10 Street Food Items You Must Try in Klimpong

Alu Thukpa

Alu Thukpa is a comforting noodle-based dish with a loyal following in Kalimpong. Made with thick noodles and tender potato gravy or soup, it’s a great option for a hearty meal. It is gratifying during the chilly weather of the hills, offering warmth and nourishment with each bowl.

Alu Mimi/Wai Wai

Alu Mimi/Wai Wai is one of the favorite snacks of the locals. It is a simple dish of Alu Dum gravy added to a packet of 'Wai Wai/Mimi' instant noodles. It is not just yummy but quite filling as well and makes a convenient and quick meal that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a beloved and flavorful dish that originates from Chinese cuisine. It is known for its delicious combination of stir-fried noodles, vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage, or meat, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, onion . Whether served with meat or veggies, Chow Mein offers a satisfying, hearty meal.

La-Phing

La-phing is a Tibetan-origin snack that’s now a staple in Kalimpong’s street food scene. Made from mung bean flour, it has a jelly-like texture and is typically served cold either dry or a bit soupy with a spicy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and red chili powder. Its unique texture and intense flavor make La-phing a standout choice for anyone seeking an adventurous bite.

Libi Libir a.k.a Fui Fui

Libi Libir is a unique Kalimpong street snack made from refined flour by steaming it and coating it with flavoured oil. It usually comes dipped in a sauce made out of dry chili paste, mashed potatoes, sesame seeds, and garlic. It's only available during the evening and if you're not fast enough, it sells like lightning, disappearing before you can even blink!

Momo

Who doesn’t love ‘momo’? Kalimpong and the neighboring hills are known for spreading momo all over India. Believed to be of Tibetan origin and adopted in the Nepalese cuisine, momo is the number one food of the hills. Momo is a steamed dumpling with a filling of either meat or vegetables. It is not just a dish, it's an emotion that connects people of this land.

Phambi

Phambi is a traditional steamed jelly found in the Kalimpong area only. It is made from a blend of rice flour and buckwheat and is popular for its slightly chewy texture and earthy taste. It is usually served cold with a spicy sauce or chutney on the side, making it a satisfying street food. You’ll find vendors selling freshly prepared Phambi in various spots around town.

T-Momo and Alu Dum

Tingmo, ting momo, or T-momo is a steamed bun in Tibetan cuisine. It is a soft, airy bun that doesn't contain any filling. It goes extremely well with Nepali-style Aloo Dum, a spicy, piquant potato dish cooked with native chilies. It is generally served with Aloo Dum and a side of 'Churpee' aachar or with a bowl of Chola or Soup.

Thaipo

Thaipo is the larger brother of Momo! It is a huge steamed dumpling filled with vegetables, meat, or both. Many vendors in Kalimpong offer Thaipos as a filling and affordable option for street food lovers.

Tsha Phaley

Translating to meat bread in Tibetan, ‘Tsha Phaley’ is a deep-fried pastry filled with stuffing such as minced meat, cabbage, onions, and other spices. It is shaped into circular pieces of bread and is either deep-fried or pan-fried, the frying style varies according to regions. It is famous all around the hills and can be found on most roadside momo stalls.

Bonus Items

1. Sel Roti & Alu Dum - Sel Roti is a traditional Nepali rice-based fried bread, shaped like a thin ring. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. Often prepared during festivals and celebrations, sel roti is a versatile snack that pairs perfectly with sweet and savory dishes. You might find a plate of Sel Roti & Alu Dum in some local fast foods.

2. Veg/Egg Roll - Veg and egg rolls are popular street food snacks made by wrapping a flavorful filling in a soft, flaky paratha. The veg roll typically includes sautéed vegetables like onions, capsicum, potato, and cabbage, seasoned with spices, while the egg roll features a layer of fried egg cooked directly onto the paratha. Both are topped with tangy sauces, fresh onions, and optional chilies, then rolled up for a delicious, on-the-go treat.

3. Pakora - Pakora is a popular Indian snack made by coating vegetables, onion, or meat in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter and deep-frying them until crispy. These golden fritters are seasoned with herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and chili, giving them a savory and flavorful taste. Pakoras are commonly served with chutneys, such as mint or tamarind, and are a favorite tea-time snack, especially during rainy or chilly weather.