You’ll find typical north Indian dishes in Shimla, including roti breads, rich lentil curries, and sabzi, or curried vegetables. Spice lovers will be in their element.
The Mall
Shimla’s primary tourist area’s brimming with popular coffee shops and restaurants, many offering international dishes appealing to foreign visitors. For something quirky, try Indian Coffee House – a Shimla institution. Sit at a worn-out booth, ask the waiter for a dosa, and enjoy the eclectic atmosphere of an Indian take on an American coffee house. If you’re craving some Western eats in a relaxed hangout spot, Wake & Bake Café will offer you a laid-back slice of pizza, some hummus and pita, or a full English breakfast.
• Indian Coffee House, The Mall, Shimla; • Wake & Bake Café, The Mall, Shimla;
The Ridge
Shimla’s Colonial landmarks are really on show along The Ridge – a wide open road linked to the Mall. Plenty of eateries are scattered here, including some sparkling restaurants with squeaky clean seats and gleaming windows. Topaz Bar & Restaurant is one of these, serving international and Indian dishes like paneer paratha in a bright setting behind Christ Church. For scenic views while dining, take a table on Ashiana & Goofa’s sun terrace. It's well known for its dosas and meat sizzlers, although every bit as delectable is the view across the Ridge – perfect for people-watching while you feast.
• Topaz Bar & Restaurant, The Ridge, Shimla
• Ashiana & Goofa, The Ridge, Shimla;
Cart Road
Linked to The Mall via the pedestrian lifts, Cart Road is a busy, bustling, winding transit route through Shimla. It’s also home to the main transport hubs - the bus and train stations – and the general area features some dining spots worth looking into. If you’re after some food when heading in or out of town, you might like to stop at the Railway Refreshment Room in the station – a simple eatery which serves up basic meals, including freshly prepared breakfast. Rather more upmarket is the restaurant at the Oberoi Cecil, where elegant Indian dishes as well as classic French fare is served up in the kind of genteel, wood-lined surroundings you'd associate with London and New York.
• Railway Refreshment Room, Shimla Railway Station, Shimla
• Oberoi Cecil, Chaura Maidan Road, Shimla;
Lakkar Bazaar
Shimla isn't exactly short on heaving market stalls to poke your way through, but one of the densest thickets is Lakkar Bazaar. Right next to the Ridge, it's famed for its selection of locally hewn wooden artefacts and ornaments, and there are some pretty tempting places to grab a bit as well. Maan Sher-e-Punjab is a no frills, super quick pitstop where you can grab sizzling, spicy Indian street food before carrying on shopping. If lighter refreshment is what you're after, get a steaming hot beverage and tasty pastries from Amar Tea and Snacks.
• Maan Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba, Lakkar Bazaar, Shimla
• Amar Tea and Snacks, Sanjauli Road, Shimla
