Jaigaon is a peaceful town in the Alipurduar district which separates India and Bhutan. This town is not only rich in history, culture, and natural beauty but it is also special for its diverse cuisine. Herein, you can try various food items from multiple ethnicities and cultures of India, Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. To enjoy an amazing food adventure, contact a travel agency in Jaigaon and book an all-inclusive tour package.
Don’t forget that all the corners of Jaigaon are equipped with various roadside stalls as well as well-maintained restaurants selling snacks and main course food options. To make a checklist of the local delicacies, you can consider communicating with some local people or seek the assistance of a travel agency. This checklist will help you try all the dishes and never miss out on any worthy local food item.
Best Local Dishes To Taste During Your Jaigaon Trip
1. Chhurpi
One of the most favourite local dishes of Jaigaon that you must try is Chhurpi. Jaigaon is known for its diversity where you can see many Nepali people. Due to the dense Nepali and Bhutanese population, Chhurpi is a common dish that you will find in most of the shops here. This is basically a traditional cheese that has both a soft and hard variety.
The hard Chhurpi is often eaten as a candy and the soft variety is used for making various achar and soups which are then consumed with rice. While exploring Jaigaon, don’t forget to take some delicious Chhurpi made with yak milk to your home. This white and soft dairy product is a great and healthy snack option since it is also packed with various nutrients such as protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Momos
Another local dish found in Jaigaon that has gained popularity across the globe is momos. Finding a local shop and indulging in a plate of steaming hot momos is truly an unmatched feeling. These steamed dumplings are not only tasty but also reflect the cultural diversity of the region since not only Nepalese and Bhutanese but also people of every community in Jaigaon love them.
If you’re travelling to Jaigaon during winters then to beat the chilly temperatures you can try a plate of momos which is often served with a spicy red chutney. Don’t think that momos are a perfect dish for vegetarians because in Jaigaon, you can get various varieties of momos which include veg, chicken, mutton, as well as pork. You can even try jhol momos here for a heavenly experience.
3. Bhutanese Ema Datshi
Jaigaon is located on the Indo-Bhutan border and quite naturally, the local dishes here have a Bhutanese influence as well. While exploring the lanes and eateries in Jaigaon, you can find them selling various Bhutanese cuisines. One such dish that will surely catch your attention is Ema Datshi. Ema Datshi is often considered the national dish of Bhutan which is mainly made with chilli and cheese.
This is quite a spicy yet creamy dish that is a must-try for spice lovers. If you’re looking for a unique main course dish during your trip then don’t hesitate to try some freshly prepared ema datshi with red rice. Bhutanese salad or Bhutanese pancakes can also complement ema datshi perfectly. Herein, you can visit a local food stall with your family to try this wholesome lunch or dinner.
4. Red Rice
The staple grain of Jaigaon is rice where most people enjoy their lunch or dinner with rice and some veg or non-veg curries. However, one of the amazing foods that you can taste here is red rice which has a nutty and earthy flavour. While contacting one of the best tour operators in Jaigaon, you can ask them about an ideal place selling top-quality red rice.
This rice is considered highly nutritious as it is eaten with its bran. You must know that as compared to white or brown rice, red rice also has a low glycaemic index which makes it a great meal option for diabetic patients. Herein, you can look for a hotel selling steamed red rice, ema datshi, and other Bhutanese or Indian curries for a fulfilling main course.
5. Mutton Kosha
Jaigaon is also surrounded by various tribal villages and Bengali communities. This is why during your trip you can also find some authentic Bengali cuisine in the local restaurants. Mutton Kosha is the most popular Bengali dish in Jaigaon and is a perfect dish for meat lovers.
You must know that mutton kosha is mainly made with lamb meat which is then slowly cooked for a longer time to get a dark-coloured bhuna texture. This Bengali delicacy is loved by the local people here which is a perfect balance of rich flavours and spiciness. Mutton Kosha is also a main course dish that is often enjoyed with a plate of hot rice or some Indian bread such as naan or plain roti.
6. Thukpa
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavourful dish in Jaigaon then don’t miss thukpa. This is a comforting food of this region which is loved by the local people on a chilly evening while witnessing the majestic views of the Bhutan Hills. Thukpa is a bowl of soupy noodles which is often served hot and garnished with coriander, green chilies, and onion.
If you want to eat something minimalistic and comforting in your dinner after a tiring sightseeing tour then Thukpa can be the best option. This tangy yet spicy dish also has a Tibetan influence where it has various variants that include egg, chicken, pork, and veg thukpa.
7. Sel Roti
Another Nepali dish that you must try in Jaigaon is sel roti, which is a fried dough made with rice flour, sugar, cardamom, and ghee. This is a great dish that you can enjoy at any time of the day. Nepalese often eat this sweet roti with spicy alu dam or achar.
If you’re visiting Jaigaon during Nepali New Year or Dasain then you can find most of the food stalls selling this delicious local dish. This delicacy is also a must in all Nepali weddings and get-togethers here. You must know that the making process of this roti is quite lengthy so if you enjoy eating this then don’t forget to pack some of it for your home to enjoy later.
Exploring the Indian side of the Bhutan Gate with a reputed travel agency in Jaigaon can help you embark on a gastronomic adventure. Try a variety of Nepalese, Indian, and Bhutanese foods during your sightseeing trips here to understand the true essence and eating patterns of the local people.
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