Kalimpong, a hill station in the state of West Bengal, India, is famous not just for its breathtaking views and pleasant climate, but also for its cuisine. The unique mix of cultures prevalent in the region has resulted in a unique culinary style that combines Nepalese and Tibetan flavours with traditional Indian cooking.
One of the most popular dishes from Kalimpong is the thukpa or thukpa soup. This hearty soup is made from noodle-like strips of dough boiled with vegetables like cabbage and carrots and flavoured with a variety of spices. It is usually served with momo dumplings filled with a mixture of minced meat and vegetables.
Another favourite is the ‘shaphaley’ or pan-fried dumplings made from unleavened dough stuffed with mashed potatoes. The dumplings are then deep-fried until golden brown and served with a spicy tomato chutney.
The local cuisine also includes several variations on traditional Nepalese dishes such as ‘sel roti’, which is a ring-shaped sweet rice bread deep-fried in ghee; ‘masala dhido’, which is an Indian version of polenta; ‘churpi’ which are hard cheese cubes; and ‘gundruk’ which is an item made from fermented green leafy vegetables like mustard leaves.
Kalimpong also has its own version of Chinese dishes such as fried rice, noodles and dimsums. The locals have their own special way to make these dishes by combining local ingredients like chillies, potatoes, mushrooms and spinach to give them a distinct flavor.
The most popular dessert from Kalimpong is the ‘sha kamra’ or steamed fruit cake which consists of raisins, cashew nuts and grated coconut mixed into flour formed into cakes that are steamed in banana leaves or banana skins.
The traditional Tibetan food culture has been very well preserved in Kalimpong over time due to the large population of Tibetans living there. Dishes like momos (steamed dumplings) filled with minced meat or vegetables, thukpa (noodle soup) , sha phaley (pan-fried dumplings) are all favourites among locals as well as visitors alike!
In conclusion, Kalimpong has something to offer every foodie! With its unique mix of Nepalese/Tibetan flavours combined with traditional Indian cooking styles, there’s no doubt that this hill station will leave you wanting more after your visit!
From hearty soups to delicious desserts – what more could one ask for? What’s more – Kalimpong’s famous food will definitely make your taste buds come alive!
What Is the Famous Food of Kalimpong? Kalimpong’s famous cuisine consists of a unique mix of Nepalese/Tibetan flavors combined with traditional Indian cooking styles.
Popular dishes include thukpa soup, shaphaley or pan-fried dumplings filled with mashed potatoes, sel roti (sweet rice bread), masala dhido (Indian polenta), churpi (hard cheese cubes), gundruk (fermented green leafy vegetables), fried rice/noodles/dimsums and sha kamra or steamed fruit cake made from raisins, cashews and grated coconut mixed into flour. All these dishes come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience!