15 Famous Food Of Sikkim: The Ultimate Flavor Guide

The Sikkim food culture is already world-famous and is known for its blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Lepcha influences. Authentic Sikkimese food includes local ingredients with unique flavors and the popular foods of Sikkim include the famous “Momo Sikkim” , thukpa, gundruk, and phagshapa. Also, fermented foods and beverages play a significant role in the Sikkim regional cuisine.

The perfect flavors of the special ingredients will leave you amazed. Very different from the usual cuisine of India, Sikkim is heaven for food bloggers and food lovers! So, why are you letting your stomach growl because of hunger? Let us have a look at the food specialties of Sikkim and discover all the popular foods of Sikkim along with some of the places to eat.

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History of the Sikkim Food Culture : Sikkim Food Guide

They cook their own food based on what they have; they don’t copy from others! For example, fermented greens, which last long and are very healthy. Their neighbours also contribute to diversifying the Sikkim food menu, such as momos and noodle soups from Tibet and lentils from Nepal. Food of Sikkim is still the best, but now people are growing more organic food and trying new things with old favourites, enhancing the richness of Authentic Sikkimese food history. There are even restaurants making fancy versions of traditional dishes!

So, famous food of Sikkim is a mix of old and new, borrowed and original, all thanks to Sikkimese food history and amazing location!

Top 15 Popular foods of Sikkim

1. Momos

Momos, especially the Momo Sikkim variant are tasty dumplings filled with minced meat, vegetables, or any filling you choose, wrapped in thin dough made with water and wheat flour, and cooked by steaming, frying, or boiling. They’re commonly served with dipping sauces like tomato chutney or spicy chilli sauce known as “Momo Chutney”. It’s the best local food of Sikkim!

Nowadays, there’s a variety of momos with international twists like Pizza momos, chocolate momos, cheese-filled, and many others, adding to their growing popularity.

• Recommended Momo Sikkim Eateries: Shuffle Momos and Roll House.

2. Thukpa

Originating from Tibet, Thukpa has made its mark in Indian cuisine, especially in regions like Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Ladakh, where many people from the Tibet community reside. 

This dish can be made with both vegetables and meat, and the egg version is quite popular! It’s not only tasty but also healthy, as it’s rich in protein from ingredients like beans, chickpeas, gram, and kidney beans. With delicious flavors and garnishes like coriander leaves, spring onions, or garlic leaves, it’s a go-to dish that’ll leave you wanting more.

• Recommended Thukpa Sikkim Eateries: Dragon Wok and Taste of Tibet 

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3. Gundruk

Once fermented, Gundruk can be sun-dried and stored for extended periods. “Gundruk Sikkim” is not typically eaten raw but instead rehydrated in hot water before being used in other dishes. Some of the ways you can enjoy Gundruk, is by mixing it with vegetables, making a delicious Gundruk soup and Gundruk Pickle.

• Recommended Gundruk Sikkim Eateries: Taste Of Tibet and Khamsum Restaurant 

4. Phagshapa

This tasty meal, a favourite among Sikkim street food, is great for cold nights and will make you warm with its flavourful taste of spices mixed in pork. You can make it by boiling or pressure-cooking. Enjoy it hot with rice and maybe some onions or a salad on the side.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: The Golden Dragon hotel

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5. Sha Phaley

You can choose your filling, with tofu and cheese being popular options. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: The Roll House

6. Kinema

You can enjoy this dish by mixing it with chopped onions, chilies, and lemon juice to add a tangy flavour or you can add it to the curries.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Nimtho and Taste Of Tibet

7. Kodo Ko Roti

This highly nutritious roti is rich in protein, fibre, calcium, and iron. While the basic recipe is simple, there can be variations. Some people might add a touch of oil or ghee to the dough for a richer flavour. Enjoy it with chutney, butter, or pickles.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: MG Marg eateries and The Square Family Restaurant and Bar

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8. Sael Roti

Some might add a pinch of salt for a savoury-sweet balance in these Sikkim food recipes. Sael roti is traditionally enjoyed on its own, but it can also be paired with other local food of Sikkim including  Sikkim tea for a complete snack experience.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Agarwal Pure Veg Restaurant

9. Dal Bhaat

Served with vegetable or non-vegetable curries, yoghurt, chutney, or pickle, Dal Chawal is enhanced with flavours that make it taste like it’s straight from mom’s kitchen. Simple yet so satisfying, it’s a must-have Sikkim street food.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Parivar restaurant and Osm restaurant

10. Thenthuk

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: The Square Family Restaurant and Bar and Taste of Tibet

11. Sinki

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Osm Restro, Nimtho and Taste Of Tibet

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12. Masauyra Curry

Although it is typically a vegetarian dish, you can add meat and eggs to satisfy your taste buds and modify the Sikkim food recipes.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Delight Hotels Restaurant and Hill Queen 

13. Dhindo

Dhindo, often found as a staple dish in many Nepali households and a common item among Sikkim street food, is frequently served with various accompaniments such as vegetables, lentils, pickles, or meat dishes. It is cherished for its hearty and comforting texture.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Thakali and The Square

14. Chang

Chang is served chilled with a sweet and sour taste, and in Sikkim, it’s often presented as a symbol of hospitality.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim: Tongba Bar

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15. Chhurpi

In addition to its culinary uses, chhurpi is also valued as a popular Sikkim street food for its nutritional benefits, as it is rich in protein and calcium.

• Where to Eat this Food of Sikkim:  Stalls of Local Food of Sikkim and Eateries

Sikkim Food Tourism: Top Beverages of Sikkim

• Tongba: A warm alcoholic beverage, one of the popular foods of Sikkim among the Limbu community, made by fermenting millet grains and then steeping them in hot water. 

• Butter Tea (Suja): A Tibetan tea made with black tea leaves, yak butter, salt, and sometimes milk.

• Sikkim Tea: Locally grown teas, including green tea, black tea, and herbal teas made from local herbs and plants.

• Yoghourt Drinks: Refreshing beverages made from yoghurt and flavoured with fruits or traditional spices like cardamom.
• Ara: A locally brewed alcoholic beverage, similar to rice wine and enjoyed by certain communities in Sikkim.

Sikkim Food Festival

The festival showcases a variety of Sikkimese dishes, from momos to thenthuk, and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can enjoy the Sikkim Food Festival’s lively atmosphere, filled with the aroma of mouthwatering dishes and the sounds of cultural performances.

It’s no wonder the Sikkim Food Festival is a must-visit event for both locals and tourists alike, eager to savour the traditions and food specialties of Sikkim in one festive setting.

Conclusion

The special Sikkim food menu including momos, thukpa, dhindo, and more are not to be missed! Momos are sold everywhere but the authenticity is found in Sikkim regional cuisine. Fermented food can be as delicious as fresh ones or even tastier! Sikkim food recipes are very unique as compared to the other parts of India. So get ready to give satisfaction to your cravings and taste the uniqueness of India.

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