Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Though Singtam is a quiet riverside town in East Sikkim, it surprises visitors with its authentic food stalls, warm local eateries, and humble markets. This is where you can taste simple, soulful Himalayan dishes and pick up budget-friendly local goods and souvenirs—without the tourist rush of bigger cities like Gangtok.

 Local Food in Singtam – What & Where to Eat

Singtam’s food reflects its multicultural community—Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, and Indian influences come together on the plate. Most of the best food can be found in small restaurants, tea stalls, and family-run dhabas around the bazaar.

✅ Must-Try Dishes in Singtam

 Momos – Steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with chicken, pork, or vegetables. A local favorite.
 Thukpa – A warm noodle soup made with meat or veggies, perfect for cool evenings.
 Aloo Achaar – Spicy potato salad served as a side dish or snack.
 Gundruk Soup – A traditional fermented leafy green soup with a sour, earthy flavor.
 Churpi – Hard yak/cow cheese you chew slowly; sold at local shops.
 Tongba – Fermented millet drink (only available at select local eateries, for adults).

 Tip: Food is usually mildly spicy and served fresh—great for the mountain weather.

 Popular Places to Eat in Singtam

 Tashi’s Momo Corner

 Near Singtam Bridge
✔️ Best for: Momos, chowmein, thukpa
✔️ Local favorite, clean and quick service

 Singtam Riverside Tea Stall

 Near the Teesta viewpoint
✔️ Great for: Hot chai, boiled eggs, snacks with river views
✔️ Ideal for a short break during walks

 Hotel Samrat Restaurant

 Singtam Main Bazaar
✔️ Offers basic meals, including Sikkimese thalis, North Indian, and Chinese dishes
✔️ Good for lunch during market visits

 Local Dhabas on Highway NH-10

 On the way to or from Rangpo/Gangtok
✔️ Popular with travelers—affordable, filling meals

 Shopping in Singtam – What to Buy & Where

Singtam isn’t a commercial shopping center, but its bazaar and local markets offer practical goods, regional snacks, and small souvenirs that reflect daily life in Sikkim.

 What to Buy in Singtam

 Hand-Knitted Woolens

• Scarves, gloves, and socks made by local women
• Great for gifts and personal use in cold weather

 Prayer Beads & Tibetan Trinkets

• Small souvenirs from local religious shops
• Prayer flags, incense sticks, singing bowls (in limited supply)

 Pickles & Spices

• Radish pickle, bamboo shoot pickle, ginger powder
• Made in local homes and small stalls—flavorful and unique

 Churpi (Yak Cheese)

• A mountain delicacy—long-lasting and good for treks or gifting
• Available in small packets in general stores

 Salted Local Snacks

• Try puffed rice mixes, roasted beans, and dry snacks from the bazaar

 Where to Shop in Singtam

 Singtam Bazaar (Main Market)

✔️ Sells: Groceries, warm clothes, religious items, household goods
✔️ Great for: Local pickles, churpi, and practical finds
✔️ Also includes small eateries and tea stalls

 Roadside Vendors & Stalls

 Near Singtam Bridge & NH-10
✔️ Sells: Seasonal fruits, woolen caps, incense, local snacks
✔️ Casual and affordable; best for small impulse buys

 Temple & Monastery Shops (if visiting nearby shrines)

✔️ Sells: Small Buddhist and Hindu religious souvenirs, prayer items

 Tip: Most shops accept cash only. Bring smaller denominations for easier transactions.

 Souvenir Suggestions from Singtam

 Food & Shopping Tips

✔️ Carry cash—most stalls don’t accept cards or UPI
✔️ Try street food from busy stalls—it’s fresher and safer
✔️ Don’t expect branded stores—enjoy the local, raw experience
✔️ Ask locals for recommendations—they’ll happily point you to the best stalls
✔️ Always taste pickles or snacks before buying in bulk

✅ Final Thoughts

Singtam may not have malls or souvenir chains—but that’s what makes it authentic, affordable, and meaningful. Whether you’re sipping thukpa by the river or buying pickles from a grandma-run shop, you’re tasting the real Sikkim.

 Must-Do Highlights:
✅ Eat momos and tea with a view of the Teesta
✅ Shop for churpi and local pickles
✅ Visit the bazaar to feel the heartbeat of the town
✅ Try something new—maybe Gundruk soup or tongba!

 In Singtam, food is comfort, and shopping is storytelling.