For a tourist in Dharamshala, where can I find the most authentic and delicious non-veg food?

As someone who visits Dharamshala annually for the food scene, you're in for a treat! The non-veg options here are incredible. Here are my top recommendations:

Must-try restaurants for authentic non-veg:

• Nick's Italian Kitchen - Surprisingly amazing chicken and fish dishes with Italian-Tibetan fusion
• Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant - Best sushi and Japanese non-veg in town
• Illiterati Books & Coffee - Great European-style meat dishes in a beautiful setting
• McLeod Ganj Main Square - Street food stalls with amazing momos and kebabs

Local Tibetan non-veg specialties: - Thenthuk - Hand-pulled noodle soup with chicken or meat - Momo's (especially fried) - Both chicken and meat fillings - Shapta - Stir-fried meat strips Tibetan style - Gyathuk - Thick noodle soup with meat

Hidden gems most tourists miss: 1. Small family-run places in the alleys behind the main temple 2. Local dhabas on the road between McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala 3. Tibetan refugee camp kitchens - most authentic flavors

Pro tips: - Ask for "spicy" level - they often tone it down for tourists - Try the local chicken curry - different from typical Indian preparation - Don't miss the trout - fresh from local streams - Evening is best - more options available after 6 PM

The food walk through McLeod Ganj is fantastic - you can sample from multiple places in one evening!

Where to go for non-veg in Dharamshala — local and yummy: Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are more known for Tibetan and vegetarian Himalayan cuisine, but there are some great non-veg spots that locals and travelers swear by. Main Street (Lower Dharamshala) and Jogiwara Road (McLeod Ganj) host a number of small restaurants and dhabas offering tandoori, chicken curry, and Himachali non-veg dishes. Dhabas on the way to Bhagsu and shops near the Kotwali Bazaar also have tasty, robustly-spiced local non-veg options. Recommended types of dishes: try Himachali dhaam/non-veg curries, local tandoori chicken, trout (if you’re lucky and it's served fresh in mountain lodges), and hearty mutton dishes served in rustic dhaba style. Ask locals for the day's fresh catch or the house special. Smaller family-run places often have the most authentic flavors — they cook in small batches, use local spices and ghee, and serve generous portions.

Safety and etiquette: since mountain towns can have variable hygiene standards, go with places recommended by your guesthouse or look for spots with steady local footfall. If you’re picky about food safety, choose restaurants with visible kitchen activity and good reviews from recent travelers. And don’t miss the local side dishes — simple lentils, local vegetables, and rotis complement the non-veg and complete the authentic experience.

For a more local and arguably more authentic experience that leans into the regional North Indian flavors, you might want to hunt down a good Pal Dhaba or Punjabi Dhaba—there are a few scattered around the region. These places, like the one on Bhagsu Nag Road or the one near Kotwali Bazaar, often serve robust, slow-cooked non-veg curries like Mutton Rogan Josh or amazing Butter Chicken with fresh tandoori rotis. The atmosphere is simple, but the flavors are usually huge and deeply satisfying. This is the comfort food of the region, and it's what I always recommend for a "delicious" non-veg meal after a long day of sightseeing. Just remember, these spots can be very casual!

Having lived in Dharamshala for 2 years, let me share the local secrets for amazing non-veg food:

For authentic Tibetan non-veg, skip the fancy restaurants and try these:

1. Tibet Kitchen - The real deal for traditional Tibetan meat dishes - Location: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj - Must-try: Shabri La (Tibetan hot pot) and thenthuk

2. Moonpeak Express - Best for fusion non-veg with amazing views - Location: Above the main square - Must-try: Trout and their special chicken dishes

3. Local momo stalls around the Dalai Lama temple - These tiny stalls serve the most authentic momos

4. Jimmy's Italian Kitchen - Despite the name, their Indian non-veg is incredible

What makes Dharamshala non-veg special: - Fresh mountain trout from local streams - Tibetan spices and techniques you won't find elsewhere - Himachali influences in the preparation - Clean, high-altitude meat that tastes different

My personal favorites: - Breakfast: Omelets at Nick's Kitchen - Lunch: Thukpa at a local Tibetan joint - Dinner: Multi-course meal at Lung Ta - Late night: Fried momos from street vendors

Insider tip: Many places have "off-menu" traditional dishes if you ask politely. The Tibetan families running these restaurants often cook amazing homestyle meals that aren't on the regular menu.

Also, don't be shy about spice levels - the Tibetan chili paste is incredible!

If you're looking for authentic and delicious non-veg food in Dharamshala, you really have to consider the Tibetan and Himachali influences. My absolute favorite spot is usually up in McLeod Ganj (which is essentially Upper Dharamshala) for the Tibetan cuisine.

You should look for: * Green Hill Restaurant: They get fantastic reviews, especially for their authentic Chinese & Tibetan food. Their Devils Momos and Thukpa (noodle soup) are highly rated, and they often have good non-veg options that are hearty and delicious. * The Noodle House: While the name is broad, their customer reviews are great, highlighting fresh food and excellent preparation. They often have solid non-veg noodle and Chinese/Tibetan dishes that tourists love.

For something more in the Indian style, particularly Punjabi, you could check out places further down the hill in Dharamshala like Chawlas 2 Since 1960, which is known for its incredible flavors and is very popular for non-veg dishes. Just be ready for that famous Punjabi richness!