Taste the Best: 15 Iconic Sikkim Foods with North Sikkim Tour Package

Sikkim, an exquisite state in northeastern India, is noted for its magnificent geographical beauty and distinct culture. The state is particularly well-known for its wonderful cuisine, incorporating flavors from neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Here is a list of the ten most renowned Sikkim culinary delicacies you must eat on your next North Sikkim tour package with OurGuest.

1. Momo

 Momo is a popular dish in Sikkim and other Himalayan regions. Made of refined flour, this steamed dumpling is filled with minced meat or vegetables. Sikkim offers a variety of momos, including chicken, pork, beef, and vegetable momos. On your next North Sikkim tour package, make sure to include momos in your meal! Local veg option churi momo ( local cottage cheese) or healthier option of iskus ( chayote) momos. Traditionally momo is made from all purpose flour but there are other healthier options of using whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour etc.

2. Thukpa

 Thukpa is a classic noodle soup from Tibet that is now popular across the Himalayan area. The soup (vegetarian or based on a choice of meat)  topped with veggies, meat, and noodles is ideal for cold winter days.

3. Gundruk

In Sikkim, gundruk is a famous fermented food in dried form produced from mustard greens. The recipe is usually in the form of a clear soup or in a dry chili chutney. This is typically served as a side dish alongside rice or other main entrees to make a meal

4. Alu Chewra

It is a savory street food of potato gravy with fried flat rice (poha/chewra) served with a topping of onions, chili, boiled yellow peas etc.

5. Churpi

 Churpi is a popular cheese prepared from yak or cow milk that is typically eaten as a snack. This hard and chewy cheese is high in protein and is ideal for hikers and trekkers. It is found in 2 forms i.e. hard (as shown in pic) and soft (fresh)

​​​​​​​6. Stinging nettle

 It’s a soup made of stinging nettle usually eaten as a gravy with rice.

7. Kinema

 Kinema is a popular fermented soybean dish in Sikkim and other regions of the Himalayas. It is made in the form of a spicy curry or a dry pickle. This meal is typically served with rice and veggies as a side dish.

8. Chaang (Tongba)

Chaang is an alcoholic beverage produced from fermented millet or barley. This drink is typically offered at festivals and other events and is prepared at home.

9. Shaa Phaley

Shaa Phaley is another traditional Sikkim cuisine. It literally translates to (sha-meat phaley-patty, also veg options are available as veg phalay, or chicken phalay) The deep-fried flavors of 'Sha Phaley' are combined with a bread base and a lot of minced meat. It is a Tibetan dish that is also famous in Sikkim. The bread or patties are stuffed with this mixture of ground beef, boneless chicken, veggies, and seasonings.

After that, a semicircle is curled around it before it is deep-fried to perfection. Finally, you have a crispy burger with a soft, delectable filling. Tofu and cheese have recently been added to the vegetarian or vegan dishes recipe.

10. Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a famous sweet dish (sweet and savory as a fried bread that is consumed with spicy potato or pea pickle salads) made of a (mix of rice flour and spices such as cardamom, cloves etc typically offered during festivals and other events. This meal has a distinct flavor and is ideal for individuals who enjoy sweets. It tastes mildly sweet.

11. Thakali Thali

Thakali Thali is a Nepalese traditional thali served all over in Sikkim. You can try it out in Gangtok or in Mangan (on you way to North Sikkim)

12. Khuri ( buckwheat pancake)

These are pancakes made of buckwheat flour cooked in butter with stuffing of cottage cheese and spinach served with cottage cheese chutney. You can expect to get this kind of breakfast when you travel to Dzongu and stay in one of the homestays in Dzongu.

13. Pork Trotters and Ting Mo

These are spicy curry made of pork trotters served with ting mo ( steamed buns with no stuffing)

14. Khora 

Khora is a Beef stomach slow cooked to make a spicy curry. Difficult to get in most places unless you try one of the many local restaurants in Gangtok. 

15. Edible Fiddlehead  Fern

Sikkim: A Foodie’s Paradise in the Himalayas

From momos to chang, each dish of Sikkim tells a story of its people, culture, and mountains. On your North Sikkim tour package with OurGuest, you won’t just see spectacular landscapes—you’ll taste them too.

Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel
Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India.

For a customized Sikkim Tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in