Flavours of Sikkim: 12 Restaurants Not to Miss in Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital city, is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. A Gangtok tour package often includes explorations of the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Tsongmo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, and many other places. Besides its natural beauty and heritage, this Himalayan city is reputed for its vivacious food culture. Since it is situated in the eastern part of the state, the influences from Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese food preparations are quite apparent.

Best Restaurants in Gangtok

To make your trip worthwhile, it is highly recommended to try out unique dishes at the best Gangtok restaurants mentioned below: -

• Porky’s
• Lhasa Newar Kitchen & Bar
• The Dragon Wok
• Fat Panda’s Kitchen
• Taste of Tibet
• Nimtho
• The Local Cafe
• Hamro Bhansa Ghar
• Mu Kimchi
• Gangtok Groove
• Shree Sanskar Pure Veg Restaurant
• Parivar Restaurant

1. Porky’s

One of the most famous restaurants in Gangtok, hands down, is Porky’s. Fun fact, it is also the oldest restaurant established in the city! Keeping the tradition of serving piping hot sizzlers alive in Gangtok, Porky’s is a local haunt that should be on your bucket list. Nestled inside Hotel New Castle, this one’s a no-brainer for pork lovers looking for the best places to eat in Gangtok.

Recommendations: Porky's Mix Grilled Sizzler, Pork Momos, and Blueberry Cheesecake

Address: Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim

2. Lhasa Newar Kitchen & Bar

While exploring the many things to do in Gangtok, you can make a pit stop at Lhasa Newar, an eatery on the outskirts of the city. The restaurant aims to provide its patrons with a vintage charm that exudes the cultural heritage of Sikkim in the best possible way. Be it lunch or dinner, Lhasa Newar is always buzzing with activity. Its Tibetan, Nepalese, and Continental preparations are popular among the locals and tourists alike. Touted to be the first wood-fired fusion pizzeria in the city, it is one of the top restaurants in Gangtok without a doubt!

Recommendations: Nepalese Meal Set, Margherita Pizza, and Kothay Momos.

Address: Lower Luing, Road, Bakthang, Gangtok, Sikkim

3. The Dragon Wok

The Dragon Wok is among the best places to eat Asian food in Gangtok. Why, you ask? For one, it has everything that an Indo-Asian culinary spot should have on the menu. From mouth-watering dim sums to scintillating chilli garlic noodles, you get to enjoy desi Chinese at its finest! The Dragon Wok is situated in the bustling MG Road, a major shopping hub in the city. So, after buying souvenirs for your loved one, make sure to have delightful food in Gangtok’s beloved Asian restaurant.

Recommendations: Chicken Bang Bang Salad, Prawn Tempura Sushi, Chicken Stew with Potatoes in Black Pepper Sauce.

Address: 8JH6+PWM, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, above Bata, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

4. Fat Panda’s Kitchen

One of the most beloved MG Road restaurants in Gangtok is Fat Panda’s Kitchen. This is a multi-cuisine restaurant that makes banger food every single time you visit it for a meal. Fat Panda’s popularity is beyond one generation in Gangtok. Be it the Boomers, Millennials or Gen Zs, everyone loves hanging out at this eatery. The wooden interiors set a welcoming aesthetic so you will always find people chatting away with a bunch of drinks and dishes on their tables at Fat Panda’s. Pro-tip, there’s a fat chance you will get seating here easily so make sure to book a table in advance.

Recommendations: Wings on Fire, Vegetable Manchurian, Hunan Chicken Curry.

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

5. Taste of Tibet

To say Tibetan food is big in Gangtok would be an understatement. Among the best restaurants in MG Marg, Gangtok, more than half of them serve Tibetan delicacies. One of them is Taste of Tibet where the lip-smacking flavours of dishes like thenthuk and thukpa are given full justice by the chefs. A statutory warning for all momo lovers - most of their momos are sold out by 7 pm so make sure you grab a plate in time!

Recommendations: Chilly Momos, Pork Dry Fried, Chicken Yammien

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

6. Nimtho

Many Gangtok restaurants offer tantalising food preparations but no eatery is as welcoming as Nimtho. Since the literal meaning of this restaurant’s name is “invitation” in Nepalese, it isn’t hard to believe that the vibe here is as welcoming as can be. The interiors are warmly lit with traditional Sikkimese earthen pots and stoves decorated all over the place. Serving the most authentic Nepalese fare in the city, this one’s a level above all restaurants in Gangtok’s MG Road.

Recommendations: Sisnu Ko Jhol, Nakimo Ka Torkar, Thakali Thaali

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim

7. The Local Cafe

Whether you are on a Gangtok honeymoon package or a family holiday, having a meal or two at The Local Cafe is a rite of passage you need to take seriously. It is a cosy little eatery that opens early in the morning (8 am) and closes early in the night (8 pm). If you want to enjoy a cuppa of delicious coffee or Tibetan tea with some finger foods and bakery items, then this cafe can be the perfect place to stop over for a quick bite.

Recommendations: Himalayan Breakfast, Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

Address: New Market, MG Road, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok

8. Hamro Bhansa Ghar

Preparing the most tantalising Nepalese non-vegetarian dishes in Gangtok for years is Hamro Bhansa Ghar. But that’s not all! It has earned the title of being among the top restaurants in Gangtok as it also serves delightful Chinese and Tibetan dishes. What’s more? The food here is very easy on the pocket! A meal for two at Hamro Bhansa Ghar costs around 300 bucks, which is an excellent choice for pro-budget-friendly travellers.

Recommendations: Cocktail Fried Rice, Fish Dry Fry, Wai Wai Sadheko

Address: 8JH7+34Q, Tibet Rd, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

9. Mu Kimchi

Korean food is becoming popular all over India and Gangtok isn’t an exception. Mu Kimchi, one of the most celebrated Korean restaurants in Gangtok, is nestled in MG Marg. Expect authentic bulgogi kimbap, Korean barbeque, and fried chicken that will make your mind, tummy, and soul dance in glee! If you’re a kimchi fanatic, then you can always ask for a jar of their homemade kimchi to take back home with you.

Recommendations: Chicken Kimbap, Korean Friend Chicken, Ramen

Address: 8JF6+8HF, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim

10. Gangtok Groove

For a lot of locals, Gangtok Groove is a restaurant that serves the best Chinese, Continental, and American food in Sikkim’s capital city. Giving credit to their vibrant and dynamic food palettes, you can rest assured that this food joint will not disappoint you whatsoever. The selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is quite impressive as well.

Recommendations: Fish & Chips, Khao Suey, Bull Frog

Address: Above Pantaloons, New Market, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim

11. Shree Sanskar Pure Veg Restaurant

Finding a pure veg restaurant in Gangtok is not as hard as it might seem. A lot of travellers presume that only non-vegetarians can have all the fun in this city. But in reality, there are some amazing strictly vegetarian restaurants in Gangtok like Shree Sanskar. With a no-nonsense kind of vibe, the owners of this joint just wish to serve pure and authentic North Indian and Chinese food at reasonable prices.

Recommendations: Dal Tadka, Kadhai Paneer, Veg Momos

Address: MG Marg, Nam Nang Rd, Gangtok, Sikkim

12. Parivar Restaurant

Sikkimese love their fair share of North Indian cuisine and Parivar is their go-to place for the most scrumptious selection of vegetarian dishes. As a tourist, if you’re missing food from your home, then having a meal at this restaurant is a must for you! Additionally, Parivar serves fresh South Indian delicacies that you can relish upon your visit as well.

Recommendations: Gobi Manchurian, Butter Paneer Masala, Cheese Naan

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

If you're drooling by now, then it is a clear sign that you need to book your holiday to Gangtok right away! Don’t miss out on the chance to hog on juicy momos and pork ribs whilst looking over the majestic Himalayas.