Food (Ladakh)

Adhering to the tough conditions of the place, the food in Ladakh is simple. They do not use many spices but their food can be hot. There are several popular items to try here:

Butter tea

An interesting tea that you will not find anywhere else in the world! It is less like a tea and more like a soup. It is pinkish, very buttery, and salty. Got you frowning ?! It is as unique as Ladakh itself. Please do not skip to try this. It helps keep the lips moisturized and God knows you need that in the cold. If you do not like it no worries but do try it for sure. Who knows, maybe you will love it?

Khambir

It is a round bread made of fermented dough. It is a staple and mainly consumed in breakfast with vegetables or as a snack with butter tea. There are also stuffed versions of khambir.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a soup with vegetables and noodles. It has many varieties in vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A hot bowl of Thukpa can keep you warm in the chilling cold of Ladakh.

Skyu

Again, skyu is a soupy stew of dough balls cooked with meat, potatoes or any other tuber. It is a carb rich food that provides all the calories to fight the extreme cold of Ladakh. Mostly made in winters, it is popular with trekkers. If milk is used as the base of the soup then the dish is called “Oma- Skyu”.

Chutagi

A local pasta like dish made in rich vegetable soup of potatoes, carrots, peas, green leafy vegetables. The non-vegetarian version uses meat.

Momos

Who does not recognize momos. These are the good old Tibetan dumplings. Famous all over India, they offer some respite to that picky eater. The momos of Ladakh have more leafy fillings than elsewhere. They are tasty as usual.

Maggi

Any instant noodles is a staple in the mountains. This is available everywhere along with eggs . It becomes a life saviour in the remotest parts where you will find nothing to eat.

Parathas

Parathas are available in every restaurant or food stall. It serves as the main food item of all tourists. If you cannot find anything to eat that suits you, you can always go for paratha.

Chhurpi

It is the yak milk cheese. Almost tastes like paneer, its appearance is also white. Since vegetables are scarce in Ladakh, chhurpi forms a major part of diet.

Chhaang

It is local alcoholic drink made of barley. If you are into drinks do try this.