Travelling To Leh Ladakh? Try These 5 Local Dishes From The Majestic Land

Leh Ladakh is on everyone’s bucket list. Once in a lifetime, one should explore the roads of Ladakh. But, do you know the most significant part of travelling? The exploration of local, regional savoury different dishes of the state. Ladakh is famous for its culture, borders, history and food. So, here we bring you six traditional delicious foods that you can try in Ladakh. 

1. Momos

Initially, momos are a gift from Tibet that became the most popular dish in Ladakh. The dumplings are filled with minced meat (paneer, mutton, chicken and yak) with stuffed vegetables and local spices. Their steamer is called ‘Mokoto’. These dumplings are either served steamed or fried with spicy dipping sauce. Momos are specially served on occasions such as Ladakhi New Year (Losar Festival). 

2. Thukpa

Thukpa is the staple dish for Ladakh people. This soupy noodle dish is assorted with chopped vegetables, minced meat (mutton and chicken for non-vegetarians), and mixed with savoury ingredients. The noodles are made from wheat or barley flour. It's rich in flavour with spices that warm the taste buds and body.

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3. Chhutagi 

Chhu means “water” while tagi means “bread” together it indicates “water bread”. Chhutagi is one of the distinctive ladkahi delicacies which is rich in nutrition. The dough is usually cut into a circular shape, and then they are mould in the form of a bow tie. The dough is cooked with the soup, which is either made up of vegetables or meat. It is often served during the harvesting season as they are a good energy source. 

4. Butter Tea

Butter tea is specially served at weddings, festivals, and get-togethers. Local people drink this tea as it helps them keep their bodies warm, hydrated. This butter tea is prepared with milk, salt, butter and boiled with tea leaves. The colour of the butter tea is light pinkish, which keeps your lips moisturized and nourished.

5. Apricot Jam 

Even though you have tasted different flavours of jam but nothing could beat this flavoured jam of apricots. Apricots are called “Chulli” in Ladakh and are the most popular fruit grown in the region. Several products are made from this fruit, but the jam is the most popular among visitors in Ladakh that represent the delicacy.