The city of Darjeeling is in the eastern Himalayas and is famous for both its beautiful scenery and its lively and varied food culture. This cute mountain town has a wide range of delicious food, from traditional Tibetan meals to interesting Indian street food. Whether you are a foodie or just want to try some of the local tastes, Darjeeling’s famous foods and famous restaurants will take you on a memorable culinary journey. Here are some of these must-try foods in Darjeeling:
Best Food Items of Darjeeling
Here are some of the best food items of Darjeeling which you must try when you’re travelling to Darjeeling.
Table of Contents
Local Specialties
Momos: Momos are a common food in Darjeeling. They are steamed or fried dumplings filled with a tasty mix of minced meat (usually pork or chicken) or veggies. Often, they come with a hot sauce to dip them in.
Thukpa: This hearty Tibetan noodle soup is called thukpa. It is made with broth, meat, veggies, and noodles. On cold days in Darjeeling, this dish is just what you need to warm up.
Gundruk: Darjeeling food often includes gundruk, a fermented green vegetable. Recipes that use it include soups, stews, and chutneys.
Sel Roti: People in Darjeeling love this crispy fried bread called Sel Roti. People usually eat it by itself or with a sweet sauce.
Aloo Dum: Along with rice or roti, Aloo Dum is a famous dish in Darjeeling. It is a spicy potato curry.
Indian Influences
Chicken Momos: Momos are a dish that is usually linked with Tibetan food, but chicken momos are a popular Indian take on this dish. The sauce that goes with them is usually hot and made from tomatoes.
Samosas: In India, samosas are a popular snack. They are crispy triangle-shaped cakes filled with a tasty mix of potatoes, peas, and spices. Usually, a hot chutney goes with them.
Biryani: You can make this fragrant rice dish with meat, veggies, and spices called biryani. A lot of people choose it for important events.
Luchi: Luchi are crispy flatbreads that are deep-fried and often eaten with different kinds of curries.
Tibetan Influences
Thenthuk: Many things go into making thenthuk, a hearty noodle soup, such as meat, veggies, and broth. It tastes a lot like thukpa, but the soup is stronger.
Gyathuk: In Gyathuk, Tibetan noodle soup, meat, veggies, and broth are all mixed. Some people say it tastes like thukpa or thenthuk, but others say it tastes spicier.
Sha Phaley: In Tibet, people like to snack on these crispy fried pastries that are filled with a tasty mix of meat or veggies. Often, they come with a hot sauce to dip them in.
Best Street Food in Darjeeling
Kachori
In India, kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mix of lentils, spices, and sometimes veggies. Darjeeling street food vendors often serve it with sour chutneys and pickles. Kachori is a popular quick and filling snack because it is crunchy outside and tasty inside.
Chowmein
People in Darjeeling love chowmein, a Chinese-style stir-fried rice dish that you can get on the street. People cook the noodles in a tasty sauce with a variety of veggies and sometimes meat. It is a quick and delicious choice that shows how Chinese and Indian food have mixed in this area.
Aloo Paratha
People in Darjeeling like to eat aloo paratha for breakfast. This is an Indian flatbread filled with spicy mashed potatoes. People on the street serve it hot with butter, yogurt, and pickles. It is a comfortable and tasty choice because it has crispy bread and a delicious filling.
Chaat
Many people in Darjeeling also like Indian street food, such as chaat. In this dish, potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy tamarind chutney are often mixed and topped with spices and fresh cilantro. There are lots of different tastes and textures in this snack, which is excellent for people who like to try new things.
Famous Food Places in Darjeeling
The Kunga Restaurant
Many people know that the Kunga Restaurant on Gandhi Road serves real Tibetan and Nepali food. People from all over the world come to try their famous momos and thukpa. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to try Darjeeling’s delicious food because of its cozy atmosphere and tasty food.
Glenary’s
Along Nehru Road, Glenary’s is an old bakery and diner that has been serving tasty food since 1965. The bakery Glenary’s is well-known for its many pastries, cakes, and continental meals. Many people go there for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break. It is a favorite among tourists because of its cute setting and tasty food.
The Park Restaurant
The Park Restaurant is well-known for its large menu, which includes both Indian and Tibetan foods. It is located on the main road. Thukpa, momos, and different kinds of curries are what the place is known for. It is a great spot to eat with family and friends because it is casual, and the food is tasty.
Himalayan Java Coffee
Himalayan Java Coffee on Chowrasta is a must-see for coffee lovers. There are many kinds of freshly made coffee and light snacks to choose from at this cozy café. It is a great spot to take it easy with a coffee and enjoy the view of Darjeeling.
Norgay Restaurant
The rich Nepali and Tibetan food at Norgay Restaurant, which is close to the Darjeeling Railway Station, is well-known. A lot of people, both locals and visitors, love their shapta and sel roti. The restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere and tasty food make it a great place to enjoy a real meal.
You can have a unique and tasty experience in Darjeeling’s restaurants. There is a wide range of delicious food in this cute Himalayan town, from hot and spicy Indian food to hearty Tibetan soups and crunchy fried snacks.
