town makes some of India’s best pizzas. If you prefer thin crust with awesome views, then head to ‘Out of the Blue’ in Dharamkot. It is close to the place where the taxi’s or autorickshaws will drop you in Dharamkot.  Try the siciliana pizza, or ask them to make a special one with olives, mushrooms, eggplant and capsicum.

THICK-CRUST PIZZA– If you prefer the thicker crust, then you should look for Unity Bistro in Upper Bhagsu. Reach Bhagsu, and then walk up Bhagsu Hill, You should be able to see this place on your left, when you reach the top of Bhagsu Hill. It’s pretty famous, ask around and people will point it for you. Try the Fiorentina i.e. Pizza with Spinach and Boiled Egg. It may sound odd, but you will end up licking your fingers. If you don’t want to venture out till Bhagsu, and you are looking for good Italian Food in Mcleodganj, then Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen is the place.

CAKES– Just one cake in Mcleodganj is enough to convince you that you are in the Baker’s heaven. It’s difficult to find bad cake in this area. Our favorite is the ‘Tibet Quality Bakery’ in Mcleodganj. Ask for the post office, and you will find the place. Try their Banana Muffin, Nut Bar, Energy, Walnut Rum Raisin cake or anything that looks fancy, everything is finger looking good.   (and you can take these cakes with you to other cafes, they usually don’t mind if you order something to drink and munch on your cakes etc)

CAFES – This is a difficult one, considering there are so many good ones. We will leave you with a few options.

GREEN RESTAURANT – If you are in mood for some caramel coffee, with a nice creamy chocolate walnut cake, Green Restaurant is the place for you. Try their caramel Cappuccino with the chocolate walnut cake. Green Restaurant is on the road to Bhagsu from Mcleodganj square.

MILKYWAY – This café in Dharamkot is like most other cafes, but if you have to choose one, head here. Their ginger chai does the trick for you, if you are in the mood for snacks, their Israeli food is quite nice.

  ANGEL CAFÉ – Somehow the café culture never made it to Naddi, the Angel café is the only café in town. If you end up in Naddi, then head here.

ISRAELI FOOD – Dudu Falafels,  if you walk up Bhagsu Hill, this place is to your right. Don’t let the looks of the place deceive you,  the falafels are delicious and will leave you craving for more.  

ENENGY BALLS –   ‘Once in Nature’ in Dharamkot. It is the first café if you walk up to Dharamkot from Bhagsu. Ask for the menu and flip to the last 2 pages, and treat yourself to some new things.  The food is different from most places, but we didn’t end up as big fans. The views from the café are great, the vibe is very chilled out.  Certainly a place, not to be missed.  Usually have live music on Saturday evenings.

MOMOS – How can you come to Little Tibet and not eat momos. You can find all sorts of varieties here and they are all good. Our favourite are the Potato momos outside Norling Restaurant. There are two ladies selling the same kind of momos – veggie and potato, we think the one of the left makes them better. Try for yourself and let us know. There is another lady in the main square, just outside a restaurant called ‘Tibet Kitchen’, her Potato momos are equally delicious.

SPECIAL LASSI – Nestled in a remote Corner in Bhagsu, they serve the best ‘Bhang Lassi’ in town. We have heard crazy stories from people who tried their Lassi. It is recommended to share one ‘Bhang Lassi’ between two to three people. The Lassi can really leave you dreaming for about 12-15 hours. Try at your own risk.

TIBET KITCHEN – Right at the Main Square, on Jogibara Road. As the name gives away, this specializes in Tibetan fare with a healthy dose of Burmese and Chinese thrown in for good measure. One of the few places in McLeodgunj that have pork dishes (no Pork Momos though, bummer). Definitely try their Chicken Steam Momos. Moist, well stuffed; just the way healthy momos should be. Also try their Pork Chilly and Pork Pickle Curry coupled with the Tibetan steamed bread, Tingmo.

JAPENESE – Lung Ta – This is located further up on Jogibara Road, well past Peace Cafe and the only ‘movie hall’ called Cinemaa 1. It will take you by surprise, vegetarian Japanese fare that you will love, and Sushi at that too. They have specials everyday of the week, but Tuesdays and Fridays are most crowded because its Sushi day. Hence, go early. They also have a huge open terrace if you wish to sit outside (excellent option). A very generous sushi set meal that includes salads, spinach, miso soup and boiled potatoes. All for 180/- (Great Value for money)

CHOCOLATE– Chocolate Log – This is also on Jogibara Road, before Lung Ta. Its a small, well designed cafe that offers some lovely cakes and pastries with hot, steaming cups of coffee/tea/chocolate to go with it. The owners are sweet and it is easy to strike up a conversation with them. Makes for the perfect late afternoon spot. Try their Hot Chocolate and Lemon Cheesecake; prices are definitely on the sweeter side. They sell homemade wines too. Note that it closes at 6PM sharp.

DIRTY CHAI Tibetan Mandala Cafe – On the way to the Dalai Lama Temple, you will come across this bustling place. There is quite an extensive menu encompassing sandwiches, pizzas, lasagne. If you are feeling experimental, then try their ‘Dirty Chai’, the coolers are good too. We usually play it safe and go with ‘Ginger Lemon Honey’, but theirs is the best one around.

CARROT CAKE – Lhamo’s Croissant – On Bhagsunag Road, after Nick’s Italian Kitchen. Keep a lookout for this place else you might might miss it. The fare is limited but they best Carrot Cake in town. The Banana Cake is lovely too, but the Carrot Cake leaves you in state of absolute bliss.

KOREAN -Cafe [ri] – This is a nice little Korean cafe tucked away in a corner on Bhagsunag Road, behind Green Hotel. Small and cozy with a great view. (must mention the blazing WiFi speeds). The menu is fairly inclusive of popular dishes; yes they have the Korean Sushi, Kimbap and set meals too. Try their Soy Banana Smoothie and the Spicy Ramyon (flavored with kimchi) which makes for an excellent and comforting dinner.

How many of these have you tried out?

Which is your favourite place in Mcleodganj?

Did we miss any great places to eat, if yes, please leave and we will be happy to update our list.

 

This post was co-authoured by Gaurav Saha – struggling food blogger and an established Sedan Driver. You can find him on twitter and instagram @Gauravsaha