Siliguri is a gastronomic paradise with a variety of mouth-watering foods on offer. The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its diverse cultural heritage and offers a blend of Indian, Nepalese, and Bengali dishes. Local delicacies like sel roti, thukpa, and phaley are a must-try for food enthusiasts visiting Siliguri. Here’s a comprehensive guide for food lovers exploring Siliguri, featuring the best places to satisfy your culinary cravings.
Street food delights.
Boudi Momo Centre
Location: Sevoke Road, near Cosmos Mall
Must-Try: Steamed and fried momos
If you’re a fan of momos, Boudi Momo Centre is a must-visit. Known for its delicious and affordable momos, this place is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The momos here are served with a spicy chutney that perfectly complements the dumplings.
Hong Kong Market
Location: Hill Cart Road
Must-Try: Phuchka (Pani Puri), Egg Rolls
Hong Kong Market is not just a shopping destination but also a street food paradise. The phuchkas here are legendary, offering a burst of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Don’t miss out on the egg rolls, which are perfect for a quick snack.
Traditional Dishes
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
Location: Salugara
Must-Try: Thukpa, shaphale (Tibetan bread stuffed with meat)
For an authentic Tibetan meal, head to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Salugara. The thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, is perfect for chilly evenings, and the shapale is a deliciously crispy bread stuffed with savory meat filling.
Bengali Sweets and Restaurant
Location: Sevoke Road
Must-Try: Fish Curry, Luchi with Alur Dom
This restaurant is a haven for Bengali food lovers. The fish curry is a standout dish, rich in flavors and spices. Pair it with luchi (fried bread) and alur dom (potato curry) for a satisfying meal.
Sweet Treats
KC Das Sweets
Location: Bidhan Market
Must-Try: Rasgulla, Sandesh
KC Das is synonymous with Bengali sweets. Their rasgullas are soft, spongy, and drenched in sweet syrup, while the sandesh is a delightful treat made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese).
Sri Krishna Sweets
Location: Sevoke Road
Must-Try: Sandesh, Mishti Doi (sweetened yogurt)
Another great spot for Bengali sweets, Sri Krishna Sweets offers a variety of traditional desserts. The mishti doi, a creamy and sweetened yogurt, is a must-try.
Beverages
Chaiwala’s Tea Stall
Location: Near NJP Station
Must-Try: Masala Chai, Lemon Tea
For a true taste of local tea culture, visit Chaiwala’s Tea Stall. The masala chai here is brewed to perfection with aromatic spices, making it a perfect pick-me-up.
Tea Junction
Location: Cosmos Mall
Must-Try: Darjeeling Tea, Iced Tea
Tea Junction offers a modern café experience with a variety of teas sourced from nearby tea gardens. Relax with a cup of premium Darjeeling tea or enjoy a refreshing iced tea.
Fine Dining and Cafes
Hi Spirits Café
Location: Don Bosco Colony, Sevoke Road
Must-Try: Continental Breakfast, Coffee
Hi Spirits Café is a cozy spot with a great ambiance. It’s perfect for a leisurely meal or coffee with friends. Their continental breakfast is highly recommended for a hearty start to your day.
The Square at Hotel Sinclairs
Location: Pradhan Nagar
Must-Try: Buffet Spread, Indian Cuisine
For a more upscale dining experience, visit The Square at Hotel Sinclairs. The buffet spread offers a wide variety of dishes, from Indian to continental, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Local Fairs and Festivals
Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival
Location: Various locations in Siliguri
Must-Try: Local Teas, Traditional Snacks
This festival celebrates the rich tea culture of the region. It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste different varieties of tea and traditional snacks while enjoying cultural performances.
Durga Puja Food Stalls
Location: Various locations across the city
Must-Try: Bhog, Sweets, Snacks
During Durga Puja, Siliguri transforms into a food lover’s paradise with numerous stalls offering festive Bengali cuisine. The bhog (a meal offered to the goddess) is especially delightful, comprising a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Tips for Food Lovers
Best Times to Visit: The winter and spring months offer pleasant weather, ideal for food tours.
Vegetarian Options: Many places offer delicious vegetarian dishes. Always ask for recommendations.
Street Food Safety: Stick to busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness. Carry hand sanitizer and drink bottled water to stay safe.
Siliguri is a paradise for food lovers, offering diverse culinary options. From Indian curries to Chinese dishes and Bengali delicacies, the city has it all. Siliguri stands out with its diverse cuisine, including Indian, Chinese, Punjabi, Korean, and continental specialties. This culinary melting pot guarantees a constant exploration of new flavors in this haven for food enthusiasts. So, embark on this gastronomic journey and savor the diverse and delicious offerings of Siliguri.
Happy eating!
Author : Akriti Chettri
