Nestled in North Bengal, Siliguri is a vibrant city with a great food scene that locals and tourists alike love. The food culture of Siliguri is influenced by surrounding borders. The staple food of Siliguri is fish, rice, and sweets, which are easily available. The city lives up to its nickname "Gateway to Northeast India'' by bringing together flavours from all over the region.
The Siliguri’s cuisine reflects its history as a melting pot of cultures. This bustling city in the foothills of the Himalayas was once an important trading post where Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim and Bengal intersected. The result is a unique blend of tastes. The people of Siliguri have taken the best of these traditions and made them their own. Food here is more than nourishment - it is the story of the city itself.
Next time while walking down the alley of Siliguri, be sure to taste these 6 most famous dishes:
Sel Roti
Being a traditional food of Nepali community, Sel Roti is found in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Siliguri regions. The crispy ring-shaped rice doughnuts are a delicacy of Siliguri. They are infused with milk, banana and cardamom. It is available in various street food stalls and restaurants in Siliguri. It is an essential food at most Nepalese and Sikkimese cultural and traditional events. The origin of this dish can be traced back over 800 years. The legend has it that it may have originated from Babri, which is a Nepalese rice pancake. Another story behind the origin of this dish is it comes from Saal, which is Nepali word for year, as this dish was originally a ceremonial dish, made at New Year celebrations.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Momo-Cha, Khalpara, Siliguri
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50–150 approx.
Sha Phaley
The voyage of Sha Phaley, from Tibet to Nepal to India, is quite an interesting story. Originally, Sha Phaley is a dish from Tibetan culture. And since Nepal, India and Tibet have been sharing a long ongoing history of culture, this dish has made a significant influence on North Indian food. The dish comprises deep fried bread, stuffed with minced cabbage and ground meat. It is moulded in semi circles, very similar to Gujia, to make the fritters. It is crispy on the outside, and oozes with juicy meat on the inside. This culinary wonder is evidence of the rich food culture of Siliguri, and shows that when different communities come together, they influence each other, and adapt to each other’s tradition.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Teafi, Janta Nagar, Siliguri
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–200 approx.
Thukpa
The origin of thukpa in Siliguri is a fascinating story that sheds light on the city's rich cultural heritage. While the dish can be found throughout the Himalayan region, its roots in Siliguri can be traced back to the influx of Tibetan refugees who fled their homeland in the 1950s and 1960s. Seeking refuge from Chinese occupation, many Tibetans settled in Siliguri, bringing their cuisine with them. Its comforting flavours quickly spread beyond the Tibetan community. Over time, it was embraced by the city's diverse population as an iconic local specialty.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Tibetan Nang, Himachal Sarani Line 1, Ward 40, Punjabi Para, Siliguri
Type: Non-Veg & Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Gundruk
Gundruk is basically a green veggie dish that is fermented, making its aroma quite a unique experience for many. Popular in both Nepali and Sikkimese cuisine, some say the recipe arrived with Nepali immigrants who brought their love of gundruk. Others claim it was created locally, inspired by the need to preserve fresh greens from the farms during the winter months. Some even suggest it was introduced by Tibetan traders journeying down from the mountains.
Restaurant Recommendations: Hamro Kitchen, Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Sinki Soup
Sinki Soup is a dish which is made with radish tap roots. The radish roots are chopped, along with bamboo. They are then covered with vegetation and mud. It is usually for a month that these ingredients are covered, which allows for fermentation to happen properly, developing a rich, umami flavour. The dish has a strong aroma and is usually cooked up as a one-pot soupy dish especially suited to chilly winters.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Beijing Bites, Siliguri
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx
Momos
The momos found in Siliguri are a delicious blend of influences from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bengal. Their juicy fillings encased in delicate wrappers draw locals and travelers alike. Each momo-maker adds their own touch, a sprinkle of spice here, a pinch of herb there. So, when you bite into these tasty bundles, you’re not just savouring a snack - you’re tasting a story as rich as the land itself. What’s more, this is the region from where momos slowly gained popularity across India too.
Restaurant Recommendations: Momo Hut, Hillcart Road, Siliguri
Type: Non-Veg & Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–300 approx