Darjeeling is a lovely hill station in West Bengal famed for its emerald-hued tea plantations and breathtaking views of the Himalaya mountain ranges. It is a popular getaway in the eastern parts of India, and lays claim to growing the best tea in all of India.
A melting pot of Nepali, Bengali and Tibetan cultures, Darjeeling serves street food that is as diverse as its culture and history. From momos to thukpa and the most delicious luchi aloo, there's something for everyone. If you're spending time in this charming hill station, you absolutely must do a street food tour of the city.
While on your street food tour of Darjeeling, you can visit some of the most popular street food stalls and restaurants in the city. Start at the Chowrasta for some amazing momos and chowmein, then sample all the yummy street food listed below as you visit the lower parts of the city, including the famed Darjeeling tea gardens.
Momos and Chowmein: Chowrasta is the main market in Darjeeling. Here, you'll get to sample some of the most popular street snacks like momos, thukpa, and chowmein. Momos are steamed dumplings filled with various fillings, from vegetables to meat. These are popular street foods in Darjeeling and can be found in most street food stalls. Chowmein is essentially hakka noodles prepared with all sorts of seasonal veggies and bits of meat. You'll also get to explore some of the local stores and stalls in the market, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts.
Address:
Hot Stimulating Café- Lebong Cart Rd, Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
&
Kunga Restaurant, 51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Timing: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Price for two: INR 100-200
Churpee: You can then move to the lower part of the city, where you can sample some of the local delicacies like Churpee which is a cheese-based dish with its roots in Nepali cuisine. A milk snack from Darjeeling, Churpees are hard or soft cheese-like biscuits. Nepali Churpee ka achaar is made with churpee, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
Address: Keventer’s, 1 Nehru Road, Darjeeling, India.
Timing: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price for two: INR 400
Saphale: Saphale or Saphalay is a Tibetan street food which is commonly served with chutney or roasted barley and cheese, which makes it even more scrumptious. It is a crunchy deep-fried patty that has mouthwatering filling inside and is served with chutney. This dish is not as common as other Tibetan meals, but it will definitely impress your tastebuds.
Address: Nehru Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timing: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price for two: INR 350
Aloo ka Aachar: While strolling on the streets of Darjeeling you will come across vendors selling hot traditional Darjeeling snack food called aloo ka aachar. Don’t be confused, it’s not a pickle but a dish made from boiled potatoes, onion, garlic, and red chili. It is served in a thick gravy with sev bhujia. It’s also quite popular in other North-East states and West Bengal and Odisha.
Address: 51, Gandhi Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Timing: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price for two: INR 300
Darjeeling Tea: After exploring the lower part of the city, you must visit the famous Darjeeling Tea Estate where you'll get to sample some of the best tea in India and explore the tea plantation. You'll also get to learn about the history and culture of the tea estate.
Address: Happy Valley Tea Estate, Darjeeling town, Darjeeling
Timing: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Jorethang Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling,
Timing: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price for two: INR 500
Sael Roti: This Nepali-style roti is rarely found outside Darjeeling. This chapati is sold to local consumers in Darjeeling and is specially made from rice paste. It's served with butter or cheese, pickles or chutneys, and it's fried in oil. It is a very popular item during Nepali festivals or big occasions.
Address: HD Lama Rd, opposite SBI, Near Buddhist Lodge, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling
Timing: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price for two: INR 300