Top Himachali Dishes Served At Traditional Weddings

Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful traditions and vibrant wedding celebrations. A key part of Himachali wedding traditions is the grand feast called Dham, which is what Himachali wedding food is known as.

In a traditional Himachali culture wedding, guests are served authentic Himachal wedding food like Madra, Rajma, Sepu Badi, Chana Dal, and Meetha Bhaat. Even with Himachali weddings latest modern trends, the traditional food item of Himachal Pradesh remains an important part of every celebration, bringing families together through rich flavors and cultural values.

Moreover, the food is full of flavor, and every dish shows the love and culture of the region. However, with platforms like Wedmoo – Trusted Matrimonial Platform to Find Your Perfect Match, you can find a partner who shares similar Himachali traditions and roots. Through this comprehensive blog, let’s know more about the range of traditional dishes served in the Himachali wedding that add a touch of emotion and connection to people’s hearts.

Culture & Food Traditions At Himachali Weddings:

Here is an overview of some of the cultural and food traditions at the comprehensive Real Weddings from Himachal Matrimony: 

• Community-Style Serving: At Himachali Weddings, everyone eats together. They sit in a row or circles and eat food served on leaf plates (called pattals). It shows that everyone is equal and a part of the same celebration. 

• Seasons Shape the Menu: The Himachali food served changes with the seasons. In winter, you will generally find warm, spicy dishes like Chha Gosht or Madra. In summer, some of the lighter drinks like Chakpa or fruit sherbets are served to keep people cool.

• Balanced Flavors: Himachali cuisine or dishes are a combination of spicy, sour, sweet, and creamy flavors. Such a combination of each element makes the dish more delicious, interesting, and enjoyable with every bite. 

• Local Ingredients:  The dishes in Himachali weddings are prepared from the local ingredients grown in Himachal. These include lentils, chickpeas, apples, and local spices. This not only makes the food fresh and healthy but also supports local farmers.

List Of Top Himachali Dishes Served At Traditional Weddings:

Himachali people are deeply connected to their roots and traditions. This is why in most of the Himachali Weddings, authentic food is served. There is a range of dishes, but we will explore some of the most served Himachali dishes at traditional weddings: 

1. Dhaam:  The Heart of Every Himachali Wedding

Himachali Weddings are incomplete if Dhaam is not served. Dhaam is a traditional vegetarian feast that holds immense value both culturally and emotionally. Botis are the special cooks who prepare this feast and serve it to the guests, who are usually sitting in rows on leaf plates. Also, this is cooked with several local ingredients such as desi ghee and a range of pulses and spices that bring out unique flavors. Here are some of the key elements of Dhaam: 

• Madra: Madra is a rich, creamy curry made from chana (black or white chickpeas) that is cooked in yogurt and flavored with several spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf.
• Khatta: As the name suggests, Khatta is a tangy dish. It is made with pumpkin or boondi in a sour gravy of tamarind or dry mango powder.
• Teliya Mah: Teliya Mah is generally a black urad dal that is cooked with mustard oil. It gives dal a smoky and earthy taste, which people love.
• Sepu Badi: This is a ground lentil dumpling. It is usually steamed and cooked in a spinach-based gravy.
• Rice & Ghee: Rice and Ghee are the prominent elements of Dhaam. Both of these are served with almost every dish in Dhaam to balance the flavors.
• Mittha: Mittha is a sweet rice dish with ghee, dry fruits, and sugar that ends the meal on a sweet note. It is one of the most satisfactory parts of the Dhaam.

2. Babru: A Crunchy Start To The Celebration

Babru is a delicious deep-fried snack that is often served as a welcome item or during tea time at Real Weddings from Himachal Matrimony. It looks like a kachori and is made by stuffing a dough with spiced urad dal paste and frying it till crisp. The outer layer is crunchy, while the inside is soft and flavorful. Kids usually love this dish due to its crispiness. 

Key Highlights of Babru:

• It is stuffed with ground urad dal (black lentils) mixed with spices.
• The texture of Babru is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Babru is served with tamarind or mint chutney for added flavor.
• It is popular in Shimla, Solan, and the surrounding areas.

3. Chha Gosht: A Royal Treat For Non-Vegetarian Guests

Although traditional Dhaam is vegetarian, many Himachali weddings also serve Chha Gosht. It is a rich mutton curry loved by meat lovers. The dish is made by cooking marinated mutton in a thick gravy made with yogurt, gram flour (besan), and ghee. It’s slow-cooked, which allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Key Highlights of Chha Gosht:

• Meat Used: Mutton (goat meat), marinated in curd and spices.
• Gravy Made With: Yogurt and besan (gram flour).
• Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, slightly tangy, and spiced.
• Usually Served With: Rice or chapatis.

4. Tudkiya Bhath:  The Flavorful Rice Dish

Tudkiya Bhath is a kind of Himachal’s version of vegetable pulao. However, it has its own twists. It is a spiced rice dish made with dal (lentils), potatoes, yogurt, and aromatic spices. Moreover, it’s a one-pot meal that is both nutritious and comforting for guests. At Himachali weddings, it’s served alongside other main dishes or sometimes even in the starter meal.

Key Highlights of Tudkiya Bhath:

• Main Ingredients: Rice, dal (pigeon peas or masoor), potatoes, and curd.
• Spices Used: Garlic, cinnamon, bay leaves, and black pepper.
• Flavor: Mildly spicy, tangy, and aromatic.
• Best Served With:  Curd or a squeeze of lemon.

5. Sidu: The Steamed Bread From The Hills

Sidu is a traditional Himachali bread that’s steamed instead of baked or fried. Made with wheat flour dough, it is usually stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes or ground lentils. Once steamed, it is served hot with ghee or dal. Sidu is very filling and healthy, and though it’s more common in household meals, it sometimes features in wedding breakfasts or pre-wedding functions.

Key Highlights of Sidu:

• Preparation: Wheat dough is fermented, filled, and then steamed.
• Stuffing Options: Spiced lentils, mashed potatoes, or dry fruits.
• Served with: Ghee, dal, or green chutney.
• Texture: Soft and fluffy, with a slight chewiness.

6. Mittha: The Sweet Ending

Every good meal ends with something sweet, and in Himachali weddings, Mittha takes that role. Mittha is a simple and delicious sweet rice dish that is adequately cooked in desi ghee, flavored with cardamom, and topped with dry fruits like raisins, almonds, and cashews. It is served at the end of the Dhaam to signify a sweet start to the couple’s new life.

Key Highlights of Mittha:

• Made with: Basmati rice, sugar, desi ghee, and dry fruits.
• Flavors: Sweet, rich, and aromatic with cardamom.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes happiness and prosperity.
• Other Variants: Kheer (milk-based rice pudding) is also served in some regions

7. Refreshing Drinks

Traditional Himachali drinks also play a part in the wedding meal. These drinks are often made with local fruits and herbs and are served to refresh guests during and after meals.

Key Highlights of Himachali Wedding Beverages:

• Chuk or Chakpa: This is particularly a sour drink made from fermented jaggery and spices.
• Fruit Sherbets:  Apple, plum, or apricot sherbets made from orchard fruits.
• Butter Tea: In colder regions like Lahaul-Spiti, salty butter tea may be offered.

Conclusion 

Himachali weddings are all about family, love, culture, and togetherness. One of the most significant parts of these weddings is the delicious and authentic food. Each food item in these weddings is served with the utmost love and care and is then passed down from generation to generation. This is the reason why this food is full of joy, emotions, and love. And now, if you are dreaming of your own traditional wedding, finding someone who shares these values and traditions is easier with Wedmoo – Trusted Matrimonial Platform to Find Your Perfect Match

This platform is best when looking for a life partner with Himachali values and culture. Its easy-to-use interface, verified listing, and secure messaging help you to find brides and grooms online in the best way possible. So, download the app now or visit the website, and make the most of this leading matrimonial site in Himachal Pradesh. 

Also Read: How To Find Himachali Rishta On Himachal Matrimonial Website?