Food In Siliguri

Food History of Siliguri, West Bengal, India

Siliguri, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal, is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions, which is strongly reflected in its food. The cuisine of Siliguri is predominately influenced by Bengali cuisine, but it also showcases flavors from Nepali, Bihari, and North-Eastern food culture due to its strategic location near international and state borders. While rice and fish traditionally ruled the staple diet due to the abundant fisheries in the region, Siliguri's cuisine has evolved to include a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes excluding cow products, as per the religious sentiments of the locals and nearby communities. Today, Siliguri's food represents a blend of traditional and contemporary tastes, where street food also plays a significant role in the gastronomic landscape.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Siliguri, West Bengal

1. Thukpa (Non-Veg) - A comforting noodle soup of Tibetan origin with vegetables and meat, seasoned with spices. A vegetarian version is also available.
2. Momos (Veg/Non-Veg) - Tibetan style dumplings which are either steamed or fried, filled with vegetables or meat excluding cow products.
3. Aloo Dum (Veg) - Spicy and tangy potato curry often enjoyed with puris or rotis, influenced by Nepali cuisine.
4. Shel Roti (Veg) - A traditional Nepali rice doughnut that is sweet and usually paired with aloo dum or eaten as a snack.
5. Nolen Gurer Sandesh (Veg) - A classic Bengali sweet made from paneer or chhena and sweetened with date palm jaggery.
6. Darjeeling Tea (Veg) - Savor the world-renowned Darjeeling tea, plucked from nearby gardens, for an authentic taste experience.
7. Chowmein (Veg/Non-Veg) - A popular street food, this noodle dish is wok tossed with vegetables and chicken or simply with veggies.
8. Sel Roti (Veg) - This is a type of fried rice bread or doughnut, a traditional homemade, sweet, ring-shaped rice doughnut prepared during Tihar, the widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. It is often served during other celebrations and is considered a special delicacy in Nepali cuisine.
9. Alu Tama (Veg) - A unique and tangy Nepali curry made with potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots, representing the intersection of Nepali and Indian flavors.
10. Malpua (Veg) - A sweet pancake-like dessert that is deep-fried and soaked in syrup, enjoyed especially during festivals and special occasions.

Top Famous Restaurants in Siliguri with Addresses and Famous Dishes

1. Glenary's

   Address: Hill Cart Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Freshly baked cakes and pastries (Veg)

2. Indian Pagoda Chinese Restaurant

   Address: Sevoke Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Indo-Chinese cuisine like Veg Manchurian (Veg)

3. Kunga Restaurant

   Address: Laden La Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Authentic Tibetan Thukpa (Non-Veg) and Momos (Veg/Non-Veg)

4. Shree Shiv Sai Restaurant

   Address: Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri

   Famous for: Pure vegetarian North Indian cuisine (Veg)

5. Hasty Tasty

   Address: George Mahbert Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Vegetarian thalis and fast food (Veg)

6. Dhaba by Amber

   Address: Burdwan Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Rich North Indian dishes like Paneer Butter Masala (Veg)

7. Kalpataru Restaurant

   Address: Sevoke Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Traditional Bengali sweets and snacks (Veg)

8. Blue Mountain

   Address: Hill Cart Road, Siliguri

   Famous for: Multi-cuisine offerings with notable Chinese and Indian dishes (Veg/Non-Veg)

9. Momo Ghar

   Address: Seth Srilal Market, Siliguri

   Famous for: A variety of delicious momos (Veg/Non-Veg)

10. Food Court at City Centre

    Address: City Centre, Matigara, Siliguri

    Famous for: Offering a variety of food stalls with a diverse range of cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)