Darjeeling is a beautiful hill town in West Bengal, perched on the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. This town, which was once a British Raj summer resort, speaks in a variety of languages about its past. The Tibetan refugees who have found a tranquil home here, as well as the town’s proximity to Nepal, have infused the air with many cultures. Buildings with colonial architecture and dishes produced in Tibetan and Nepali cuisine types can now be found. Darjeeling, on the other hand, has welcomed it all with open arms. It will undoubtedly be passed on to you as a traveller. So, while you’re exploring all of the beautiful sights in Darjeeling, make sure to try all of the popular Darjeeling cuisines. While you’re there, take a tour through Darjeeling Food Junction. Food in Darjeeling is inexpensive and accessible to practically everyone.
Food is inextricably linked to culture! And, if you enjoy having a closer look at the cultural aspects of the countries you visit, understanding and experiencing the local cuisine can undoubtedly assist. Here are some of the most popular Darjeeling dishes that you must try if you want to get to know the city’s heart:
Kwasi
In Darjeeling, khati is one of the most popular foods. It’s a traditional Gorkha cuisine dish that’s easy to come by in the city. Kwasi is a mixed soup created from 9 different types of sprouting beans that are boiled together. Spices are also added to the soup to enhance the flavour and thicken the liquid. In Darjeeling, this is a wonderful and nutritious vegetarian dish. This traditional Nepalese cuisine, which is high in protein, is more popular during the Gun Punhi celebration.
Aaloo Achar
In Darjeeling, aloo achar is a must-have among the thali’s meals. Any traveller, regardless of where they are from in the country, will enjoy the taste of Aaloo Achar. This dish is produced using boiling potatoes that have been carefully cut into bits to absorb the flavours of the spices that have been added to them. The flavours in the backdrop are supported by onions, radishes, and cucumbers. The centre stage is occupied by a fine mixture of local chillies, mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and fenugreek seeds. You won’t be able to resist Aaloo Achar, a spicy and acidic potato dish.
Sel Roti
Sel Roti, a pleasantly sweet ring-shaped bread, is a popular Darjeeling delicacy. This homemade rice bread has a doughnut-like texture. This traditional meal, which has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, is mostly cooked during the Hindu festivals of Dashain and Tihar, which are among the most important celebrations. These festivals are mostly celebrated in Nepal and India’s north-eastern states, such as Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Pork Curry
Pork Curry is one of Darjeeling’s most popular non-vegetarian cuisines. Pork Chilies, Phagshapa, and grilled pork are just a few of the recipes for this delectable gravy dish. However, the most basic method of preparing this dish is to fry pork flesh in oil with a variety of seasonings. Pork Curry is best served hot with steaming rice and a cold beverage from the region.
Gundruk
Gundruk is a popular Nepalese dish and one of the best meals in Darjeeling. It’s made from mustard leaves and spinach, among other fermented green leafy vegetables. This is also one of the most popular dishes in the region, so it’s a must-try for foodies on their Darjeeling vacation. Iron and other minerals abound in Gundruk.
