Cuisine & Must Try Dishes

Traditional Cuisine of Sikkim

Sikkimese cuisine is a unique blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and Lepcha influences, offering a mix of steamed, fermented, and spicy flavors. From hearty soups to delicious dumplings, here are the must-try traditional dishes of Sikkim that every traveler should savor.

1. Momos – The Iconic Himalayan Dumplings

✅ What is it?

• Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, cheese, chicken, or pork.
• Served with spicy tomato chutney and soup.

✅ Why Try?

• Sikkim’s most popular snack, available everywhere.
• Soft, juicy, and full of flavor.

 Best Places to Try:

• MG Marg, Gangtok (Taste of Tibet, Roll House)
• Traditional homestays & local eateries

2. Thukpa – Sikkim’s Comforting Noodle Soup

✅ What is it?

• A Tibetan-style noodle soup with vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth.
• Comes in veg, chicken, or pork varieties.

✅ Why Try?

• Perfect for Sikkim’s chilly weather, especially in winter.
• A nutritious and filling meal.

 Best Places to Try:

• Gangtok’s local cafés (Taste of Tibet, Nimtho)
• Mountain villages like Lachen & Lachung

3. Phagshapa – The Spicy Pork Delight

✅ What is it?

• A traditional Lepcha dish made with pork, radish, and dried chilies.
• Cooked without oil, making it flavorful yet healthy.

✅ Why Try?

• A spicy and tangy dish loved by locals.
• A must-try for pork lovers.

 Best Places to Try:

• Local eateries in Gangtok & Pelling

4. Gundruk – Fermented Green Delight

✅ What is it?

• Fermented leafy greens, a classic dish of the Nepali community in Sikkim.
• Served as a side dish, soup, or pickle.

✅ Why Try?

• Rich in probiotics and packed with nutritional benefits.
• A unique sour, earthy taste that pairs well with rice.

 Best Places to Try:

• Home-cooked meals & traditional kitchens

5. Sael Roti – Crispy Nepali Bread

✅ What is it?

• A sweet, ring-shaped rice bread, deep-fried until golden.
• Served with potato curry or meat dishes.

✅ Why Try?

• A festive delicacy, especially during Dashain & Tihar.
• Lightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and soft inside.

 Best Places to Try:

• Namchi & Temi Tea Garden area
• Local street vendors in Gangtok

6. Chhurpi – Himalayan Cheese

✅ What is it?

• A hard or soft cheese made from yak’s milk.
• Soft Chhurpi is used in soups & curries.
• Hard Chhurpi is a chewy snack, popular among trekkers.

✅ Why Try?

• One of the healthiest Himalayan dairy products.
• Great for digestion & a long-lasting travel snack.

 Best Places to Try:

• Lachen, Lachung, and remote mountain villages

7. Sha Phaley – The Crispy Tibetan Pastry

✅ What is it?

• A deep-fried bread stuffed with minced meat (or veggies).
• Crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

✅ Why Try?

• A must-try Sikkimese street food, perfect for snack lovers.
• Can be enjoyed with spicy chutney or soup.

 Best Places to Try:

• Street stalls in MG Marg, Gangtok

8. Kinema – The Fermented Soybean Curry

✅ What is it?

• A fermented soybean dish, cooked into a curry with tomatoes and spices.
• A traditional dish of the Limbu community.

✅ Why Try?

• Rich in protein & probiotics.
• One of Sikkim’s oldest indigenous dishes.

 Best Places to Try:

• Homestays in rural areas like Dzongu & Namchi

9. Dhindo – Sikkim’s Staple Millet Dish

✅ What is it?

• A thick porridge made from buckwheat or millet flour.
• Traditionally eaten by hand, served with gundruk soup or meat.

✅ Why Try?

• A healthy and filling meal, common in the mountains.
• Gluten-free & full of fiber.

 Best Places to Try:

• Local homes & rural restaurants in West & North Sikkim

10. Chang (Tongba) – Traditional Millet Beer

✅ What is it?

• A fermented millet drink, served in a bamboo container with a straw.
• Warm and mildly alcoholic, perfect for cold weather.

✅ Why Try?

• A must-try for those who love local brews.
• A great way to experience traditional Sikkimese hospitality.

 Best Places to Try:

• Local homes & traditional bars (Gangtok, Ravangla, Pelling)

Best Places to Try Sikkimese Cuisine