Best Restaurants in Darjeeling: Culinary Journey in Hills!
The Darjeeling landscape, with its rich culture and vibrant history to its name, offers a unique diversity in the cuisines. This hill station boasts its tea and the eclectic mix of traditional and modern cuisine, blending its flavors with those of neighboring Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Whether it is in the mood to enjoy local Darjeeling cuisine or to try the latest local cafe and bakery offerings, Darjeeling will fulfill all requirements.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Darjeeling, known for their specialties, ambiance, location, and customer reviews.
Traditional Darjeeling Cuisine
Traditional Darjeeling cuisine is a product of Tibetan, Nepali, and local Bengali influences, replete with aromatic spices, rice, lentils, and meat, while momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), churpee (fermented cheese), and sael roti (fried rice dough) are the staples.
Fresh herbs and local vegetables blend well into the region’s tea culture, making Darjeeling’s cuisine unique worldwide.
Top Restaurant for Traditional Cuisine
Here are a few top traditional restaurants in Darjeeling that specializes in traditional Nepali and Tibetan cuisines. Let’s go and explore traditional cuisine in the hills!
⁍ Kunga Restaurant
The Kunga Restaurant is famous for its delicious momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and shaphaley (fried Tibetan pastries filled with meat or vegetables). Momos chutney here is a particular favorite.
- Ambiance and Location: Situated right above the Darjeeling Mall Road, Kunga offers the feeling of dining in a traditional Tibetan home. With humble decor and a warm ambiance, it makes a lovely space for locals and tourists alike.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: It holds 4.5/5 ratings. Many customers hail its unique flavors and tastes served to the customers. In general, many appreciate it for providing very quality services, and it serves local delicacies. But it becomes pretty crowded on some days, so it is advisable to visit early.
⁍ Sonam’s Kitchen
The specialties in Sonam’s Kitchen are thukpa, momos, and Nepali thali, which come with rice, dal, vegetables, and meat. Other customers’ favorite dishes include fried momos and chowmein.
- Ambiance and Location: This is a small cozy eatery tucked away from all the main tourist spots, friendly, homely, and just so simple to decorate but warmly inviting. It’s located on Chowrasta Mall Road.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Rated 4.5/5 by people who like it for good value for money and great quality food. The service is very friendly but does take a little time in peak hours.
⁍ Glenary’s
Glenary’s is famous and one of the best restaurants in Darjeeling known for its bakery and cafe, but it serves really good traditional Darjeeling dishes such as thukpa and momos. It is also very popular for its English breakfast and freshly baked bread.
- Ambiance and Location: It is one of the legendary restaurants at the heart of Darjeeling, possessing colonial-era interiors and breathtaking views of the hill range with vintage charm. A place for both history enthusiasts and foodies.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: The visitors like this place since it has a rating of 4/5 with a classic feel, variety of food, and quality service. Some customers say prices are too high, but it’s worth it experience-wise.
Best Cafes and Bakeries in Darjeeling
There is also a vibrant café and bakery scene in Darjeeling, perfect for someone looking for a light snack or a dessert with a nice cup of tea.
⁍ The Mall Road Café
At the Mall Road Cafe, teas are made as freshly as can be, and the pastries, sandwiches, and cakes are very fine. Try the apple pie and their scrumptious muffins.
- Ambiance and Location: It is on the Mall Road. It has a modern look yet is cozy with warm wooden interiors. It is an excellent place to unwind and watch the beauty of Darjeeling.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: It is rated 4.2/5. People liked the setting and the quality of the tea. It is an excellent people-watching place, but some people face slow service during peak hours.
⁍ Cafe Coffee Day
Known for its wide variety of coffees, Café Coffee Day also serves snacks like pizza sandwiches and pastries. In them, chocolate varieties are the most sought-after.
- Ambiance and Location: This international chain is on a quiet corner near the Darjeeling Mall. It offers comfort that would be desired by even those who would want a quicker coffee break as the inchoate interior invites time.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: 4/5 This café provides consistent quality coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a modern ambiance. It is a quick drop for tourists who want comfort food, or a caffeine shot.
Best Vegetarian and Vegan Option Restaurants
Read about the vegetarian and vegan option restaurants that are available in Darjeeling. Darjeeling accommodates vegetarians and vegans because most restaurants have added their menus with plant-based options.
⁍ Shangri-La Restaurant
Shangri-La offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes such as vegetable momos, thukpa, chowmein, and veg thali. The Tibetan-style sautéed vegetables stand out here.
- Ambiance and Location: This restaurant, just a short walk from the Darjeeling Railway Station, has a homely atmosphere with Tibetan-style décor.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: With a rating of 4.3/5, customers rave over the flavorful vegetarian choices and helpful service. It is one of the go-to restaurants for vegans who are looking for something delicious yet not so complex.
⁍ Joeys Pub & Restaurant
Joey’s Pub specializes in vegetarian momos, tandoori roti, and dal fry. Vegan customers enjoy the chana masala as well as vegetable fried rice.
- Ambiance and Location: The pub is lively yet relaxing in a relatively central area of Darjeeling. It is very ideal for people looking to have good food in a lively atmosphere.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: 4.2/5 Rated. People like this place because it is very vegetarian and vegan friendly. The laid-back atmosphere was also liked. A few people say the service may be a little sluggish sometimes, but the quality is exquisite.
Budget Eateries in Darjeeling
There are more than enough places for affordable eating in the scenic town of Darjeeling without compromising on taste and quality. So, those who seek hearty meals but not costly are at the right places here.
⁍ Tom & Jerry’s Café
Their Veg Momos, Pasta, and Chowmein are highly recommended as they serve the finest food for budgetary-friendly eatables. Here at Tom & Jerry’s Cafe the vegetable soup also goes well among the other foods which people have preferred.
- Ambiance and Location: This small, casual café is near the Darjeeling Mall. The ambiance is simple, colorful, and perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: It is rated 4/5. The place is appreciated for its affordability and quick service. The décor is basic, but the food quality compensates for that.
⁍ Nathmull Tea
Nathmull Tea serves the best tea in Darjeeling. It offers samosas, momos, and tea cakes. It is a good spot to stop for a speedy, affordable teatime.
- Ambiance and Location: This small little shop is located on the main street and is the favorite of locals passionate about tea. The comfortable setting allows visitors to try a variety of Darjeeling teas.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: 4.3/5 The café is loved for its tea and light snacks. This place is small but has a warm feel, with a variety of teas that are good enough to attract visitors to this place in large numbers.
Wrapping Up!
The culinary landscape of Darjeeling is as diverse as its topography with traditional Tibetan and Nepali food available, along with modern cafés and bakeries.
Whether you want authentic momos, a comforting bowl of thukpa, or a warm cup of tea with freshly baked goods, Darjeeling restaurants have everything to suit all tastes and budgets.
From budget eateries to high-end restaurants, you will never run out of choices to taste the flavors of this Himalayan town. Just savor Darjeeling; when you roam the narrow streets of Darjeeling, sample all its flavors, and every meal will speak of this country and culture in its very depths.
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