There are enough reasons you need to plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh this Christmas, but satiating your sourdough cravings here is the most lip-smacking one.
The magnificent bread that was born over 5,000 years ago, in the lands of eclectic Egypt has finally made its way to the mighty mountains of India. Over the last couple of years, sourdough breads have been flying off the shelves in small, homegrown cafes in Himachal, with the demand only rising.
You can now find Himachal’s favourite delicacy bhaturoo (an overnight fermented bread) that is served with love in local households to the backdrop of pahadi songs like Shaabashe; and a mean sourdough toast accompanied by a good pour over and the tunes of La Vie En Rose in a café, thriving simultaneously.
So if you’re planning to visit Himachal Pradesh during these Christmas holidays, we recommend that you try these bakeries and cafes out!
What’s even better about these recommendations? Most of them are women-led and owned.
1. Bhoomi Cafe & Bakery, Bir
In the by-lanes of the beaming town of Bir, located next to the monastery, is Bhoomi cafe. Rigzin, the owner, loves experimenting with breads and around this time last year also started a weekly bread club to the delight of many of the café’s regulars. From Rosemary Sourdough Loaf to Oats Sourdough Breads, you have quite a few options to choose from. Apart from the ones served as a part of their daily menu with soups and eggs, you can also place an order for an entire loaf just a day in advance.
There is a second-hand bookstore and a small shop right below the cafe for you to check out when you go for a wholesome meal.
We recommend: Pumpkin and Seed Soup with Sourdough Toast, Cilbir with Sourdough Toast, and their Sunday Sourdough Doughnuts.
2. 1740 Bakery, Dharamsala
A true homegrown bakery that until the last couple of months was a takeaway-only establishment, it has now become a full-fledged café with dining space. Nidhi Thakur, a Mumbai girl who made Dharamsala her home eight years ago, bakes up a storm, combining her love for the mountains and the city not only in the name but also in the menu. The latter shines the spotlight on sourdough in various ways — the savoury toasts, sourdough berliners, and even fluffy sourdough pancakes. The in-house jams are surely a treat to devour too.
They have bread pick-ups every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
We recommend: Bicchu Bhutti (stinging nettle, a local leaf) Pesto Sourdough Toast, Jamun Jam Sourdough Toast, Pancakes, and if you want to try something apart from the bread, then the vada pav is a nice surprise.
3. Shivalik’s Bakery & Café, Mashobra
Shimla has its share of quaint cafés and old school bakeries. It is time for the nearby locale of Mashobra to become home to spaces that grab your attention. Shivalik’s is a tiny business that changes its menu every month based on the seasonal ingredients available. But this small space has brought artisanal and sourdough breads to the region for the locals to gorge on. You can place your orders on WhatsApp and enjoy home baked goodies, enveloped in mist.
Mashobra is great for a workcation, and this place comes as a blessing for long-term travellers.
We recommend: Plain Sourdough, Herb Bread, Pesto Cheese Sticks, with a piping hot cuppa of chai.
4. Mama Unicorn, Old Manali
Recently opened, it is already a favourite with many who have relocated there from cities. It is managed by Saumya, who is a passionate baker and leaves no stone unturned to provide the best quality. While the wholewheat cakes are quite the catch, the sourdough breads are a highlight as well. Every happy incident in the kitchen turns out to be one to cherish at Mama Unicorn and that’s the precious part of a space that is brewed with so much love and the aroma of freshly baked bread!
We recommend: Focaccia, Banana Choco Chip Muffin and of course, the Sourdough Loaf.
5. Birdhouse Cakery, Dharamkot
Once you reach upper Dharamkot, you’ll be welcomed by Anukriti and her dogs at Birdhouse. Sourdough Boules baked to perfection await you at this tiny hamlet in the hills. Dharamkot is the choice of location for many backpackers and Birdhouse becomes the right spot to hang out at while relishing some desserts, and of course go back with some straight-off-the-oven bread.
Anukriti’s kind smile and delicious red velvet cake shake will ensure that you keep coming back for more.
We recommend: Saturdays are pizzas days so try not to miss that, the Seeded Sourdough Boule, and the yummy cookies.
Read more.