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TANGERINE
Redolent in shades
of orange, the
restaurant at the
Chumbi Residency
is a hidden spot offering
local delicacies
otherwise not easily
found. The restaurant’s
under-the-radar status
means you’re likely
to have the quiet,
romantic spot to
yourselves. The local
Sikkimese dishes—
sochhya (a nettle stew)
and ningro (wild ferns)
with churpi (local
cheese) are must-tries.
Conclude your meal
with local tea from
Sikkim or Darjeeling.
Chumbi Residency
Hotel, Tibet Road;
+91/359-220-
TASTE OF TIBET
As the sun lowers, this
restaurant comes alive
with foreign tourists
clutching dog-eared
Vietnamese Cà Phê Dá
(iced coffee), pork rice,
and sandwiches.
Creative souls and
itinerant travellers
frequently gather here
to read in the space
upstairs, and enjoy
good music and food.
bookmans.in
LIVE & LOUD
In the midst of the
backpacker lodges and
outdoor gear shops of
Tibet Street, sits this
rare pub with a vibrant
late-night scene.
Gangtok’s young and hip
crowd comes here to
party till the wee hours,
while most other
establishments in
the city pull down their
shutters early. Enjoy
Indian, Chinese,
and Continental staples
in the outdoor sitting
area with a view of the
city. There’s a cigar
station in the corner,
and the fastest selling
drinks here are the two
local beers—Hit and
Dansberg. Tibet Road;
+91/359-220-
NETTLE & FERN
A charming American-
style diner with great
ordinary. Here, the menu
is a mishmash of various
cuisines. Unique finds
include the mynak polo
(sweet momo) and sha
bhaklap (meat patties).
The Japanese yaki
gyoza and sukiyaki are
rare finds in the city, and
make the trek to
the out-of-the-way
restaurant worthwhile.
Hotel Tibet, Paljor
Stadium Road;
+91/359-220-
Clockwise: Endless mountain
views, fresh bakery products,
and great cocktails are the
biggest draws at Nettle &
Fern; a group of monks dine
at Snow Lion; millet-based
local liquor served in
a traditional bamboo tongba.
views of the mountains,
the in-house restaurant
at the Nettle & Fern
hotel is a good spot for
lunch or dinner and
drinks. Comfy booths,
kitschy posters of
movies and musicians,
a well-stocked bar,
and a good selection
of cocktails—rare in
the city—make it a
major draw for both
the city’s youth and
travellers. Choose from
continental dishes,
a range of breads and
pastries, and end with
a strong Irish Coffee.
Jiwan Theeng Marg,
Development Area;
+91/359-220-
SNOW LION
In the ornate Hotel
Tibet, with rustic
wooden furniture and
traditional motifs,
Snow Lion restaurant
is a luxurious spot for
a meal that’s out of the
copies of India
guidebooks. The fuss-
free restaurant has a
basic set up and meals
that are hearty and
easy on the pocket.
Local Tibetan items like
momos, thukpa, and
noodles are comforting
on a cold evening. Other
dishes to try include the
chilli beef, shyaphale
(meat pies), and
bhakthuk (handmade
pasta). MG Marg, Vishal
Gaon, +91/6312-
THE COFFEE SHOP
Head to this bright and
cheery restaurant first
thing in the morning,
seat yourself in the
balcony overlooking
the quaint Market
Street, and tuck into
a hearty set breakfast.
I’d choose the Local
Sikkimese Breakfast,
featuring Tibetan
bread, gorkha chutney,
alu dam, and Himalayan
sausage, and a cup of
strong coffee. Later
in the day, the place
buzzes with well-
heeled locals enjoying
a glass of wine under
the setting sun.
Return for sundowners
coupled with cheesy
pastas, pizzas,
burgers, and other
continental dishes.
New Market, MG Marg;
+91-359/220-1300. ▪
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