Must-Try Foods In Lachen (Sikkim) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Lachen, Sikkim, India

Lachen, a picturesque town in North Sikkim, has a unique culinary tradition deeply embedded in its Tibetan-Bhutia heritage. The food mainly consists of locally grown produce and is influenced by the neighboring regions of Tibet and Nepal. The cold climate and high altitude demand food that provides warmth and energy, which is why traditional Sikkimese cuisine includes a lot of soups, dumplings, and stews. With a predominantly Buddhist population, vegetarianism is quite prevalent in Lachen, although meat dishes are also part of the diet, excluding cow meat due to religious reasons.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Lachen, Sikkim, India

1. Thukpa - A hearty noodle soup with mixed vegetables, offering a delicately spiced broth perfect for the chilly weather. (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian option without cow meat)
2. Momos - Tibetan-style dumplings filled with finely chopped vegetables or non-cow meat, served with spicy dipping sauces. (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian option without cow meat)
3. Phagshapa - A strip of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chillies. (Non-Vegetarian)
4. Sel Roti - A traditional homemade, ring-shaped rice doughnut that’s slightly sweet and often enjoyed with tea. (Vegetarian)
5. Gundruk - Fermented vegetable leaves, often cooked into a soup or stew, savored for its sour taste. (Vegetarian)
6. Sishnu Soup - A soup made from nettle leaves, known for their nutritional benefits and warming properties. (Vegetarian)
7. Aloo dum - Spicy Sikkimese-style potato curry that pairs well with roti or rice. (Vegetarian)
8. Kinema Curry - A fermented soybean-based dish served with rice, known for its distinctive flavor. (Vegetarian)
9. Chhurpi Soup - A comforting soup made from local cheese that accompanies other dishes well. (Vegetarian)
10. Chang - A locally brewed millet-based alcoholic beverage, which is often consumed during festivals and cold days. (Vegetarian)

Famous Restaurants in Lachen, Sikkim, India

• Lachen Gompa Restaurant

  Address: Near Lachen Monastery, Lachen, Sikkim

  Famous Food: Thukpa (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian option without cow meat)

• Taste of Tibet

  Address: Main Market, Lachen, Sikkim

  Famous Food: Momos and Sel Roti (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian option without cow meat)

• Snow Lion Restaurant

  Address: Lachen, Sikkim

  Famous Food: Aloo dum and Kinema Curry (Vegetarian)

• Fortune Cafe & Restaurant

  Address: Lachen, North Sikkim

  Famous Food: Phagshapa (Non-Vegetarian)

• Zomsa Restaurant

  Address: Below Lachen Police Station, Lachen, Sikkim

  Famous Food: Chhurpi Soup (Vegetarian)