9 Must-Try Dishes in Leh, Ladakh And Where to Find Them
The cuisine of Ladakh, a union territory in the northernmost tip of India, is influenced by the climate and the various cultures in the region. There are Tibetan classic dishes, local Ladakhi recipes as well as Kashmiri delicacies. If you are planning a trip to Ladakh, here are some of the must-try dishes and the restaurants where you can get them.
Skyu
Skyu is a traditional soupy dish of Ladakhi cuisine. The hearty dish has a stew made of root vegetables and milk, dumplings made of dough, and various seasonings that make it just right for the weather. Try it at Alchi Kitchen, a restaurant serving traditional cuisine in Leh.
Address: Monastery Road, Alchi, Ladakh
Chutagi
Another authentic recipe from the region, this one is sometimes called ‘Indian pasta.’ Shaped dough is cooked in a hearty stew made of greens, mutton, and vegetables. The hyper-local restaurant Tsas by Dolkhar features a traditional version on its menu.
Address: Lower Tukcha Rd, Leh, Ladakh
Thukpa
A Tibetan soup, thukpa is a spicy noodle soup made with broth and meat. You can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties of it in the region. We recommend having it at The Tibetan Kitchen restaurant, which also has other classics like momos and kothey.
Address: Fort Rd, Leh, Ladakh
Butter Tea
Butter tea is a salty and comforting beverage commonly found in the hilly regions of the Himalayas. The ingredients are yak butter, water, and salt, and it boasts a lot of healing properties. Lala's Café, a gallery, and cafe housed in an old monastery, is a great place to stop for a piping hot cuppa.
Address: 5H7P+XF7, Main Bazaar Rd, Leh, Ladakh
Yak Cheese Pizza
Yak cheese is called Churpi in the Himalayas, and it is usually a very hard cheese. But a variety of it is used as toppings for pizza, and pairs very well with other staple toppings such as tomato and capsicum. Gesmo Restaurant in the Main Bazaar does a great Yak Cheese Pizza.
Address: Opp. Hotel Yaktail, Fort Road, Leh, Ladakh
Gyuma
These are Ladakhi-style sausage that is made with ground mutton and spiced with traditional flavours, usually eaten with the local breads of the region. Namza is a restaurant that pays homage to age-old recipes, and one should not miss the sausages when they are on the menu.
Address: Zangsti Rd, Near Marathon office, Leh, Ladakh
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Yak Cheese Sandwiches
Here is something a little different on the list. While not a traditional Ladakhi dish, these Yak Cheese Sandwiches are a must-try. The Pumpernickel German Bakery in Leh serves them snacks along with different types of cakes and cookies.
Address: 5H7M+RH6, Leh, Ladakh
Khambir bread
One of the most popular breads of the cuisine is Khambir. The thick-crusted bread is usually made with whole wheat and is served with butter tea. De Khambir is the best place to sample it. They also have other authentic breads like Paba, that’s made with wheat and barley.
Address: Zangsti Rd, Leh, Ladakh
Kashmiri Wazwan
A wazwan is a multi-course spread of Kashmiri dishes including dishes like Rista (meatball curry), Rogan Josh (a lamb dish), and kebabs. Experience a traditional wazwan feast at the Grand Wazwan Restaurant.
Address: Opposite SNM Hospital, Anjuman Complex Leh, Ladakh
Anagha Maareesha
I am a journalist based in Bangalore with more than a decade of experience. Food, travel and learning more about new cultures are what bring me the most joy. Though a travel-bug at heart, you can mostly find me at home with a frayed paperback and a large mug of tea.
