Discovering the Culture of Sikkim's Indigenous Communities
Aug 28th, 2023
Other than the famed Momos and Thenthuks native to Gangtok, there are many more terrific cuisines the tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim has to offer. Although Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, the diverse ethnicities in the state have brought about a culinary revolution. A large number of youngsters with underlying interests in cooking have moved out of the state and returned, bringing along a dash of continental, Mexican, Italian and many more flavours in the pre-existent Tibetan, Nepali and Newari influenced food culture. The diversity in culture has innately influenced a multi-flavoured society who not only loves to eat, but loves to feed!
Gangtok is dotted with multi-cuisine restaurants and eateries that cater to a wide range of tourists and locals alike. More than once, we’ve encountered tourists who are looking for places to eat as well as places with a great evening vibe. OurGuest has picked the ten best restaurants in Gangtok- from the best of local food, the best of evening life, best of our momos to the best of our cafes! So, explore our various Sikkim tour packages and indulge in the delicious delicacy the place has to offer.
1. NIMTHO
The best of Nepali thali, buff choila and succulent jhol momos makes Nimtho stand-out from the rest of the food joints which serve local food. With its delicately done walls which reflect a traditional Nepali home and a soothing décor tastefully done in wood and local paintings, makes Nimtho an ideal place for fine dining as well
Must haves: Nepali Thali (veg/Non-Veg), Jhol Momo, Choila(Buff/ chicken ), Steamed Momos, Tongba(Millet Beer) etc.
Location: New Market, Gangtok
2. TASTE OF TIBET
Operational since decades, Taste of Tibet is a locally certified and well loved restaurant which serves the very best of Sikkimese food. A special delight to the non-vegetarian tongue, Taste of Tibet is bustling with food, people and savory delights all day long. The momos are juicy and succulent, the thenthuk is made with special noodles meant for the purpose, the chowmein is delightfully spicy and platter of pork dry fry is just what you could be craving for. Even their veg momos are piquant and tongue-teasing!
Must haves: momos(chicken, pork, beef, veg), thenthuk, pork/beef dry fry, chowmein, gyathuk, thukpa
Location: Mg Marg, Gangtok
3. THE LOCAL CAFE
Tucked neatly on the New Market area, The Local Café is a recent addition on the best of cafés in Gangtok. Popular for the best La-phing and cappuccinos, one can either sit inside the café, or bask in the setting sun outside as you enjoy a steaming mug of coffee, cheesecake, laphing, tshampa shake and scrumptious pizza.
Must haves: Pizza, Laphing, Cheesecake, Coffee, Fruit Beer, Tshampa Shake,
Location: New Market, Gangtok
4. THE COFFEE SHOP
Although Italian cuisine could be a little dicey if not done correctly, The Coffee Shop has outdone itself as one of the best places in Gangtok that serves delicious pizzas with assorted toppings and creamy pastas in fine white sauce. Famous for its multifarious collection of wines, The Coffee shop is an ideal place for a sumptuous Italian meal teamed with the variety of wines available. Their coffee and hot chocolate mugs are equally satisfying!
Must haves: Himalayan Breakfast, Coffee, Hot Chocolate,
Location: New Market, Gangtok
5. BAKER'S CAFE
Baker’s café has been “the café” of Gangtok since times immemorial. Cost effective and exceptionally warm, it has been named as one of the best places for bakes, confectioneries, pizza, pasta and assorted array of shakes, tea, and muffins. An excellent space to hangout with a bunch of friends or even alone, it offers a wide range of items on the menu for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The best part about Baker’s is the warm aroma of coffee just as you start climbing the stairs- you know you’re in for a treat!
Must Haves: Penne Pomodoro, Grilled Sandwiches, Pasta Arrabiata, Pizza, Pastries, Irish Coffee
Location: MG Marg, Gangtok
6. EYHO
Eat Your Heart Out, although a venture that started as a delivery only eatery specialising in Korean and Lebanese food, has now teamed up with Café Society, Gangtok and together they serve some of the best macha lattes, coffee, Korean and continental food. EYHO specialises in Korean fusion and our favourite dishes are the kimchi fried rice, spicy chicken wings, fish cakes with soup, the sumptuous spring rolls and the delicious kimbaps! The fusion comes with the owner’s sense of travel and an amazing sense of taste. EYHO stands out as one of the best, yet unexplored fusion cuisine Gangtok has to offer.
Must Haves: spring rolls, spicy chicken wings, kimchi fried rice, fish cake,
Location: Tibet Road, Gangtok
7. CAFÉ FICTION
Although there is no dearth of cafes in Gangtok, Café Fiction is the only book café which serves sumptuous momos, exceptional grilled sandwiches and locally brewed coffee. Apart from being a hub of curated classics and Bookman’s BnB, Café Fiction is an ideal place for people who seek the warmth of a bookstore, quiet of the hermit and food for both the tummy and the thought!
Must Haves: Masala Chai, Americano, Momos, Grilled Sandwiches
Location: Development Area, Gangtok
8. GANGTOK GROOVE
Often, most tourists and locals looking for a vibrant evening get confused about where to hangout. Gangtok Groove, although has limited options of which food on the menu will satisfy your taste-buds, is an ideal place to grab a beer, chill for the evening and enjoy live music on the weekends. Some of the most satisfying food on their menu is Pizza, sushi and their dimsums. As you enjoy the evening, Gangtok Groove is indeed as its name- groovy, vibrant and one of the best places to hangout in the evening.
Must Haves: dimsum, sushi, pizza
Location: Above Pantaloons, New Market Area, Gangtok
9. MU KIMCHI
Mu Kimchi is an authentic Korean restaurant, which serves the best Korean platter in town. Sumptuous, healthy and mouth-watering dishes have earned Mu Kimchi, loyalists who swear, there is no place like that in Gangtok. The best news- it’s a budget restaurant.
Must haves: Samgyapsal, Platter, Sea Weed Soup & Rice
Location: Namnang Road, Gangtok
10. SELVI'S BISTRO
Selvi’s Bistro can be unabashedly termed as the only honest gastro-pub of Gangtok. Famous for its burgers and a laid-back vibe, Selvi’s stands out as a place to be with friends or family for an evening of inventive cuisine and occidental vibe.
Must haves: Burgers, Pho
Location: Namnang Road, Gangtok
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