Eateries in Darjeeling

Eateries in Darjeeling is our focus today. The world knows of three things about the Queen of Hills which are the majestic Kanchenjunga looking over the town of Darjeeling, the iconic tooting toy train (Himalayan Railways) and the exotic Darjeeling tea. Well, this place is beyond these and that is why from childhood Darjeeling is special to me and my brother. There are numerous places to visit which includes the epic eateries in Darjeeling too. It has often happened that we went to some place near Darjeeling but finally couldn’t prevent ourselves from visiting Darjeeling just for a day at least, only because of the delicious food. Darjeeling is an emotion for me and today on my brother’s birthday, I want to share about this place from a foodie’s point of view. I visit Darjeeling every year and I know numerous others who do that; even if they travel the world; for this hill town has its own charm woven with love and magic.

Glenary's, the Legendary Eatery in Darjeeling

Established in 1913, Glenary’s is also an institution in itself. It is one of those eateries in Darjeeling where you can spend the whole day shifting from one floor to another with a change of menu. It is situated on the Gandhi Road, towards the Mall. Firstly, the ground floor is pivotal as it is a legendary bakery known for their freshly baked pastries, brownies, cream rolls, tarts and pies. The open-air balcony with the view of the gorgeous Kanchenjunga, is out of the world. Rs. 300- Rs.400 will be the pocket pinch for 2. Secondly the first floor is a restaurant for fine dining together with an astounding open-air section. There’s a long menu of Continental as well as Chinese dishes and all of them taste terrific. Pocket pinch for 2 here would be Rs. 850 – Rs. 1000 (exclusive of alcohol). Finally, the basement, a cool pub called ‘Buzz’, is a good place to sit and enjoy live music and dinner in the evening.

Keventer's (Kev's), Institution Eatery in Darjeeling

Some of the eateries in Darjeeling are institutions themselves and Keventer’s, established in the 1920s, is one of them. Popular for breakfast, the roof top was frequented by great film director, Satyajit Ray. We have also seen the famous proposal scene from Anurag Basu’s popular movie ‘Barfi’, where Ileana D’Cruz sat at Keventer’s roof top and Ranbir Kapoor proposed her from the iconic Clock Tower of Chowk Bazar. Situated on the Gandhi Road that goes up to the Mall one gets a view of the Clock Tower and the mighty Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world and is considered sacred and eating with such a view definitely makes eating at Kev’s an experience.

Tips for Best Experience at Keventer's

Remember it is always crowded for which you may have to wait a little before your turn. Aim for the roof top. The pork platter and/or the chicken platter with a cup of hot chocolate are most sought after. The platter comprises mainly of sausages, bacon, ham, meat loaf and fried eggs. The quantity served is pretty good and you have to spend around Rs.550-Rs.650 for 2. Keventer’s also serve great burgers, sandwiches and omelettes. The ground floor is a retail store from where you can buy varieties of sauces, mustards and meat cuts. Well, the simple softy from the vending machine at Kev’s is absolute nostalgia.

Kunga, the Best Place for Tibetan Delights

Kunga is a small eatery decorated with Tibetan Scrolls and Thangkas. They are outrageously popular for serving authentic Tibetan. The momos are to die for and the first time I had it, I really felt that I could also pick up the art of Kungfu like the ‘Kungfu Panda’ if I was given them as a prize. Order meat pies, shya phaley, Gyathuk, thenthuk, thukpa, fried Wai Wai (instant noodles) and butter tea (only in the morning). They will only leave your taste buds wanting for more. It is situated on the Gandhi Road, just at the taxi stand. Your will be more than full and will end up spending only Rs.300-Rs.400 for 2.

Sonam’s Kitchen

Sonam’s Kitchen started as a tiny eatery with extremely limited space for many people to squeeze in and dine at the same time. However, their popularity increased over time because of the quality and taste of their food, especially breakfast. They have a new extension too. It’s hard to find hash browns and pancakes which taste as good as theirs. They are great with eggs too. If you are not there for breakfast, order some fresh pasta. You will end up paying Rs. 400 for 2. Some of these little eateries in Darjeeling are actually remarkable.

Revolver, the Musical Den

Revolver is an unconventional lodge, themed on Beatles, the iconic English rock band from the 1960s. It is situated on Gandhi Road, behind Union Chapel and has a cool café and dining too. The café is cosy, stuffed with books and comics including our favourite Tintin series. There’s also a guitar as it’s music lovers’ den. You can try out continental here but Revolver best is known for lip smacking local and Naga cuisine. Some of the items from Naga dishes are fermented bamboo shoots with choice of chicken, pork or fish. It will not cost more than Rs.300 for 2

The Tea Places which can't be Ignored While Discussing Eateries in Darjeeling

In the land of teas, where tea is considered their champagne, one must pay a visit to Golden Tips and Nathmulls at the Mall. They will guide and suggest and finally serve the tea that best suits you. Season’s best flush teas, white tea, blue tea, rose tea, Jasmine tea, Oolong tea and there’s so much more to experience. Nathmulls serve little snacks too. Both these stores also retail plethora of tea accessories besides the best teas.

Eateries in Darjeeling, an Experience

Darjeeling is inhabited by Lepchas, Gorkhas, Bhutias, Tibetans and Nepalis and the intense colonial effect still exists. These cultural convergences provide us with abundant choices to have our pick. Ideally one could go on with the eateries in Darjeeling for they are as lovely as the hill town itself. If one fails to visit any of them it is a real miss. Even street side momos in Darjeeling can not be neglected. Food does enhance the travel experience in the Queen of Hills.

A similar article was published in https://travelogueofkuntala.com/7-amazing-eateries-in-darjeeling-india/

Dipannita Bhattacherya

8 thoughts on “Eateries in Darjeeling”

  1. Food is LOVE & seriously Darjeeling is too famous to lovely foods
    Fantastic collection
    Just awesome ❤️

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