11 Mouth-Watering Traditional Dishes of Sikkim

Sikkimese cuisine reflects the many cultures that have left their mark on the region over the years with its eclectic blend of flavors and cooking techniques. Rice, maize, millet, and a wide variety of vegetables and herbs are just a few of the staples of Sikkim's cuisine, all of which are grown and harvested locally. In this article, we are mentioning 11 mouth-watering traditional dishes of Sikkim:

Sel Roti

Sel roti is a traditional Nepali sweet dish made from rice flour. It is a type of circular-shaped bread or doughnut that is deep-fried in oil or ghee. The dough for sel roti is made by combining rice flour, water, sugar, and sometimes, mashed bananas or yogurt. The dough is then formed into circular shapes with a hole in the center, similar to a bagel. The dough is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown. Sel roti is typically served during festivals and special occasions in Nepal, such as Dashain and Tihar. Sel roti has a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior, and it is slightly sweet in taste. It is often served with tea or as a snack on its own. Sel roti is a popular and cherished traditional food in Nepal and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Dal Bhaat

The locals and visitors from neighboring Indian states and countries like Bangladesh and Nepal all love this well-known Sikkim dish. It's steamed rice served with a hearty lentil soup. Many Sikkimese people eat it on a regular basis as their main course. While dal chawal is a staple in the country's northern regions, the version made in Sikkim stands out thanks to its distinctive spices and herbs. This hearty dish will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. If you're looking for something simple to eat, Dal Bhaat is the way to go. 

Thukpa

Thukpa, a popular dish from the Himalayan state of Sikkim, is a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day. Currently, it is known almost all over India due to its novel taste, texture, and aroma. You will find small vendors and restaurants selling this everywhere in Sikkim. This staple food of Sikkim is prepared with chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, and a dash of tang and spices. The best thing is that you can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The spice levels can also be adjusted according to your needs.

Sha Phaley

Tibet's traditional meat-filled pastry is called Sha Phaley. Minced meat, onions, and various spices like cumin, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorn are wrapped in a dough wrapper and cooked until the meat is done. The dough is rolled out, flattened, and folded into a circle before being fried in oil. It is a traditional Tibetan snack that is frequently served at celebrations and events. As a filling snack, it goes well with a variety of dipping sauces or can be eaten on its own. Delicious and satisfying, Shapaley is a popular snack around the world thanks to its one-of-a-kind spice blend and crisp texture. 

Momos

Momos are a popular dish from the Indian state of Sikkim. You can put anything from meat to vegetables to cheese in a steamed dumpling called a momo. Thin rounds of dough made from flour, salt, and water are rolled out and baked. After placing the filling in the middle of the dough, the edges are pinched together to form a seal. Traditional accompaniments for Sikkimese momos include a tangy tomato sauce or a light broth. They are widely consumed in Sikkim, both as street food and in restaurants and homes. Momos have risen to prominence in India and beyond due to their flavor profile and adaptability; they can be eaten as a snack, an appetizer, or even a main course.

Chang

In Nepali, chang is also called dungro or tongba, both of which refer to the same fermented beverage. This fermented millet beverage is a staple of Lepcha culture. Rice, wheat, and buckwheat are also acceptable ingredients. Roots of the thungloo plant are used to make this dish on special occasions. Millet is filtered to get rid of stones and other debris before it is used to make the drink. After that, a moosal (Hindi) or tuling (Lepcha) is used to set it firmly in the ground in an okhli (Hindi) or tukcham (Lepcha). After being cooked over an open flame, it is allowed to cool in the talung. The next step is to add yeast to the beverage. After fermenting for two or three days, it will have a distinctive aroma that will tell you when it's ready to eat.

Sishnu ko Soup

Shishnu ko soup is a traditional Nepali soup made from the tender shoots of the stinging nettle plant, which is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties. It is believed to have medicinal properties that can help boost the immune system and treat certain ailments. It is a popular dish during the spring season when the nettle shoots are at their most tender and flavorful. The tender nettle shoots are harvested and washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. The shoots are then boiled in a flavorful broth made with onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The soup is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and is often served with a side of rice or roti bread. 

Gundruk and Sinki

Commonly found in Sikkim, Gundruk and Sinki soup is a favorite of the state's rural population. This vegetarian staple is a fermented vegetable dish that has gained widespread popularity. Due to their lactic nature, soups like Gundruk and Sinki are typically served as appetizers. Traditional fermented vegetable products like Gundruk and Sinki are made in the winter when fresh, perishable vegetables are in abundance. In contrast to Sinki, which is made solely from the tap root of the radish, Gundruk is a fermented product made from leafy vegetables like Rayo sag, mustard leaves, radish, and cauliflower. During natural fermentation, lactic acid bacteria produce a characteristic flavor and sour-acidic taste that are central to the quality of Gundruk and Sinki.

Thenthuk

Thenthuk is a traditional noodle soup from Tibet that is made with hand-pulled noodles and a flavorful broth. The dish typically includes vegetables such as carrots, onions, and leafy greens, as well as meat. The dough for the noodles is made by mixing flour and water, then kneading the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. The dough is then rolled out into thin sheets, cut into small strips, and boiled in salted water. The noodles are added to the soup, along with the vegetables and meat, and cooked until tender. Thenthuk is often seasoned with a mix of spices such as garlic, ginger, and cumin and served hot and steaming. 

Kodo Ko Roti

Nepalese cuisine often includes kodo ko roti, a flatbread made from millet flour. As it is not made with wheat flour, kodo ko roti is a great option for those who can't eat flatbreads made with wheat flour. Finger millet, or kodo, is a nutritious grain that is widely cultivated in the mountainous regions of Nepal and the rest of South Asia. Kodo ko roti is made by combining millet flour with water and kneading the resulting dough. Next, the dough is rolled out into rounds and cooked on a tawa or griddle over high heat. Kodo ko roti has a dense texture and a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, making it a satisfying and filling meal. In the hilly regions of Nepal, where kodo ko roti is cultivated, it has become a popular staple food. It's unique flavor and nutritional value make it a popular main dish option, and it pairs well with a wide range of condiments. 

Bamboo Shoot Curry

Sikkim is known for its abundant bamboo forests, and the tender shoots of the bamboo plant are a common ingredient in the local cuisine. To make bamboo shoot curry, the tender bamboo shoots are first boiled in water to remove their bitterness and make them tender. The boiled bamboo shoots are then sliced and cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The curry is often made with a tomato-based sauce and may include other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas. The dish has a unique and flavorful taste, with the tender bamboo shoots adding a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the curry. It is a favorite among locals and visitors to Sikkim alike and is a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the flavors of the region.

Also Read: Folk Dances of Sikkim: 5 Spectacular folk dances of Sikkim