10 food joints in the Himalayas you must not miss

Driving up the Himalayas is no mean feat. The ever-decreasing oxygen levels, the difficult terrain, the constant fear of a landslide or a blizzard as you move further up in near-zero degree temperatures is not for the faint-hearted. But arguably the biggest challenge we faced in the Himalayas as we drove through Manali, Leh, Marsimik La and Srinagar was having enough space in our stomachs for all the gorgeous food that was served along the route. Here is a list of 10 food joints in the Himalayas that will make you push the limits of  gluttony.

Casa Bella Vista, Manali

Located in Manali, Casa Bella Vista is home to the best pizzas in the world. And since we've eaten pizzas from all over the world, you can trust our word on it. They make some of the best thin crust, wood-fired pizzas we have ever tasted and every time we go there, we just have to stop by for a pizza. Maybe even two or eight. It's that good. And surprisingly, all these pizzas are vegetarian. And when hardcore carnivores like us tell you that vegetarian pizzas are good, you know we're not kidding.

Johnson Lodge, Manali

Think fresh trout and there's only one name that stands out. Johnson is situated in Old Manali and is quite close to Casa Bella Vista. They serve the best trout in the region. Fresh catch, every day. And it's not just the trout. Every single dish served at the Johnson Bar and Restaurant will have your taste buds tingling. But then if you go there and don't eat the trout, you're just being silly.

Sharmaji's Dhaba, Koksar

Meat-Chawal at Sharmaji's Dhaba

Earlier, getting over Rohtang used to take us anywhere between four and seven hours. These days, thank to the HP government keeping a tight check on the number of taxis going up Rohtang, you can do it in barely two hours. Once you do cross the pass and come down towards Keylong Valley, you will cross a checkpost where you have to record your vehicle and personal details. As soon as you pass the checkpost, look to your right and you will spot a nondescript dhaba. Enter and ask for the meat chawal. It might be a simple steamed rice and mutton curry combo, but we guarantee you that it will blow you away. And all for a price that belongs somewhere in the 18th century.

La Terrasse, Leh

This is one of those places that guarantees you the best food no matter when you show up. Shumi has been going there ever since he first went to Leh, nearly a decade ago. He swears that every single year that he has gone back, the food has tasted exactly the same. Pizzas, sizzlers, you name it, and chances are that you will find it here. And what makes the whole experience even better is that it is located right in the middle of the main market in Leh. If you do stop by, don't be afraid to go talk to the guy that looks like Shumi. Chances are, it is he.

Bon Apetit, Leh

This is one of the few places in Leh that most people don't know about. Mainly because other than a tiny little signboard on Changspa Road, this little place is a bit hard to spot. You need to walk a bit through some little lanes until you arrive at Bon Apetit. Aside from the excellent food, the place also has an outstanding view of the mountains around Leh – one that is not polluted by man-made structures obstructing your view. Bon Apetit serves some of the best continental food in Leh. If you do manage to find it, you must try their Jungle Tea. It is a Ladakhi concoction made from wild honey, dark rum and other secret ingredients. When the mountains are lit up by the moon and the cold wind starts to blow, a sip of Jungle Tea and some mouth watering food, you will find, are just what the doctor ordered.

The Tibetan Kitchen, Leh

Once you go to the Tibetan Kitchen in Leh, you will never appreciate a lackluster Tibetan dish ever again

You really have to be crazy if you go to Ladakh and do not try the Tibetan cuisine. Come on! How can you resist steaming momos? How can you resist thukpa? How can you resist the insane chowmein? If you have ever tried any of the not-so-authentic copies of the above, then let me assure you that once you go to the Tibetan Kitchen in Leh, you will never appreciate a lackluster Tibetan dish ever again. Just one word of advice though. If you're planning to head there for dinner, better make reservations. The place can get insanely crowded with a long line to get in.

Coffea Arabica, Srinagar

This one is part of the Broadway Hotel and is modeled after the theatre district of New York. But you'll only be admiring the ambiance until the food arrives. Because once it's there, you won't care about anything else. It's that good. They have a variety of different specials on offer every day. Our recommendation is the lamb chops. It comes with coleslaw, French fries and onion salad. The lamb itself is well-done and infused with so much flavour that it makes you want to cry. You can also try the shwarmas, and other meats and fishes that they have on offer. You will not be disappointed. Oh, and don't forget to wind it all up with the chocolate truffle.

Ahdoos, Srinagar

Who goes to Kashmir and skips Kashmiri food? If you did, you should be kicking yourself. And when it comes to authentic, traditional, makes-you-wanna-die, Kashmiri food, this is the place to go. Go order anything on the menu that is Kashmiri and you will not be disappointed. Be it the mirchi korma or the wazwan. Try the various kebabs and the curried lotus stems. Everything will make you wish you had a bigger stomach. It will all make you willing to risk heart attacks and cholesterol all for that flavour that haunts you even in your sleep. And to wind it all up, have a bowl of phirni. Oh did I mention the service here is as good as one can get at home? Perfect combination, don't you think?

Parachute tents, Bharatpur City

Don't be fooled by the name of the place. Bharatpur City is what the people there want it to grow into someday perhaps. For now, though, it is just a bunch of parachute tents on either side of the highway. But when you've just come down from Baralacha La and are contemplating eating your fellow passengers, the sight of Bharatpur City is a sight for sore eyes. Walk in, ask for some butter tea, and wait for the staple Maggi, omelette or bread and jam. The menu might not be straight out of cordon bleu, but after the physical strain that Baralacha La will put on your body, the cheerful faces, warm tea and masala omelettes will surely make you smile.

Parachute tents, Pang

A few years ago, these dhabhas used to be parachute tents. Now they have become more permanent structures with stone walls and carpeted floors. Staple food is Maggi, but you also get some really nice Thukpa and Chowmein here. It is just before the Army Transit Camp in Pang, so you really can't miss it. They also stock diesel here, so if you ask them nicely enough and haggle a bit, you might just be able to get away with forgetting to tank up in Tandi.