Share
It is no coincidence that Momo sounds like someone is saying "more-more." This round, tasty treat has quickly gone around India and its neighboring countries, conquering the taste buds of young and old alike. It is goodness wrapped in a small package that explodes a variety of flavors in every mouth that consumes it.
Multiple Momo outlets have popped up throughout the country, all vying to satiate your craving for every type of this delectable street specialty. If you’re wondering where to go for your next awesome Momo mouth-stuffing, then read on.
Some Food for Thought About Indian Momos, Before You Head Out
Momos are a form of dumpling whose origins remain a mystery. They are thought to have originated around the 14th century in either Nepal or Tibet, with both populations claiming the title of inventor. Momos are cousins of the Chinese wontons, Japanese gyoza, Italy’s ravioli, India’s modak, and other such dumpling types found the world over.
The food is believed to have made its presence known in India in the 1960s with the influx of Tibetans. All the places they settled in, like Dharamshala, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Ladakh, are Momo epicentres today, not to mention the capital Delhi. A rival origin story has the Newar merchants from Kathmandu introducing it to the country after learning the recipe during their travels to Tibet. It can now be found in small towns throughout India, even in the most remote areas.
Whatever this savory savior's origin story, it’s here to stay, adding to the growing number of Indo-Chinese dishes available. Following their tradition of adding Indian flavors to every food that gets introduced, Indian cooks have literally shaped the momo in ways that appeal to the Indian palate.
Momo is believed to have made its presence known in India in the 1960s with the influx of Tibetans
Momos can be had either fried or steamed. While the stuffing that goes into momos is usually meat-based, the high number of vegetarians demanding a piece of this delicacy has prompted the introduction of vegetarian stuffing. So, not only do we have momos with spicy chicken, seafood, mutton chops, pork, and the like, but also with chickpeas, paneer, and a motley mix of green vegetables, to go along with that spicy sauce we crave for.
Where You Want to Be for Your Plateful of Momo Delicacy
India is a vast country with an equally vast demand for tasty foods, and so here are some great momo haunts to visit!
Darjeeling
What better place than a hill station to fill your mouth with hot momos and some of the famed local tea? The authentic flavor is combined with a spicy red chutney is to-die-for in the cold. As if that isn’t enough, you can get unlimited chicken or vegetable broth on the side too! Good momo restaurants to check out here are Kunga, Dekevas, Hasty-Tasty, Hot Stimulating Café, Nawangs, Shangri-La, and Chopstix.
Gangtok
Momo lovers can’t thank Sikkim enough for becoming a part of India. The capital Gangtok offers an all-you-can-handle list of Momo delicacies that every hardcore momo lover can indulge in. The cold climate combined with the great views of the Himalayas make for a great backdrop to chow down on some momos. Nine Native Cuisine, Shuffle Momos, Momo King, Taste of Tibet, and Roll House are all great places to eat momos.
Delhi
You better be ready for some Delhi belly (of the good kind), as momos have joined the ranks of other famous Delhi street foods that have everyone drooling. Your go-to Momo hotspots here are YETI, The Himalayan Kitchen, Hunger Strike, Dolma Aunty Momos, Momos Point, Wow! Momo, and more.
McLeod Ganj
What can one say about the city that houses the Tibetan government in exile and its relationship with momos? Be prepared to be spoilt for choice here with all the chicken, pork, mutton, potato, and cheese stuffings. Places to have them at include Norling and Nick’s Italian kitchen.
Leh
Leh personifies the Hindi term "ye leh!" (translates to ‘take this’) for momo lovers from all over as it grants a momo experience like no other. You get the breathtaking scenery of the barren, snow-clad Himalayas while you are perched up high, while your taste buds are tickled with steamed chicken, crispy mutton, or yak cheese-filled momos. Restaurants to visit here are Lamayuru and Summer Harvest.
If you want to indulge in some proper, authentic momos and plan to tick some restaurant checkboxes, then you simply can’t miss the places mentioned here. So, good luck as you get going on your momo hunt, you can thank us later!
