Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Una offers a delightful mix of traditional Himachali cuisine and local markets, making it a great destination for food lovers and shopping enthusiasts. Here’s what you must try and where to shop when visiting Una.

 Food in Una: What to Eat?

Una is known for its authentic Himachali flavors, influenced by neighboring Punjab. From spicy curries to sweet delicacies, here are some must-try dishes:

 Traditional Himachali Dishes

1. Dham – A festive platter of dal, rajma, kadhi, chana madra, and sweet rice, usually served on special occasions.
2. Siddu – A steamed wheat bread stuffed with spiced lentils, served with ghee and dal.
3. Chana Madra – Chickpeas cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with local spices.
4. Babru – A stuffed puri similar to kachori, filled with spiced black gram paste.
5. Aktori – A Himachali pancake made from buckwheat flour, popular in the region.
6. Tudkiya Bhath – A spiced rice dish cooked with lentils, potatoes, yogurt, and ghee.

 Street Food & Snacks

1. Chole Bhature – A Punjabi favorite, soft bhature with spicy chole.
2. Samosa & Pakoras – Available at roadside tea stalls, perfect with masala chai.
3. Siddu with Mutton Curry – A local delicacy pairing steamed Siddu with spicy mutton curry.
4. Lassi – A thick and creamy yogurt drink, available in both sweet and salty flavors.

 Sweets & Desserts

1. Mitha Bhaat (Sweet Rice) – A saffron-flavored Himachali dessert.
2. Patande – A pancake-like dessert made with wheat flour and served with ghee.
3. Besan Barfi & Gulgule – Popular sweet treats from local sweet shops.

 Best Places to Eat in Una

Local Restaurants & Dhabas

1. Sharma Dhaba (Una-Nangal Road) – Famous for authentic Punjabi and Himachali food.
2. Pahadi Rasoi (Near Una Bus Stand) – Serves local Himachali thalis with Dham, Siddu, and more.
3. Hotel Anand Bar & Restaurant – Great for North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
4. Baba Da Dhaba (Amb Road) – Best for chole bhature, lassi, and stuffed parathas.
5. Sagar Ratna (Una Market) – A good choice for vegetarian South Indian food.

Sweet Shops & Bakeries

1. Gopal Sweets – Known for besan barfi and jalebi.
2. Pahari Bakery – Offers fresh local pastries and biscuits.

 Shopping in Una: What & Where to Buy?

Una is home to traditional handicrafts, woolen products, and local souvenirs. Here’s what you should shop for and where to find them.

 What to Buy in Una?

1. Handicrafts & Souvenirs

• Pahari Shawls & Woolens – Traditional Himachali Kullu and Kinnauri shawls.
• Wooden Artifacts – Hand-carved idols, furniture, and decorative items.
• Himachali Caps – Colorful, woolen caps, a must-have from Himachal.

2. Local Food Products

• Organic Honey & Jams – Himachal is famous for wild honey and fruit preserves.
• Dry Fruits & Walnuts – Locally grown and of high quality.
• Homemade Pickles – Try unique varieties like Lingri (Fiddlehead Fern) and Mango Pickles.

3. Jewelry & Accessories

• Silver & Tibetan Jewelry – Traditional Himachali and Tibetan designs.
• Handwoven Bags & Pouches – Made by local artisans with vibrant Pahari patterns.

4. Himachali Spices & Herbs

• Dried Morel Mushrooms (Gucchi) – A rare and expensive delicacy.
• Local Himalayan Herbs – Used in cooking and Ayurveda.

 Best Places to Shop in Una

1. Una Main Market

• The largest market in Una, selling woolens, spices, handicrafts, and street food.
• Great for souvenirs and Himachali caps.

2. Chintpurni Temple Market

• Ideal for religious souvenirs, brass idols, and traditional jewelry.
• Best place to buy handmade pickles and sweets.

3. Amb Bazaar

• Famous for woolen clothing, blankets, and handwoven shawls.
• A great spot for affordable shopping.

4. Local Fairs & Melas (Best for Handicrafts)

• Chintpurni Mela – Held in July-August, showcasing local crafts, dance, and music.
• Thaneek Pura Fair – Known for handmade bags, shawls, and religious items.

 Shopping Tips for Una

✅ Bargain at local markets – Prices aren’t fixed, so negotiate politely.
✅ Look for authentic Himachali handicrafts – Check for handmade tags.
✅ Buy fresh organic produce – Local spices and honey are pure and flavorful.
✅ Try street food while shopping – Enjoy samosas, pakoras, and chai as you explore.

Una is a paradise for foodies and shoppers, offering a mix of authentic Himachali flavors, unique handicrafts, and cultural experiences. Whether you're savoring a hot plate of Siddu with ghee or picking up a traditional Pahari shawl, Una ensures a memorable travel experience.

 Come hungry, shop freely, and take home the flavors and heritage of Himachal Pradesh!