Originally from Tibet, the humble momo (dimsum, dumpling) has travelled far and wide and undergone multiple stages of evolution, only to find home in the streets and corners of India. From posh restaurants to little kiosks, these stuffed dough-swathed dumplings of goodness please the palate and warm the soul. From meat, herbivores options, to dairy choices like cheese and paneer, the mouthwatering filling moulds itself to please people with all types of tastes and preferences, and is an established hit with foodies everywhere. The Indian momo has evolved and is now an indispensible part of our daily diet.
6 Places Serving The Best Indian Momos
Now that we have got the mandatory introduction out of the way, let's get down to the real deal – where can we get our paws on these scrumptious little pockets of joy? What are the places that are specifically known to dish out their orgasmic variant of this Tibetan staple? Without further ado, let's jump right into it!
The rustic little village of Spiti Valley is not just a backpacker's and photographer's paradise, but a momo connoisseur's dream come true. Considering the fact dimsums are a dietary staple here, it would be a crime not to hit Spiti Valley while you're on a momo-hunt. Due to the cold temperature here, meat momos are more common, but Spitians take it up a notch with their preference for yak momos!
Best places to eat Indian momos here: Cafe Kunzum Top, Hotel Dupchen
If you're particular when it comes to your food and don't like its authenticity tampered with, head to Darjeeling in the Northeast – you will not regret it. Nothing beats the joy of sitting in a cosy little cafe, scarfing down juicy Indian momos, while you let the super spicy red chutney served along with it, set your taste buds on fire. What's more? You get unlimited chicken or veggie broth as accompaniment!
Best places to eat momos here: Hot Stimulating Cafe, Kunga's
While you're on your Northeast expedition, why not visit the Rock Capital of India – Shillong? Except, this time your aim should be to focus less on the music here and more on food. Shillong is undeniably one of the most popular destinations for Indian momos, and what contributes to this is the fact that the size of dumplings is prominently bigger here. For those who have low tolerance for spice, the chutney serves here is relatively less fiery.
Best places to eat momos here: City Hut, Open Up
You can't mention momos and not let your mind wander to McLeod Ganj almost instantly. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in this sleepy little town in Himachal Pradesh. So it isn't a surprise, that strong Tibetan influences can be observed in the food options available here. From chicken, pork and mutton varieties to potato and cheese momos served near Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj truly spoils you for choice. The Indian momos here usually come with a delicious rice soup you can't miss out on.
Best places to eat momos here: Norling, Nick’s Italian Kitchen
Apart from being one of the cleanest states in India, Sikkim is also known for its penchant for delicious Nepalese and Tibetan foods. Dal bhat and dhindo are popular Nepalese foods to enjoy here, but if Tibetan food is where your heart lies, you can try from a range of treats. From juicy, lip-smacking momos to the hearty gya thuk (a lesser known version of the popular thukpa), and Tibetan shapalay, (essentially a meat pie), to the spicy and tangy phagshapa – a perfect dish for those who would like to experiment and love pork, Gangtok has it all.
Best places to eat momos here: Taste of Tibet, The Roll House
A momo trail in India is incomplete without mentioning Leh. And keep in mind the fact that once you eat them here you will not want to try them in most other places. This is because Leh will raise the bar and how! From little steamed chicken pockets of happiness, crispy mutton fried momos to even yak cheese momos, Leh will entice your taste buds so you keep wanting to go back. What doubles the fun of sinking your teeth into these delicious dimsums is the breathtaking view of snow clad mountains in this high-altitude barren desert.
Best places to eat momos here: Lamayuru restaurant, Summer Harvest
So if you have been craving authentic Tibetan food for a while and want to tuck into juicy dumplings, plan your next trip to one of these wonderful mountain destinations. Picture yourself huddled in a cosy mountain cafe, devouring scrumptious treats that satiate your soul, as you gaze into the mountains outside. Does it get any better than that? I think not.
Tell us if you have ever gone on a food trail before. Where was it? What did you eat? Share with Tripoto your experience and help our growing community of travellers plan their next trip around places that have interesting local foods!
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