Pahari Taste Festival celebrates Himachal’s rich culinary legacy

Thirteen participants have qualified for the next round of the culinary competition organised under the Shimla Pahari Taste Festival, a key attraction of the International Shimla Summer Festival-2026. The preliminary round was held at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Kufri.

Organised under the guidance of IHM Principal Dr Mukul Dimri, the competition aims to promote Himachal Pradesh’s rich culinary heritage, traditional cuisine and local food culture.

A total of 30 participants showcased a variety of traditional Himachali dishes alongside innovative culinary creations. Entries were assessed on the basis of taste, presentation, originality, hygiene and technical proficiency.

Of the participants, 13 were selected for the next stage of the competition. The shortlisted contestants include five self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), one group from the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), and seven participants from the open category.

The selected participants will set up food stalls at Rani Jhansi Park from June 8 to 12, where they will compete in the final phase of the contest. The overall winner will be chosen following the completion of the event.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Sachin Sharma, who attended the programme as chief guest, lauded the participants for their culinary skills, creativity and commitment to preserving traditional Himachali cuisine.

He said such events played a significant role in promoting the state’s cultural and culinary heritage and help bring wider recognition to local food traditions.

Prashant Vijayeta, head of department, and Yatharth Chauhan, senior lecturer at IHM-Shimla, served as coordinators and judges for the competition.

The jury highly appreciated the participants’ use of local ingredients, authenticity of dishes and quality of presentation. Judges noted that the traditional recipes and culinary expertise on display reflected the richness and diversity of Himachal Pradesh’s food heritage.