The road from Manali to Solang Valley is only around 14 kilometres long. However, this stretch is known for its surrounding mountain views, along with several offbeat culinary stops along the way, that become an essential part of the destination itself.

If you are making this drive, here is where to stop and eat along the way.

Old Manali: Begin Before You Even Leave Town

Before heading toward Solang, begin by spending some time in Old Manali. A group of cafés along the river across from the village of Manali has been historically serving both locals and visitors, with a loyal following over the years.

One of those options is Café 1947, my go-to when I’m up there. It has the best pizza at that elevation, paired perfectly with great coffee. However, it is the view from their balcony that truly gives you a good reason to linger long after you’ve finished your cafe stop.

Another suggested restaurant is the German Bakery, known for its baked goods, especially fresh bread, prepared using traditional German recipes. In addition to pastries, they offer warm oatmeal for a fulfilling addition to your cold winter mornings.

Johnson’s Cafe: A Manali Institution

On the main circuit before you leave Manali proper, Johnson’s Cafe has been a traveller staple for years. The regional vegetarian dishes here are outstanding, sourced locally and cooked without unnecessary fuss. If you are passing through at lunchtime, this is worth a proper sit-down meal rather than a quick stop. The garden seating is lovely amidst the pleasant mountainous weather.

The Dhabas Along the Solang Road

As you drive to Solang Valley, you’ll soon notice a variety of dhabas along the way. A dhaba is simply a small restaurant that serves delicious meals prepared with love by families who have been cooking on this road for many years.

Dhabas typically offer rajma chawal, thick dal and buttered rotis for most of the year. In winter months, however, many of the dhabas also serve Himachali siddu, a steamed bread that is filled with either poppy seeds or lentils and served with ghee and dal. If you’ve spent the morning outdoors in the cold air, this dish would be really comforting.

In addition to the dhabas, there are Maggi stalls that can be found along the way to Solang Valley. No matter how far up in elevation you go, a plate of freshly-made Maggi topped with extra butter and served with a cup of masala tea will surely become one of the highlights of your journey.

At Solang Valley Itself

The food options at Solang have grown considerably over the years as the valley has become more popular with visitors. There are now several small restaurants and snack counters near the cable car base, serving everything from momos and thukpa to simple rice meals. The momos in particular are worth stopping for after a few hours in the snow. They arrive hot, with well-seasoned fillings and an accompanying chilli sauce with just the right spice levels.

A Note on Planning the Trip

The Manali to Solang stretch is easy to do as a day outing, but staying overnight in Manali means you can take your time on both ends of the journey without rushing the food stops. There are good options across budgets, and a bit of online hotel booking research ahead of time is worthwhile, particularly in peak summer and winter seasons when Manali fills up quickly, and the better properties go fast.

To conclude, the road, the mountains, and the food on this route work together in a way that makes even the smallest stops feel like a proper part of the experience.