10 Must Try Dishes from Ladakhi Cuisine

Ladakh or more effectively called ‘the Land of High Passes’ with its magnificent bike tours and picturesque landscapes can also offer the visitors to taste several interesting and rather provocative dishes. The cuisine of this area is spicy and filling, which is why it is appropriate to consume hot dishes in the cold climate of Ladakh. If you are ever on a Ladakh tour package, on a Ladakh trip or on a Ladakh bike tour do try out the 10 must-have dishes to get a flavour of Ladakh traditional food.

1. Thukpa

Thukpa is kind of soup with noodles that originated in Tibet and has become popular in the region of Ladakh. This is a delicious warm meal with noodles, vegetables and meat; it will suffice the smiled and offer bosom to the tummy after a nice tour along Ladakh roads. This is quite a simple soup and a hearty meal that is prepared using fresh green vegetables and a thick curry soup and quite popular among the local people of Ladakh; it is available in almost every Ladakh restaurant as well as in most of the homes.

2. Momos

Indeed, the local cuisine has its flagship dish in the form of momos that are mysterious Tibetan turnovers on a steamed bun. These are kinds of steamed or fried dumplings containing fillings of meat, vegetables or even cheese, and are best eaten with chili sauce. They form a popular food item amongst the people, resident and tourist, especially when you are on a trip to Ladakh.

3. Skyu

Skyu is a local Ladakhi pasta manufactured from wheat flour, vegetables, plus meat. The dough is cut into small portions and simmered in seasoned meat or vegetable stock and proves to be quite wholesome. Being a type of pilaf, the most preferred consumption time for Skyu is during the cold winter season to warm the stomach.

4. Chhutagi

Chhutagi is claimed as one of the traditional Ladakhi pasta dish, which features dough pieces in the shape of bow tie and is boiled with vegetables and meat in a condition soup. The dish is filling and tasty at the same time, and anyone who wants to have an idea of what actually the people of Ladakh eat, would definitely enjoy this dish.

5. Butter Tea

Butter tea more commonly known as “gur-gur cha” has its own significance in the culinary stability of Ladakh. Prepared from tea leaves, yak butter and salt this drink is meant to be a health and warm booster. It will definitely be a challenge for first-timers but it is undoubtedly a recommended tourist spot in Ladakh.

6. Chhang

Chhang is a local brewed drink which is brewed from barley. It is a mildly alcoholic beverage that is taken especially during festivals and other ceremonial occasions. Tasting the chhang samples you get a feel of the traditions and it is among the recommended ways of experiencing the Ladakh culture.

7. Khambir

Khambir is one of the traditional and staple foods among the people of Ladakh, which comes in thick crusty outside layer with softer inside. They usually use butter tea with it or sometimes Ladakh dishes are also prepared with it. Khambir is an essential portion of the Ladakhi population’s diet and all in all, it is one of the most satisfying breakfasts.

8. Apricot Jam

As for the fruit, Ladakh is famous for apricots and apricot jam goes very well as a dessert. The jam is usually sweet and slightly sour with a tendency to be home-made; thus it is used both for spreading on bread and for using as toppings for desserts. You should not skip this dish while you are within the region during your Ladakh tour.

9. Paba

Paba is a hot local dish invented from roasted barley flour without forgetting other grains and legumes. Some of the recipes usually accompany it with yogurt or a vegetable stew that has a sour taste. Paba is a healthy meal that can literally fill your belly and give the necessary strength to wander around Ladakh’s harsh terrains.

10. Ladakhi Pulao

Ladakhi Pulao is a type of rice prepared with vegetables and spices with, sometimes, meat as well. Because it uses locally sourced items such as marginal vegetables and aromatic spices, it is tasty and healthy to the body. It is ideal to eat this as a meal after a tiring day of sightseeing around the roads and passes of Ladakh.