The culinary scene in Darjeeling is vast and diverse thanks to ethnic groups like Lepchas, Gorkhas, Tibetan, and Bengalis thriving together. Exploring just one cuisine will not do justice to Darjeeling. Therefore, we bring you a list of the five best dishes from each ethnic group that will tingle your taste buds.
Are you thinking about visiting Darjeeling? Here is a complete guide to help you plan better. After you are back from your trip, use this handy guide to recreate these amazing dishes that will take you back to Darjeeling.
Kwati
Kwati is a popular Gorkha dish found almost anywhere in Darjeeling. It is a traditional Nepali dish consumed during the Gun Punhi festival. Kwati is a soup-based dish prepared by boiling nine varieties of sprouted beans and cooking in conventional spices. The soup is thick in texture and highly nutritious. Moreover, it is a vegetarian dish and very delicious. Other must-try Nepali dishes are Gundruk, Aloo Achar, and Sel roti.
Where to eat: Nepali Chulo, Mahakal Market
Thukpa
Thukpa is a Tibetan noodle soup that has gained popularity across India for its unique taste. The buckwheat noodles are made into a curry and flavored with yak meat or dry fish. Thukpa first came to India in 1959 during the exile of his holiness Dalai Lama. His mother introduced her recipe to the refugees, and it became an instant hit among the locals. In Darjeeling, Thukpa is consumed as a starter or street food and often paired with momos.
Where to eat: Penang Restaurant
Grand Naga Thali
Naga food is another widespread cuisine in Darjeeling. The dishes are mainly meat and fish-based, cooked either by fermenting or smoking. Naga cuisine is unique, and hard to point out any specific food item. Therefore, we recommend trying the grand Naga Thali, comprising several traditional dishes like fermented bamboo shoots and rice served with chicken or pork dishes, achaar, etc.
Where to eat: Revolver Restaurant
Phambi
Phambi is a famous street food native to Kalimpong, made using mung beans. The mung bean is ground into a powdery liquid and steamed into cakes. The cakes are then fried and served with a spicy sauce. The texture might remind you of Dhokla (a Gujarati staple) but with a dense texture. Phambi is a must-try as it is one-of-a-kind and only available in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Where to eat: Kunga Restaurant
Chhurpi
Chhurpi is a traditional Tibetan cheese made of Yak milk. It is highly nutritious and contains healthy fats and protein. Plus, it is available in solid as well as liquid form. The solid one is light brown and consumed as soup or with Ninguro. On the other hand, the liquid Chhurpi is used as a filling, especially in momos.
Where to eat: Penang Restaurant
Bonus food items:
Pork Curry
Pork Curry is one of the most popular meat dishes in Darjeeling. The pork is cooked with various spices and served hot with steaming rice and local drinks like Tongba.
Where to eat: Kunga Restaurant
Tongba
Tonga is a locally brewed non-alcoholic beer made from fermenting millets with yeast. The beer is available in almost every local restaurant and served in bamboo glasses.
Where to drink: Hot Stimulating Café
Cover image by Deepal Tamang on Unsplash
