THUKPA
A mouth-watering Tibetan dish that is famous in Darjeeling is the Thukpa. It is a form of noodle served in soup along with vegetables or diced meat. Thukpa is the staple food of the locals in Darjeeling. This is available at almost every local restaurant and roadside stall.
DARJEELING TEA
Any trip to Darjeeling is incomplete if you haven't taken a sip of the world-famous Darjeeling Tea. Cultivated in the luscious tea gardens across Darjeeling, it is known for its premium quality all around the globe.
SEL ROTI
Sel Roti is traditional Nepali homemade sweet, ring-shaped rice bread. These are usually homemade and served during private functions or parties. These are Rotis (flat round bread) made from rice paste and then fried deeply. Tasting a little sweet, it is recommended to consume it with butter, cheese or chutney.
GUNDRUK
Gundruk is one of the famous dishes in Darjeeling. It is found in every Gorkha household. It is prepared from the fermentation of leafy vegetables like mustard leaves, spinach, etc. Gundruk is a significant source of minerals.
KAKRA KO ACHAR AND KINEMA
They are essentially pickles and favourites of the locals, especially the Nepalis. Achar means Pickle. The first one, i.e. Kakra Ko Achar is prepared of julienne cucumbers and can be taken as a salad or pickle. Ingredients used include long stripes of cucumber pieces, sesame seeds, garlic, green chilli, salt etc. Kinema, on the other hand, is prepared using fermented Soybeans.
ALU DAM
You ask any local of Darjeeling about Alu Dum and you will notice a smile on their face. They just can't live without it. So how can you not try such food which has become a household favourite? It is prepared by boiling cut potatoes in thick gravy and mixing dried red chilli powder in it along with onion slices, a few cloves of garlic, some mustard oil and sometimes even red colour. Watch out! It can be quite hot but very tasty. Usually served with potato wafers or 'bhajia' to make it a tempting snack.
MOMO
This is one of the most popular local snack items found in every corner of Darjeeling. Tibetan origin Momo is prepared with dumplings stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, and cheese flour dough. You can choose to have it either steamed or fried. But mostly people savour the steamed momos served with homemade chilli sauce and a bowl of soup. These are quite wholesome and filling.
CHURPEE MILK-BASED SNACK
These are milk-based snack items that are prepared from cow's or yak’s milk and mostly taste like cheese. Churpees are delicious healthy snacks which are served with Niguru which makes a fantastic combination.
DAL BHAT
The staple food of Nepal, this thick lentil soup is made from black lentils or beans, which are slow-boiled to give a thick, gloopy texture, and seasoned with the Himalayan herb jimbu. Dal Bhat is normally served as part of a thali set - a metal tray holding separate metal bowls containing rice, curry, pickles, and vegetables. You will be surprised to know how something simple like this can be so tasty and soul-filling. Pickles, meats, and yoghurt dips are also served along the side.
DALLE CHILLI PICKLE
This ‘spicy little thing’ is called “Dalle Khorsani”. Once you taste the Dalle chillies it is sure to carve a hard core fan in you. Its flavour and the aroma make a permanent memory on the taste buds and the craving just keeps coming back.
DALLE CHILLI PICKLE
This ‘spicy little thing’ is called “Dalle Khorsani”. Once you taste the Dalle chillies it is sure to carve a hard core fan in you. Its flavour and the aroma make a permanent memory on the taste buds and the craving just keeps coming back.