The Best Foods To Eat In Gangtok: A Culinary Guide

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, a small but beautiful state in northeastern India. It is a place where you can experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the Himalayas. It is also a place where you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the diversity and creativity of the local cuisine. Here are some of the best foods to eat in Gangtok that will make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.

Momos: The Ultimate Street Food

Momos are one of the most popular street foods in Gangtok and can be found in almost every restaurant and stall. They are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, served with a spicy sauce. They are usually eaten with your hands, but you can also use chopsticks or forks if you prefer. They come in different shapes and sizes, such as cheese momos, chicken momos, vegetable momos, or fish momos. You can also customise your momos by choosing your own fillings and sauces.

Where To Try

• Cafe Live & Loud: Tibet Road, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

• Taste of Tibet: MG Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim

Thukpa: The Perfect Soup For Cold Days

Thukpa is a noodle soup with vegetables or chicken seasoned with herbs and spices. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days. Thukpa is made with wheat noodles that are boiled in a broth flavoured with ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. You can also add cheese or butter to make it more creamy and rich. Thukpa is served hot in clay cups or bowls and garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Where To Try

• Taste of Tibet: MG Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim

• Thukpa Corner: MG Marg, Athirang, Gangtok, Sikkim

Sel Roti: The Crispy Flatbread For Snacks

Sel roti is a flatbread stuffed with cheese, butter, or meat cooked on a griddle. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and goes well with chutneys or sauces. Sel roti is usually eaten as a snack or an appetiser before meals. It can also be used as a wrap or a sandwich filling. Sel roti comes in different varieties, such as cheese sel roti, butter sel roti, chicken sel roti, or paneer sel roti.

Where To Try

The best place to eat Sel Roti is at any Sel Roti food vendor in Gangtok.

Chang: The Strongest Local Drink

Chang is a locally made alcoholic beverage made from millet, rice, barley, or buckwheat. It has a strong and distinctive flavour that varies depending on the ingredients used. It is usually served hot in clay cups and consumed during festivals or special occasions. Chang has an alcohol content of about 15% to 20%, which makes it quite potent. It can also cause intoxication if consumed excessively. Chang is often mixed with water, lemon juice, or honey to balance its taste.

Where To Try

• The Himalayan Bar: 1st Floor, Mayal Lee Building, Namnang, Gangtok, Sikkim

• Hotlix: Deorali Road, Gangtok, Sikkim

Shah-Paley: The Sikkim Style Meat Patty

Shah-Paley is a Sikkim-style meat patty made from minced meat, spices, and herbs. It is deep-fried until golden and crispy and served with chutneys or sauces. It is a filling and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. Shah-paley comes in different flavors, such as chicken shah-paley or fish shah-paley. You can add cheese, onion, or tomato to make it more palatable.

Where To Try

• Mu Kimchi: Rangpo Road, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim

• Thakali Tangerine Lounge & Bar: New Market, MG Road, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim