Dharamkot food is, like many popular travel destinations, somewhat of a cultural melting pot. There are local dhabas who will give you simple hearty meals, and there are nice cafes with great music and indie bands that you can experience only in the mountains.
Here are my top picks if you are looking for places to experience Dharamkot food.
1/ Poha and masala chai at Young Monk
Have Poha and Masala chai with an astounding view at this place. Young Monk is an up-and-coming cafe in Dharamkot. The place has a very youthful and casual vibe. The staff is extremely nice and ever-smiling. The unique thing about Young Monk is you will get a variety of dishes other than the rampantly available Paranthas and Maggis.
It is also very easy on the pocket.
Tip: Try out their fried boiled egg. Nothing fancy, boiled eggs shallow fried in Olive oil with salt and pepper. But this is something I regularly make for myself at times. I was so thrilled when I saw it. I keep going back to it every time I want to get a taste of home.
2/ Have Himalayan Trout at Morgan’s cafe
Morgan’s place is one of its kind. There are many places that serve continental Dharamkot food, but none of them consistently manage to source fresh ingredients like Morgan. The staff is very friendly, and they have a fantastic view on their top floor. If you manage to go on a non-peak hour, the place is just serene. I had the grilled Himalayan Trout here, and absolutely enjoyed it.
It’s slightly expensive because of the ingredients they use and the international cuisine they offer.
Tip: Have their Mushroom and Onion Panini, and pancakes with Maple Syrup. Just trust me. You will walk out a very happy human.
3/ Have a Falafel Wrap at Honey’s falafel
This place is bookmarked in the Dharamkot food pages of history. Given its prime location and its tapri like setup, it is frequented by anyone who passes through the village. I did not like much of their food items, but I loved the Falafel wrap they made me two days into my arrival.
True to their name, their falafel game is strong.
Tip: Do not order their parathas until you want to eat maida paratha.
4/ Have Orange Almond Cake at Birdhouse Bakery
This cute little studio is a haven if you are looking for a dessert corner among Dharamkot food. It has a small but delicious menu of finger-licking cakes and loaves of bread.
Tip: If you are feeling exotic, also get a slice of the Focaccia. Definitely say hi to their doggo who is always on the balcony.
5/ Broccoli soup at Trek and Dine
Trek and Dine is a legend in the Dharamkot food scene. Ask anybody and they will tell you your visit is incomplete without a visit. It is definitely a good place with great vibes and live performances.
Their Pizza is also quite good, but it is difficult to certify anything when you are have had too many beers. That’s what happens when you visit this place.
Bonus: Definitely go watch an Indie band perform Himalayan/Himachali local tracks.
Aloo Parantha by Sreshta Didi
Beyond all of this, my favourite Dharamkot food moments remain the ones that were cooked by home cooks with love and limited ingredients.
This first one is the world’s best Aloo Parantha made by Sreshta didi, the caretaker of my homestay. It is fresh, hot, full of healthy ingredients, and made with a mother’s love. : )
Super healthy home food by my homestay owners
This first is also cooked by Sreshta didi, but the ingredients are all locally sourced, and extremely (read exxxxxxxtremely) healthy. Most days I eat lunch at home, and I am grateful for this plate to be mine.
Peace.
