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This list of the best food in Gangtok is a symphony of flavours, a culinary adventure waiting to unfold. This Himalayan town offers a gastronomic playground where Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian influences converge. From bustling street corners to cosy cafes, every corner has a unique culinary experience. Savoury momo, hearty thukpa, and fiery chillies are iconic, but the food scene extends far beyond. Beyond the familiar, tourists can explore exotic Sikkimese cuisine, a treasure trove of flavours waiting to be discovered. From authentic local eateries to international restaurants, the culinary offerings cater to every taste and craving.
Top 10 Best Food In Gangtok
1. Momo
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Momo, the quintessential Tibetan dumpling, has captured hearts and taste buds across the globe. These delectable pockets of delight come in various shapes, sizes, and fillings. Steamed or fried, momo offers a burst of flavour with every bite. The thin, delicate dough encases a succulent filling, typically a blend of minced meat, vegetables, or cheese. Whether enjoyed with a fiery red chilli sauce or a tangy chutney, momo are a must-try for any tourist.
Where To Eat: Taste of Tibet, M.G. Marg; Shuffle Momo, Development Area
Cost/Person: ₹100 – ₹200
Suggested Read: Your Complete Guide For Trekking In Gangtok
2. Phagshapa
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Phagshapa, a robust and flavourful Sikkimese stew, is a culinary treasure. This hearty dish features tender pork slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic broth. The meat falls off the bone, while potatoes absorb the essence of the spices. The combination of flavours and textures creates a symphony on the palate. Traditionally enjoyed during colder months, phagshapa offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. The dish is a testament to the Sikkimese people’s culinary expertise and ability to transform simple ingredients into a truly exceptional meal.
Where To Eat: Mu Kimchi, Tibet Road; Nine Native Cuisine, Vishal Gaon
Cost/Person: ₹200 – ₹300
3. Thenthuk
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons
Thenthuk, a Tibetan noodle soup, is a beloved comfort food in cold winters. This hearty dish in Gangtok features thick, hand-pulled noodles in a flavourful broth enriched with vegetables, meat, or both. Adding aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and chilli elevates the soup’s taste profile. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a substantial dinner, thenthuk is a satisfying and nourishing meal. The combination of the chewy noodles, the flavourful broth, and the addition of fresh herbs creates a symphony of taste and texture.
Where to Eat: The Coffee Shop, M.G. Marg; Taste of Tibet, M.G. Marg
Cost/Person: ₹150 – ₹250
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4. Chhurpi
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Chhurpi, a traditional Sikkimese cheese, is a distinctive and acquired taste. Churrpi soup, a lesser-known culinary gem from the Himalayas, offers a distinctive taste experience. This soup features chhurpi, a hard, dry cheese made from yak or cow’s milk, as its star ingredient. The cheese is typically crumbled or grated and added to a flavourful broth, often infused with ginger, garlic, and other aromatic spices. Its robust flavour and nutritional value make it satisfying and one of the best food in Gangtok.
Where To Eat: Taste of Tibet, M.G. Marg; Allen’s Kitchen, Lal Bazaar
Cost/Person: ₹100 – ₹200
5. Thukpa
Photo: Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons
Best food in Gangtok is definitely Thukpa, Tibetan noodle soup, is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes. The broth, which can be meat-based, vegetarian, or vegan, is typically flavoured with a combination of ginger, garlic, and chilli. Thukpa is a popular choice for both locals and tourists, offering warmth and comfort on chilly days. The dish’s simplicity allows for endless variations, making it a favourite among those who enjoy experimenting with flavours.
Where To Eat: Roll House, M.G. Marg; Osm Restaurant, M.G. Marg
Cost/Person: ₹100 – ₹200
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6. Thakali Thali
Photo: Trilok Neupane / Wikimedia Commons
The Thakali Thali is a quintessential Nepali dining experience, and this is one of the best food in Gangtok, offering its own unique interpretation of this culinary masterpiece. This traditional platter features an array of delectable dishes served on a large, communal plate. It is a feast for the senses, from fragrant rice and flavourful dal to an assortment of curries, vegetables, and pickles. One of the highlights of the Thakali Thali is the inclusion of local, seasonal ingredients. The dishes are often prepared using traditional cooking methods, preserving the authentic taste of the region.
Where To Eat: Parivar Restaurant, M.G. Marg; Taste of Tibet, M.G. Marg
Cost/Person: ₹200 – ₹300
7. Masauyra Curry
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Masauyra curry is a fiery and flavourful Sikkimese dish that packs a punch. This fiery concoction is prepared with a blend of dried red chillies, tomatoes, and an assortment of aromatic spices. The intense heat is balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a complex and satisfying flavour profile. Masauyra curry is typically served with rice or roti, providing a cooling contrast to the fiery curry. This dish is a must-try for those who appreciate bold flavours and authentic Sikkimese cuisine.
Where to Eat: Nimtho, M.G. Marg; Thuendel Food Park, Nam Nang Road
Cost/Person: ₹150 – ₹250
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8. Sishnu
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Sishnu, a unique Sikkimese delicacy, is a dish made of stinging nettle that offers a tangy and slightly sour flavour profile. The sishnu is cooked with rice, garlic, chilli peppers, and other spices, resulting in a complex and intriguing soup. Sishnu is often served as a side dish or incorporated into different dishes, adding a burst of flavour to the meal. The plant is available year-round, but the perennial flower blooms only during the summers. So, Sishnu is frequently made during this season, as the leaves taste the best.
Where to Eat: Taste of Tibet, M.G. Marg; Taste of Sikkim, Deorali
Cost/Person: ₹150 – ₹250
9. Kinema
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Kinema, a fermented soybean dish, is a staple in Sikkimese cuisine. The soybeans are fermented with a blend of spices, resulting in a creamy and tangy flavour. Kinema is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served as a side dish, incorporated into curries, or even used as a filling for momo. The unique flavour profile of kinema adds depth and complexity to any dish.
Where to Eat: The Coffee Shop, M.G. Marg; Nine Native Cuisine, Vishal Gaon
Cost/Person: ₹200 – ₹300
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10. Nakima Ko Tarkari
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Nakima ko tarkari, a Sikkimese dish featuring wild fern shoots, is a celebration of the region’s natural bounty. The fern shoots are stir-fried with garlic, chilli peppers, and other spices, creating a flavourful and slightly bitter dish. Adding aromatic spices balances the bitterness of the fern shoots, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours. Nakima ko tarkari is a healthy and nutritious option that showcases the region’s culinary creativity.
Where to Eat: Nimtho, M.G. Marg; Parivar Restaurant, M.G. Marg
Cost/Person: ₹150 – ₹250
This list of the best food in Gangtok offers a captivating combination of flavours where tradition meets innovation. The city’s diverse food offerings, from hearty Tibetan staples to fiery Sikkimese curries, cater to every palate. Beyond the iconic momo and thukpa, Gangtok surprises with hidden gems. Let your taste buds embark on a journey through the Himalayan culinary paradise, and book your vacation through TripXL.
Cover Photo: Cats Coming / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
