Momo needs to separate the intro. It is possibly one of the most popular foods in India, available in every corner. Soft dough with minced meat or vegetables inside, momo defines the delicious dish. But did you know, this delicacy does not originate from India. Momo comes from the word ‘mome’ which means steamed. According to culinary historians, the history of momo dates back to the 14th century in Nepal. It was originally a Newari dish from the Kathmandu valley. It then traveled to Tibet, China and several other countries when a Nepali princess married a Tibetian king in the late 15th century. In India, momo dates back to the 1960s, when Tibetians were born. enter India and establish their colonies. Some other theorists say that it was the Newari merchants of Kathmandu who brought momo to India in their business dealings with the country.
Whatever the history, momo today plays an integral role in defining the country’s food culture and we love making the most of it. You’ll also find fried, sautéed, and even gravy versions of the classic momo. Taking this into consideration, we bring you some of our favorite places in Kolkata that deliver Momos that melt in your mouth instantly. Watch.
Here are the 5 best Momo places in Kolkata:
Yeti – Himalayan Kitchen:
If you have explored the food scene in Delhi, then you have surely come across Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen. Now you can also enjoy Yeti delicacies in Kolkata. Centrally located in Kolkata – Park Street – Yeti attracts people by its warm lighting, Tibetian prayer flags and soothing interiors. At Yeti you can enjoy Nepali, Tibetian and Bhutanese delicacies, but what keeps us hooked on this place time and time again is its snacks. They can make the most perfect momos you can think of. The outside is soft with a juicy filling – you’ll get a variety of sandwiches here. You also get some unusual momo variations here including momo jhol, momo cha and others. And once you’re there, we recommend trying their pork thakali thali. It’s simple, delicious, and nutritious to the fullest.
Blue Poppy – Thakali:
Blue Poppy – Thakali is said to be the first Nepalese eatery in town. Owned by one of India’s top 30 chefs (according to Culinary Culture’s 2022 list) Doma Wang (commonly known as Doma Di), this place has been ruling the city for over 30 years now. In fact, foodies in town say that when it comes to mom, no one can do it like Doma Di. We recommend you try their mother lamb varieties and decide for yourself. Besides snacks, it also serves traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis, la phing, sel roti, aloo thukpa and classic Tibetian butter tea.
Gangtok Kitchen:
The name of this restaurant speaks for itself. Specializing in Nepali, Tibetian and other Himalayan cuisines, this place takes you to the hills with their authentic delicacies and flavors. Besides some delicious melt-in-your-mouth banh mi, this place also offers a portion of dumplings, dimsum and some Indian Chinese food as well. But we recommend that you, in addition to the momos, try their delectable la phing.
Sekuwa Ghar:
This small kiosk in the New Town area of Kolkata offers some of the best Himalayan delicacies in town. From jhol momo to thukpa and hearty Wai Wai recipes, you have it all here. Besides, the outside seating arrangement and budget friendly make it a great place to hang out with friends and family.
Image source: Sekuwa Ghar .’s Instagram page
Momo I am:
We recently came across another momo chain based in Kolkata called Momo I Am. Located in different places in Kolkata and surrounding cities, Momo I Am offers delicious and hearty sandwiches and soup bowls. You must also try the slow cooker pork skin and the chili salted pork – these dishes are uncomplicated and the flavors are pleasant.
We recommend you, on your next foodie trail in Kolkata, try these momo joints and experience the flavors exploding on your palate. Tell us what your favorite momo business in town is.
