The food of Leh-Ladakh is almost the same as Tibetan food. Farming vegetables like potatoes, pumpkins, beetroots, beans etc., are prevalent in Ladakh. These vegetables are cooked in various ways to make some delicious foods in Ladakh cuisine. Non-vegetarian dishes like mutton and chicken are very common and are cooked in a variety. Trying nourishing and usually mildly flavoured local food of Ladakh like Thukpa, Momos. Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetable can be a different experience when you enjoy your Leh Ladakh tour in India. There are many restaurants in Ladakh where you can get Tibetan, Korean, Chinese and other multi-cuisine dishes of your choice. A variety of recipes for chicken and dumplings, from old-fashioned to low-fat and easy to cook, is one of the most popular dishes of Leh Ladakh. Ladakh serves a variety of Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
When it comes to the traditional food of Ladakh, the use of dry fruits like walnuts, almonds and raisins, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc. and additive spices like Hing, Saunf, chillies, and dry ginger are a must to provide a pleasant aroma and flavour to the food. Ladakh hosts the formal grand feast ‘Wazawan’ like other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Wazawan is a rich and delicious meal consisting of mostly non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian specialties are Dam, made of potato and Chaman, korma sag, made from the popular Dal Lake vegetable ‘lak’, saag made from thick-leafed green leafy vegetable ‘hak’, lotus root and apricot jam and Ladakh also serves all the vegetarian dishes of North India. Non-Vegetarian Specialties are thukpa (noodles cooked in mutton soup), skieu (made with veggies, mutton and flour), yakhni and tabaq naat (made of fried ribs) are also very special in Ladakh and are included in the top 11 dishes to try in Ladakh. Several restaurants and hotels in Ladakh are known for their unique dishes. Ladakh serves the best selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals for travellers in the highlands. The rich and aromatic flavor of the cuisine of Ladakh draws a number of tourists from all over the world. The special burger tea of the snow desert is very famous and is prepared with yak-milk and special spices for the tea. Enjoy the delicacies and taste of Ladakh, book our Ladakh tour package and experience the taste of love in Ladakh. Some of the must-try dishes in Ladakh are:
Phirni
Phirni, also known as firni, is a traditional Indian sweet pudding made of basmati rice, milk, nuts, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron, or rose water and flavoured with cardamom powder, saffron, or rose water. It is a must-have for festive events or unique festivities in North India, such as Diwali. It is undoubtedly a favourite dessert for every Indian. Phirni is served in place of Kheer; it is a delicious sweet dish to have in Ladakh.
Yak Cheese Momos
In Ladakh, you will get the opportunity to eat cheese prepared from Yak milk. Try it in its traditional form, also known as Chhurpi, or the delectable Yak cheese momos. This should be on your list of things to do in Ladakh. Chhupri is one of the tastiest foods in Leh Ladakh, and it’s easy to find in the main market area, where merchants even sell it on the street corners.
Tingmo
Tingmo, also known as ting momo, is one of the best breads that you may eat in Ladakh. It is a form of fermented and steamed bread, served with a veg or non-veg stew. The layered look of this steamed dumpling makes it stand out. All of the layers of the bun appear to open up like a flower once properly proofed and steamed.
Momos
Never forget to try out the special Ladakhi momos while in Leh-Ladakh. Flavourful momos served with spicy sauces are a must-try in Leh-Ladakh.
Thukpa
Noodles served in any soup or stew is called Thukpa. Thentuk (hard-pulled noodle), Gyathuk (Chinese noodle), Nepali, Pathug (hand-rolled pinched noodle), and Drethug are only a few of the Thukpa kinds available in Tibetan culture. Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are among the Indian states where it is consumed. Thukpa is a must-try dish in Ladakh.
Har Gow
This is a classic Tibetan dish that you must try during your Ladakh trip. It’s a steamed dumpling with various fillings, including shrimp, chicken, pig, and so on. In Ladakh, Tibetan cuisine has a strong presence, and Har Gow is one of them, and vegetable Har Gow is also available.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is a spicy stir-fried rice dish. With the addition of shrimp paste, fish sauce, tamarind, and a few more delicacies, it’s more flavorful than conventional fried rice. This classic Asian cuisine, topped with a runny fried egg, makes a fantastic family feast.
Kashmiri Dum Aloo
Dum Aloo is a popular dish in Ladakh. On the other hand, Kashmiri dum aloo is a little different from what we’re used to. In restaurants and cafés in Leh, you may order Kashmiri dum aloo platters. This meal is prepared using baby potatoes, yoghurt, and fennel. Kashmiri Dum Aloo, prepared with some special Ladakhi spices, is tasty and a must-try dish in the northern hills.
Kathy
Kathy is a kind of momo found in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Ladakh. It’s pan-fried with pork and ginger stuffing, and it has a crusty appearance, and it’s a tasty dish that’s a little different from regular momo.
Tangtur
Tangtur is a type of buttermilk made with native vegetables that are commonly produced in Ladakh. It is one of the top dishes in Ladakh; the locals of Ladakh has shown that buttermilk can be used to cook lettuce, spinach, sugar beet leaves, cabbage, and other vegetables. Tangtur is thus one of Ladakh’s most delicious traditional cuisines.
Tsamik
It’s a typical Leh Ladakh sauce prepared with coriander and mint leaves served with traditional meals. Chilli powder, buttermilk or curd, and salt to taste are all the major ingredients.