MOST FAMOUS FOOD IN DARJEELING

Darjeeling tea is known as ‘the master of teas.’ If you want to actually savor the taste or delicacy of original tea, then trying the authentic Darjeeling tea is a must. More than its taste, the aroma will attract you. Genuine tea lovers will fall in love with Darjeeling tea in the first sip. Now, this is something you definitely would not think of missing.Best places in Darjeeling to get Darjeeling tea- there is a shop named ‘house of tea’ on Nehru Road which an exclusive outlet of ‘Goodricke tea.’ Nathmull’s tea and sunset lounge on Mall road is a good place too.

One of the most popular wholesome foods found in the local areas of Darjeeling is Momo. Served with a hot soup on the side, momos are undoubtedly one of the best snack foods. Generally, 6 to 7 pieces of momos and a bowl of soup are served on one plate. Momos are one of the classic foods of Tibetan cuisine. The Momo dumplings are made of flour dough which is stuffed with vegetables in case of vegetarian ones and pork or chicken in case of non-vegetarian ones. The best places in Darjeeling to have Momos – there is an ample number of shacks and local shops in Darjeeling that serve momos. However, a good place to have momos in Darjeeling is the Kunga restaurant situated centrally on Gandhi road. It is a run by a Tibetan family, and that says something. They serve 7 to 8 pieces of Momo dumplings which comes in both veg as well as non-veg along with a bowl of noodle soup, and the non-vegetarian dish is popularly known as chicken wanton soup. Another place to have some delicious mouthwatering non-veg momos is Devekas which is located just adjacent to the Kunga restaurant. It is also a pocket-friendly Tibetan restaurant. However, the best place to have veg momos in Darjeeling is Hot Stimulating Café which is a small roadside shack run by a localite named Lily.

This street food found in Darjeeling can definitely bring a smile on the face of a foodie. This is a typical dish of the Nepali as well as the Bengali cuisine which has now become a popular snack of the localites and is now closely associated with Darjeeling’s specialties. It is prepared by boiling pieces of potatoes in thick gravy which is prepared using some spices, onion slices, garlic, ginger cloves and red chili powder which is a must in this dish. It is garnished and served with coriander leaves and potato wafers popularly known as ‘bhujia’. The best places in Darjeeling to have Aloo Dum- while there are local food vendors selling aloo dum in and around Mall Road, the best place to have aloo dum is Hasty Tasty on Nehru Road.

Sael Roti is an item of the Nepali cuisine which is not usually available in any restaurant. If you happen to make an acquaintance or get friendly with any local, then you might get a fair chance of being invited to their house for having this food item. They are prepared in the Nepali homes during special occasions and taste delicious. They are made of rice paste and then deep fried. It is served with chutneys or pickles and sometimes cheese or butter.

Churpee is a milk-based item which is served with ‘niguru’ (tendrils or soft stems of a fern). Churpee is quite similar to cheese. It is prepared from cow’s or yak’s milk and comes in both soft as well as hard forms. Places in Darjeeling where you can get churpee- you can get churpee in Keventer’s located on Nehru Road.

Being a part of the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling has adapted traditional Bengali thali as a part of its food specialty. Traditional Bengali platter will include a Daal, aloo bhaja, fish or prawn curry, assorted vegetables and a sweet dish (mainly ‘rosogolla’ or ‘mishti doi’) or sometimes the platter might include the famous ‘khichuri’ and ‘ilish maach bhaja’ Places where you can get Bengali food in Darjeeling- some of the best places in Darjeeling to have Bengali food are Mahakal restaurant which is a minute from the Gandhi road traffic point and Broadway hotel which is located near to the BSNL office building, off Gandhi road

Traditionally a plate or a platter means thali. The traditional Nepali Thali is probably one of the most staple food combinations for the local people. The thali consists of ‘daal’ (cooked lentils), ‘bhaat’ (boiled rice), ‘tarkari’ (assorted vegetables cooked with spices), ‘achaar’ or ‘chutney’ (pickles) and a sweet dish. Although Nepali thali, is quite similar to the Bengali thali the herbs and spices used in Nepali cuisine are different. The best places in Darjeeling to have Nepali thali- Revolver restaurant on Gandhi road is undoubtedly the best.

Who doesn’t like to gorge on dessert after their meal- We are sure everybody does. Kheer is one of most significant Darjeeling foods. You will relish this Tibetan style dessert. It is a traditional dessert made using boiled rice with milk. Further, sugar, large cardamoms, pistachios, raisins, and almonds are added to the sweet dish. You will absolutely love having this sweet dish. Where to eat: Budget restaurants on Gandhi Road and Nehru Road

Noodles can quench your hunger and fill your stomach for a long time. This dish is found in all the restaurants and food stalls. You will have a ball of a time eating this dish. The noodles are made of wheat. They are tossed with vegetables, meat or eggs to prepare a delicious dish. They are also tossed in different spices. They are delicious and tangy and perfect for eating after a rain. Where to eat: Kunga Restaurant, Dekevas Restaurant, Kunjini Restaurant, The Park Restaurant

Tibetan tea is salted prepared using tea bags by adding butter to enhance and stir your taste buds. Another type of a Tibetan tea is prepared by adding lemons and honey and without adding any milk. The best places to drink Tibetan tea- it is available in all the Tibetan restaurants. However, the best place is Kunga restaurant on Gandhi road and Sonam’s kitchen on Zakir Hussain Road.